Piko 57408 H0 - Taurus CityJet Electric Locomotive, ÖBB, Era VI

Taurus electric locomotive model in the ÖBB CityJet livery

A model of the Taurus electric locomotive — the universal Siemens machine that has hauled both express and freight trains in Austria for two decades. The version reproduced by PIKO carries an advertising livery promoting the ÖBB Cityjet brand, the family of modern electric multiple units for suburban traffic. The model represents an era VI setting.

The model stands out for careful paintwork and clean, legible printing reproducing the striking graphics of the prototype. The design gives good running qualities, and the modern PluX22 socket to NEM 658 simplifies fitting a digital decoder and sound. The lights change with the direction of travel.

Model specifications:

• Scale: H0 (1:87)
• Catalogue number: 57408
• Manufacturer: PIKO
• Model length: 221 mm
• Era: VI
• Power supply: DC
• Decoder socket: NEM 658 – PluX22
• Decoder: not included; the model is prepared for retrofitting the PIKO sound decoder no. 56638 (available separately)
• Coupling: NEM 362 coupler pocket (without close coupling kinematics)
• Minimum radius: 358 mm
• Lighting: lights changing with the direction of travel: white and white
• The model is painted and ready to run
• Recommended age: 14 years and over

Please note: powered track and a controller are required to operate this model.

The model is not a starter set and does not include track or a controller. As supplied, without a decoder, the locomotive runs on a conventional analogue DC layout — a power supply with variable voltage is all that is needed. Once a decoder is fitted in the prepared socket, the model works in the digital DCC system and requires a command station, for example the PIKO SmartControl or another DCC-compatible controller. The decoder and speaker are not included and are available separately.

Model railways – digital or analogue control?

The digital DCC control system allows several locomotives to run independently on the same track. Each vehicle receives individual commands while the rail voltage stays constant, which makes realistic operation possible and allows the lights and sound effects of every locomotive to be controlled separately. In an analogue system all vehicles on a given circuit are controlled at once by varying the supply voltage. PIKO model 57408 is supplied without a decoder and in this form works in analogue operation; the prepared socket allows a switch to digital control at any time.

About the ÖBB Class 1116 Taurus:

In the mid-1990s the Austrian Federal Railways had a very old traction fleet and needed a modern, universal locomotive with asynchronous drive. The design was developed by Siemens Transportation Systems and Krauss-Maffei, with final assembly in Linz. The first machine was presented in July 1999, service in Austria began in January 2000, and Austrian type approval followed in January 2001.

The family splits into the single-system Class 1016 (50 units) and the dual-system Class 1116 (282 units), also equipped for 25 kV 50 Hz; the related triple-system Class 1216 is the ES64U4 design. A characteristic feature is the 6,400 kW rating with a short-term boost to 7,000 kW for five minutes. The variant equipped for Railjet services reaches 230 km/h. Sister machines were bought by Deutsche Bahn as Class 182, and also by MÁV, GySEV and private operators.

The CityJet livery is an ÖBB advertising scheme rather than a separate class. Locomotive 1116 181-9 received the colours and graphics of the ÖBB Cityjet brand in 2022 — the family of modern electric multiple units for suburban and regional traffic, including the battery-powered Cityjet eco. The locomotive therefore promotes a suburban train brand without belonging to it: a classic era VI advertising locomotive.

Prototype specifications (ÖBB Class 1116, type ES64U2):

• Manufacturer: Siemens Transportation Systems and Krauss-Maffei, assembled in Linz
• Built: from 1999/2000
• Output: 282 Class 1116 units and 50 Class 1016 units
• Wheel arrangement: Bo'Bo'
• Length: 19,580 mm
• Service weight: 84 t
• Power: 6,400 kW, briefly up to 7,000 kW
• Supply voltage: 15 kV 16.7 Hz and 25 kV 50 Hz
• Top speed: up to 230 km/h (Railjet-equipped machines)
• Role: universal — semi-fast and express passenger trains as well as freight

About the manufacturer – PIKO:

PIKO is a German manufacturer of model railways with more than seventy years of tradition, founded in 1949 in Sonneberg. Today it is one of the most popular model railway brands in Europe and a leading producer of Polish prototype models, including locomotives and coaches in PKP, PKP Intercity and PKP Cargo colours. The range covers H0, TT, N and G scales, from individual wagons to comprehensive starter sets and digital control systems. The PIKO Expert range combines a high level of detail with modern digital technology — with factory-fitted DCC and sound decoders in selected models. PIKO products are valued by modellers and collectors worldwide.