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General => Trains! => Topic started by: Knight Train on April 05, 2011, 23:48:11

Title: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: Knight Train on April 05, 2011, 23:48:11
If you're looking for some more track, this is a pretty good deal.  The LBG equivalent set goes for abour $100 (with shipping) on ebay.  $60 (was $90 a few days ago) at RRS

http://www.ridgeroadstation.com/store/302035300%213020/35300+Piko+Station+Track+Set (http://www.ridgeroadstation.com/store/302035300%213020/35300+Piko+Station+Track+Set)



Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: tomegood87 on April 06, 2011, 00:29:09
I can't buy until Friday.  Hope they still have the sale then.
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: Rasputin on April 06, 2011, 01:51:05
That is a very useful track assortment . I do not have Pico track, does it fit well with LGB ?

I see RRS is running out of Playmo very quickly now  :'(
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: tomegood87 on April 06, 2011, 02:26:02
That is a very useful track assortment . I do not have Pico track, does it fit well with LGB ?

http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=6486.0

Way down the page there are some pics of it fitting.  I'm not sure how well it holds up over a long time. For the price the Piko seems like a great deal.
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: Knight Train on April 06, 2011, 02:27:23
It's nearly identical you can intermix them and they have identical connectors.   here's a comparision.

http://www.piko.de/e/FAQ/FAQ_G-Gleis/G-Gleis-allg.php (http://www.piko.de/e/FAQ/FAQ_G-Gleis/G-Gleis-allg.php)

Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: Rasputin on April 06, 2011, 02:34:45
Thank you so much. I remember the conversation about the track but wanted to make sure before I order a few of these sets. Seeing as the shop is closing I doubt returns are going to be easy as time goes on.

The only thing I need to negotiate is if I order $50 worth of playmobil will RRS also send me the track sets with free shipping
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: tomegood87 on April 06, 2011, 02:47:32
Wow the aristo craft switch track is cheap on there too.
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: Rasputin on April 06, 2011, 02:53:07
Wow the aristo craft switch track is cheap on there too.

Are you talking about the $13 one?

Is it really 4 feet long?
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: tomegood87 on April 06, 2011, 02:58:52
Are you talking about the $13 one?

Is it really 4 feet long?

I just saw that.  I'm pretty sure its the curve diameter.  I'd rather buy the LGB or Piko.  Just because of my past with aristo track.  The plastic warped after a few years outside while my LGB track was perfect. 
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: Luis on April 06, 2011, 16:10:04
Piko tracks are pretty compatiple with Playmobil trains as everything they make is G scale - however i don't entirely recomend the buildings - they're expensive and (since they're not toys but rather a make-it-yourself oriented hobbie) it takes forever to put one together and you can't make many modifications - sometimes (if not always) glue and alike stuff are required (not to mention the intruction sheets i've seen are a pain in the neck b/c they do not have colors) and some pieces are very fragile...very disappointed with my first Piko set, especially because it's a German brand and my expectations were big
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: zugpferdchen on April 06, 2011, 23:00:13
Hello,

yes, it's ok, you could buy the Piko Tracks! They are 100% compatible to LGB. Many people have it, mixing with LGB-Tracks (in many german Train Forums!).
I have no Piko, cause I have only inexpensive used (LGB-) Tracks (no new ones). They are for the garden. After a year in my garden they are all brown (new or used).  ;)


PS: Piko also make smaller gauges (HO - N - TT) tracks, locos, cars, houses,... Look HERE [KLICK!] (http://www.piko-america.com/index.html)
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: Knight Train on April 07, 2011, 02:36:11
Quote
The only thing I need to negotiate is if I order $50 worth of playmobil will RRS also send me the track sets with free shipping

No, they ship it as two seperate boxes - one with the playmobil, and the other with the track you pay shipping for.  I just found that out  :o

But, if you order something small and light, like track connectors, they will just through that into the playmobil box and ship it for free.
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: Rasputin on April 07, 2011, 03:17:44
thanks everyone, the info is very useful  :**:
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: tomegood87 on April 07, 2011, 04:13:20
I really hope they don't run out of track by Friday.  Payday  :lol:
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: Rasputin on April 07, 2011, 15:09:36
I really hope they don't run out of track by Friday.  Payday  :lol:

I was disappointed to see they ran out of the playmobil truck & trailer for $35. I was able to buy one but I wanted to get more  :(

I wish you luck in your annoying wait
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: tomegood87 on April 07, 2011, 18:48:05

I wish you luck in your annoying wait

Just until Midnight
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: bonniebeth on April 07, 2011, 19:47:53
I was disappointed to see they ran out of the playmobil truck & trailer for $35. I was able to buy one but I wanted to get more  :(

Same here. :-\
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: Rasputin on April 07, 2011, 19:52:36
does anybody know if this (http://www.ridgeroadstation.com/store/20565203%21205/65203+LGB+Funnel+Smoke+Stack%2C+18+Volt) will fit or work with a playmobil train? I think it would look so good to have a working smoke stack on a train.
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: playmofire on April 07, 2011, 20:02:15
does anybody know if this (http://www.ridgeroadstation.com/store/20565203%21205/65203+LGB+Funnel+Smoke+Stack%2C+18+Volt) will fit or work with a playmobil train? I think it would look so good to have a working smoke stack on a train.

Which Playmobil train are you thinking of?  The early mains-powered ones, it might if the smoke stack will fit the engine and if they are 18 volt power.  The battery powered ones it won't as their voltage is too low.
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: Rasputin on April 07, 2011, 20:07:03
Which Playmobil train are you thinking of?  The early mains-powered ones, it might if the smoke stack will fit the engine and if they are 18 volt power.  The battery powered ones it won't as their voltage is too low.

No I will use it on a track powered train. I guess the main problem I foresee is if the overall length is too long as it will protrude too far off the body of the train. The power issue I can over come. If the track power is not enough to heat the element I could have a batteries in the wagons and run small wires to the heater. I guess I could do the same for a RC train but the overall length will still be a concern.
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: tomegood87 on April 07, 2011, 20:14:22
does anybody know if this (http://www.ridgeroadstation.com/store/20565203%21205/65203+LGB+Funnel+Smoke+Stack%2C+18+Volt) will fit or work with a playmobil train? I think it would look so good to have a working smoke stack on a train.

I was also looking at it for my 4051 loco missing the stack.  I bet the dimensions are some where online.  The diameter is something that can be fixed easy, but the length is my concern also.
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: zugpferdchen on April 07, 2011, 23:19:41
If you will build a smoking loco, you don't need that chimney (around), you only need a smoke generator (which is inside).
The smoke generator you also can put in a Playmobil chimney. But attention, it would be (very) hot inside. Don't fix it with plastic peace(s), they are melting!


E.g. Smoke generators of Seuthe (oder LGB are the same a little more expensive) with more than 14 Volts (16-18 Volts); Art. Nr. 7 or 8 [KLICK!]. (http://www.seuthe-dampf.de/start.htm?produkte_fuer_lokomotiven_spur_0_und_1.htm)


By the way:
With playmobil locos you can do many things. If you put a decoder in it and drive digitally, you could make a smoking loco with wheel-sync smoke (with USA Trains smoke generator with a fan) and sound (e.g. with zimo decoders; visaton speaker). It's amazing and very realistic!
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: Rasputin on April 07, 2011, 23:23:48

By the way:
With playmobil locos you can do many things. If you put a decoder in it and drive digitally, you could make a smoking loco with wheel-sync smoke (with USA Trains smoke generator with a fan) and sound (e.g. with zimo decoders; visaton speaker). It's amazing and very realistic!

Yes now we are talking, digital controllers, I really like those set ups. I just need to learn more about the stuff.
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: tomegood87 on April 07, 2011, 23:27:29


If you put a decoder in it and drive digitally, you could make a smoking loco with wheel-sync smoke (with USA Trains smoke generator with a fan) and sound (e.g. with zimo decoders; visaton speaker). It's amazing and very realistic!

How hard is it to retro fit a Decoder to the playmobil trains.  I've heard of people doing just never seen the wiring. 
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: zugpferdchen on April 07, 2011, 23:44:54
How hard is it to retro fit a Decoder to the playmobil trains.  I've heard of people doing just never seen the wiring. 
It's not very difficult. In Playmobil locos there is enough space for the small H0-decoders (for 1 motor) or the bigger G-decoders (for 2 motors like the 4052).
4 soldered connections to drive. 2 for one light (1 resistor). 2 for (easy) smoke with Seuthe/LGB (with USA Trains + fan + Zimo Decoder it's another thing).

In the Klickywelt there are a few boys with fixed layouts (inside or in the garden) which switched to digital cause of the opportunities. Independent driving of locos with lights (front, back, cab, suspension), sounds, smoke, electric couplers,...
I have a Roco Multimaus (Multimaus alone: power for 1 to 3 Playmobil motors) and a booster (power for more than 10 motors) and each loco needs a decoder (digital controller) with 1 Ampère per motor (or more).



Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: tomegood87 on April 08, 2011, 17:35:50
YES I got one just in time. I don't see anymore on there
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: tomegood87 on April 08, 2011, 17:39:10
Just checked now I don't see any track of any brand or playmobil.  I got lucky ordering at midnight :lol:
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: Rasputin on April 08, 2011, 22:30:35
They either sold it all in a lot or just the site is now off line.

Their web address is canceled  :sorrow: RIP RRS you will be missed especially in the days when they sold cheaper than playmobil.com  :'(
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: tomegood87 on April 13, 2011, 21:42:16
Just Got my Piko track in and I'm really happy with it. 
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: Rasputin on April 13, 2011, 22:31:50
Just Got my Piko track in and I'm really happy with it. 

Mine is coming tomorrow <:> I have been playing with the western diorama all week in anticipation of finishing the sidings 
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: Knight Train on April 14, 2011, 05:25:59
I'm happy you all beat the deadline.  Previously they had 280cm straight for $2 each - a really good deal. 
I added all they had to my cart - 51, but the next day I got an email saying they didn't have any at all  :'(

I did get 2 sidings though that just arrived a few days ago.  I'm slightly disappointed in the sidings though, the LGB sidings have a "spring mechansim" such that if you go through the turnout backwards, it doesn't reset.  On the Piko track, with no spring, the turnout will change such that it now "points" to the track run that was just used - not a big deal, just different.

Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: playmofire on April 14, 2011, 08:49:05

I did get 2 sidings though that just arrived a few days ago.  I'm slightly disappointed in the sidings though, the LGB sidings have a "spring mechansim" such that if you go through the turnout backwards, it doesn't reset.  On the Piko track, with no spring, the turnout will change such that it now "points" to the track run that was just used - not a big deal, just different.



But the LGB track is more expensive.
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: tomegood87 on April 14, 2011, 15:16:03

 I'm slightly disappointed in the sidings though, the LGB sidings have a "spring mechansim" such that if you go through the turnout backwards, it doesn't reset.  On the Piko track, with no spring, the turnout will change such that it now "points" to the track run that was just used - not a big deal, just different.


yeah i wasn't expecting it to have such a simple switch with no spring.  I'm sure something could be rigged up if you wanted the track to spring back.  Maybe the spring out of a nice pen would be strong enough. 
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: Rasputin on April 14, 2011, 16:08:08
Just got my box's. While my wife was opening up the front gate to take 2 kids to school she calls me up (I was in the house with the sick kid) to tell me there are 2 huge boxes out front by the road  :eh?: Our post man usually comes in the after noon and we got yesterdays mail ? ? I bet a different postman delivered it late last night and just left them there by the road. I would have been so blimey pissed off if they were hysted as RRS is now closed for good and there would be no way to get replacements

I think I will go stuff them in a car for later  :P just kidding
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: bonniebeth on April 14, 2011, 16:50:41
We're expecting ours today as well!  ;D
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: tomegood87 on April 15, 2011, 17:54:57

I'm slightly disappointed in the sidings though, the LGB sidings have a "spring mechansim" such that if you go through the turnout backwards, it doesn't reset.  On the Piko track, with no spring, the turnout will change such that it now "points" to the track run that was just used - not a big deal, just different.


Figured it out.  Instead of rigging a small spring on the switch.  I looped a rubber band through the hole on the switch. 
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: Rasputin on April 15, 2011, 19:51:49
Figured it out.  Instead of rigging a small spring on the switch.  I looped a rubber band through the hole on the switch. 

I have not opened my boxes yet but when I do I may need to modify ours as well. Could you provide a picture of how you did it please ?
Title: Re: Piko G-scale track siding set on closeout at RidgeRoadStation.
Post by: tomegood87 on April 15, 2011, 21:10:17
I have not opened my boxes yet but when I do I may need to modify ours as well. Could you provide a picture of how you did it please ?

I've had better luck with the weaker bands