Piko 58461 H0 - 406Ra tank car, PKP PLK, Era VI

Four-axle type 406Ra tank wagon model in PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe colours

A model of the four-axle type 406Ra tank wagon in the colours of PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe, era VI. The prototype is a design from the Świdnica wagon works, used after the restructuring of the railways in the departmental trains of the infrastructure manager, among other duties.

The model stands out for clean prototypical paintwork and sharp printing. The NEM 362 coupler pocket with close coupling kinematics allows small gaps between wagons, and careful underframe construction ensures reliable running in long tank train formations.

Model specifications:

• Scale: H0 (1:87)
• Catalogue number: 58461
• Manufacturer: PIKO
• Model length: 142 mm
• Era: VI
• Coupling: NEM 362 coupler pocket with close coupling kinematics
• Minimum radius: 358 mm
• The model is painted and ready to run
• Recommended age: 14 years and over

Please note: this model is not a starter set — a locomotive and powered track are required.

The wagon model does not include track, a locomotive or a controller. To put it into service you need powered track and a locomotive — analogue or digital. The wagon itself has no drive or electronics, so it behaves the same way on analogue DC track as in a digitally controlled DCC layout.

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 58461 is an unpowered wagon without electronics, so it can be marshalled into trains hauled in either analogue or digital operation.

About the type 406Ra tank wagon:

The type 406R was designed at the Świdnica research and design office in 1963, with production at the Świdnica wagon works from 1964 to 1981. The 406Ra variant is intended for petroleum products, including base oils. A key piece of equipment is the steam heating system around the barrel, which allows viscous liquids to be carried and warmed before discharge.

It is one of the most widespread Polish tank wagons. In UIC coding it appears as Zaes: Z for a tank wagon, a for four axles, e for heating equipment and s for clearance to 100 km/h. The four-axle design with a 61 m³ barrel and 57 t payload made good use of train length.

After the restructuring of PKP the 406R and 406Ra wagons passed to many different owners. Some went into internal infrastructure service — PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe uses them in departmental trains and to supply track machine depots, among other duties. Others went to private operators including CTL Logistics, and to wagon hire companies.

Prototype specifications (type 406Ra tank wagon):

• Manufacturer: Świdnica wagon works
• Designed 1963; built 1964–1981
• Axles: 4 (two bogies)
• Length over buffers: 12,340 mm
• Barrel capacity: 61.0 m³
• Payload: 57.0 t
• Equipment: steam heating system around the barrel
• Top speed: 100 km/h
• Role: transport of petroleum products including highly viscous liquids

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.