Large Scale Central

New Owner of LGB = PIKO production?

General Discussion
#1

The PIKO mfg’d electric locomotive advertised in the December Garden Railways magazine appeared uncanny as a copy of the LGB electric reviewed in the same issue. My question: Is not PIKO actually an LGB product mfg’d. by LGB? Secondly, if accurate, was this a dodge by LGB to separate themselves from the current LGB company? Third, if the first two speculations are accurate, what is the status of PIKO’s manufacturing future products now there is a new owner of LGB?

Any insights on any of the above speculations?

Hans, any thoughts from your perspective?

Thanks,

Wendell

#2

Wendell,

PIKO is owned by the Wilfers, no relation to the Richters or, for that matter, Schöntag.

If you look closely at the ad you will notice that the engine is a BR 182, the one from LGB is a BR 101.
BTW both the PIKO 182 and the LGB 101 have been reviewed in the GARTENBAHNprofi and the translations of the reviews are available at http://www.easternmountainmodels.com/eng/html/gartenbahnprofi.html

Most of the modern Euro electrics look similar - in my opinion too similar and therefore b-o-r-i-n-g - the redeeming features are in the sometimes funky liveries.

Back to PIKO: they have produced many of the items for LGB as an OEM e.g. the LCE and the OTTO series, along with various accessories. Apparently the Taurus 182 came about - at least in part - because LGB wasn’t ordering as much from PIKO and the Wilfers decided that it was time to test the market. They already produced the BR 182 in HO and TT. They also have a very good marketing concept with very reasonably priced starter sets - get them hooked early with stuff they know i.e. modern rolling stock that appeals to today’s youngsters.

Compare that with LGB - apart from the LCE and the Cargo-Whatever there is/was nothing in the low price bracket that is modern; that may change with the Genesis and the follow up to it.

It will also be very interesting to see what happens at LGBoA in the next two quarters. Of course one hears the “business as usual” mantra repeated by quite a few of those involved, but I’m from Missouri (The “show me” State) when it comes to that kind of stuff.
LGBoA will try their very best to gain some of the lost ground back.
How?
Provide exceptional service (that’s expensive!)…
Lower the price to within range of the competition…
Get closer to the model end of the spectrum i.e. lose some of the “just toys” label that has stuck very firmly…

Don’t ask me how they’ll juggle the three, that’s just my guess… and as we all know… I haven’t got a clue! :wink:

It will be interesting watching how things play out. Some read adventure stories, others read fantasy tales. I like reading the business pages, :wink: :slight_smile: find that very interesting and entertaining. Especially over the long run.

#3

The Amfleet cars have arrived at LGBoA…so that’s encouraging. There may be hope. 2007 may be a make or break year for Large Scale all the way around. Besides LGB, Aristocraft has a couple things on the burner…it’s a matter of if they can produce or not. They’ve got problems with the E8’s before they ever hit the showroom…:frowning: They’ve been heavy on the locomotives and skimpy with the cars…all reruns. I’ve seen nothing from USAT for the masses. The Big Boy doesn’t count as it’s limited in it’s run. They will need something new to boost sales, but they are as slow as Aristo in getting things out… For narrow guage, Bachmann seems to be the only player for the masses at the moment. Some nice stuff for those that can afford pricey locomotives coming from some others.

#4

A review of the Aristo E8 is in GARTENBAHNprofi 1/2007. I just have to pick the other articles to translate; I let you know when they’re ready. :wink: :slight_smile:

#5

Don’t know if this year will be a turning point, but I do agree that manufacturers seem to be a little more preoccupied with locos than non-powered rolling stock.

Aristo has found a problem with the plastic on truck sideframes, and they found it before they released them to the publid. Everyone is actually happy about this, there was also a problem with freight car sideframes, and they are changing the plastic forumulation. I’d rather wait a couple of months than get 3 E8’s and then have to replace parts on the motor blocks.

I sure wish that USAT had made the switcher in plastic, rather than metal, since it’s so costly. It seems that they have decided steam needs to be expensive. They did come out with the S4 though, so can’t complain a lot.

I think they are all struggling, and the locos have more bang fot the buck. I just wish the manufactuer’s interests would involve more switchers and smaller SG locos.

We shall see, but anything that is to be delivered in 2007 is already announced, pretty much.

Regards, Greg

#6
Greg Elmassian said:
Don't know if this year will be a turning point, but I do agree that manufacturers seem to be a little more preoccupied with locos than non-powered rolling stock.

Aristo has found a problem with the plastic on truck sideframes, and they found it before they released them to the publid. Everyone is actually happy about this, there was also a problem with freight car sideframes, and they are changing the plastic forumulation. I’d rather wait a couple of months than get 3 E8’s and then have to replace parts on the motor blocks.

I sure wish that USAT had made the switcher in plastic, rather than metal, since it’s so costly. It seems that they have decided steam needs to be expensive. They did come out with the S4 though, so can’t complain a lot.

I think they are all struggling, and the locos have more bang fot the buck. I just wish the manufactuer’s interests would involve more switchers and smaller SG locos.

We shall see, but anything that is to be delivered in 2007 is already announced, pretty much.

Regards, Greg


I agree on the smaller SG locos. I am still interested in seeing a quality 2-6-2 Prairie Steam Loco. Many of the North American Railroads had them.

#7

Or an MP1500 with flexicoil trucks…:slight_smile: or a green goat type of locomotive for a modern locomotive that would fit on almost anybody’s layout. But we need cars…modern, no roofwalk single door and plug door box cars in particular.

#8

I don’t do anything right now earlier than the transition era. When I get “finished” with enough passenger trains, ore tranis, big steam, steam and early diesels, then I might go modern.

So modern for you, transition for me.

I think the manufacturers are biased towards transition because they can sell steam and diesel, and the transition era is the most heavily modelled era in other scales.

Regards, Greg

#9

I’m about bought out on the transition era. I’ve got FA’s F3’s, RS3’s, GP9’s. NW2’s etc and enough cars to satisfy my lust there. 2nd generation is full with SD45’s and GP38-2’s. An F40PH would be nice and I need a switcher. And my modern is only represented by a pair of Dash 9’s and a Genesis. I need more box cars for this era, covered auto racks and Superliners as well as modern switchers. My steam is satisfied with skinny guage stuff…though if Aristo ever gets out the SG Connie they have been promising it might find a home on my layout.

#10

HJ-

Thanks for the data re: who owns what per PIKO.
Your wish list for LGB makes sense: Service in repairs, more response to the “model” in model railroading, and increased attentiveness to customers – all a big part of my expectation for LGB. Hopefully, the new owner will have influence as a hobbyist himself.

Now, what happens to LGB of America now owned by G45 (what’s that?)? Part of this question is what influence will the new president of the LGB of A and former editor of the LGB magazine, David Buffington, actually have on the above wish list?

Please continue to keep us posted!

Many thanks.

Wendell