The highlights of the PIKO model summarized in bullet points:
Some information about the role model and model:
In the early 1960s, both the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad and the Southern Pacific were looking for new, more powerful locomotives and became aware of the diesel-hyd Krauss-Maffei ML 3000. Initially, both railways each purchased three locomotives of the ML 4000. With a nominal output of 4,000 hp, the vehicles were the world's most powerful single-frame diesel locomotives of their time. The locomotives of the D&RGW were classified under the numbers 4001 to 4003 and were usually used in pairs or threes in front of freight trains across the Rocky Mountains. The Southern Pacific also received its first three locomotives (9000 to 9002) in 1961 and later also took over the D&RGW engines. Initially, they made a strong impression and raced on the Sierra Nevada and Oregon mountain ranges. However, due to increasing problems, they were soon transferred to lowland routes. The SP took all ML 4000s out of service until 1968, when technical overhauls were due. Today, there is only one locomotive of the second series, SP 9010, which is currently being refurbished to operational condition.
Our prototype: Southern Pacific 9000 delivered in 1961
PIKO's new design represents the first three locomotives delivered to the Southern Pacific Railway and perfectly reproduces their original condition on a scale of 1:87. The distinctive shape of the so-called "Cab Unit" locomotives was perfectly transferred to the model. Numerous attached parts, flush and crystal-clear panes as well as fine engravings testify to the highest model building quality. The prototypical paintwork and the sharply contoured printing round off the appearance of the model. The powerful motor, in combination with the finely balanced flywheels, ensures smooth running with enormous tractive force. The lighting functions are designed in modern LED technology and can be switched digitally with the help of a suitable decoder. Typical for American locomotives, for example, is the lighting of the "Roadnumber" board or the so-called "Gyralite" lamp. The sound versions are factory-equipped with a matching decoder and loudspeaker. The two-conductor locomotives have fine RP25 wheelsets ex works, the wheels of the central conductor variant are also optimised for the corresponding track system. All locomotives do not have a NEM coupling shaft in favor of a jaw coupling.
Roll on, Southern Pacific – now also with the 9000 on the tracks of 1:87 scale!
