PIKO
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![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/89/Fotothek_df_roe-neg_0006504_033_Besucher_an_einer_PIKO_Modelleisenbahnanlage_der_VEB_Elektroinstallation_Oberlin.jpg/350px-Fotothek_df_roe-neg_0006504_033_Besucher_an_einer_PIKO_Modelleisenbahnanlage_der_VEB_Elektroinstallation_Oberlin.jpg)
Piko (stylized PIKO, pronounced "peek-oh") is a German model train brand in Europe that also 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 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.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a8/2016_Nuernberger_Spielwarenmesse_-_Piko_-_by_2eight_-_8SC2762.jpg/220px-2016_Nuernberger_Spielwarenmesse_-_Piko_-_by_2eight_-_8SC2762.jpg)
Products[]
PIKO manufactures its own products, at its headquarters factory in Sonneberg (Thuringia) Germany, and at its own factory, PIKO China, in Chashan, PRC. The G-Scale product line is made in Sonneberg. The HO-Scale "Classic-Nostalgie" line is also made in Sonneberg. The HO-Scale "Expert", "Hobby", "SmartControl", "SmartControlLight" and "myTrain" lines, as well as the N-Scale and TT-Scale lines, are made at PIKO China.
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: A 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.
TT-Scale: A line of European-prototype locomotives and cars.
N-Scale: A line of European-prototype models including locomotives, cars and buildings.
Manufacturing[]
Distribution[]
In Germany, PIKO products are distributed 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[]
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External links[]
- German brands
- Companies based in Thuringia
- Model railroad manufacturers
- Model manufacturers of Germany
- Companies of East Germany
- Volkseigene Betriebe
- Companies established in 1949
- 1949 establishments in East Germany