PIKO

For other uses, see Piko (disambiguation).
Early PIKO exhibition layout

PIKO (pronounced "peek-oh") is one of the largest and best-known model train brands in Europe and exports to the United States and other parts of the world.[1][2]

History

Founded in 1949, PIKO was once a state-owned enterprise in the German Democratic Republic (East Germany), supplying a major share of model trains in Eastern Europe. In 1992, after the reunification of Germany, the company was purchased by PIKO Spielwaren GmbH.[2] PIKO Spielwaren GmbH was founded in April 1992 by Dr. René F. Wilfer, PIKO’s President, who had been working in the toy industry since 1986 and had previously managed a model building company.

Piko at the International Toy Fair Nuremberg 2016

Products

PIKO manufactures its own products, at its headquarters factory in Sonneberg (Thüringen) Germany, and at its own factory, PIKO China, in Chashan, PRC. The entire G-Scale product line is made in Sonneberg. The HO-Scale "Classic" line is also made in Sonneberg. The HO-Scale "Expert", "Hobby", "SmartControl" and "myTrain" lines, as well as the N-Scale and TT-Scale lines, are made at PIKO China.

Altogether, PIKO today manufactures over 1500 [3] different products in the following model train scales:

G-Scale: A line of both American and European-prototype weather-resistant models for indoor and outdoor use, including starter sets, locomotives, passenger and freight cars, track, buildings, controls and accessories.

HO-Scale: An extensive line of European-prototype models including starter sets, locomotives (most in both 2-Rail DC and 3-Rail AC versions), passenger and freight cars, track, buildings, controls and accessories.

N-Scale: A growing line of European-prototype models including locomotives, cars and buildings.

TT-Scale: A line of European-prototype locomotives and cars.

Manufacturing

Distribution

In Germany, PIKO products are distributed directly from the firm's headquarters in Sonneberg to a network of retailers. In other countries, PIKO distributors and representatives perform a similar function. In America, sales and distribution to retailers is handled by PIKO America in San Diego, CA.

References

  1. ↑ Groundbreaking for the construction of a new high-bay warehouse
  2. 1 2 Company
  3. ↑ PIKO Product Archive
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