PIKO VT Manuel D'utilisation page 4

Dear G-Scale Train Enthusiast:
Thank you for adding this PIKO model
to your collection. It has undergone
intensive testing throughout the
development phase, as well as
numerous inspections in the
production process, to ensure you
smooth operation and many years of
trouble-free enjoyment.
Of course, we welcome reports of your
experience with the model under "real
world" conditions, which even the
most thorough developmental testing
cannot completely duplicate.
You can send us your comments by
several methods:
Via email to: hotline@piko.de
Via fax to: +49 3675 897250
Or via postal mail to:
PIKO Spielwaren GmbH, PF
96505 Sonneberg/Thüringen
Germany
Naturally, we like to hear about
positive experiences, but all comments
help us improve this and future
models.
Thank you for your support,
Your PIKO Team
4
The Prototype
The VT98 was an improvement on the
VT95, which was found to be
underpowered for many routes. With
two motors, plus conventional railway
buffers and couplers, the VT98 was
able to pull some additional cars as
well as the trailer. Between 1955 and
1962, the DB put 329 railbuses and
321 trailers into service, most of them
built at Waggonfabrik Uerdingen. The
railbuses and trailers were used by the
DB in every imaginable combination,
ranging from one to six units, which
could be seen on every local
commuter or secondary line, and even
many mainline routes. The last of the
VT98s was taken off the DB's active
rosters in 2000. Today, a few of these
railbuses survive in railway and transit
museums, and some have been
modified for service as track testing
vehicles, as well as track and signal
maintenance vehicles. These remaining
VT98s are now in their fifth decade of
service.
Also the OEBB put 1964 and 1965
railbuses and traiers into service, built
at Waggonfabrik Uerdingen, the
Jenbach works and Simmering-Graz-
Pauker.
The Model
Like the prototype, the two-part PIKO
model is suited for mainline service as
well as local and branch lines on any
G-Scale layout, even with an
approximate overall length of 104 cm.
And it combines beautiful detail with
robust construction from special
plastics to give almost limitless
versatility and indoor-outdoor
durability.
Technical Features
- A powerful precision "can" motor,
protected from water spray, drives
both axles of the VT98 Railbus.
- All 4 wheels of the VT98 are
equipped with wheel wipers for
electrical pickup.
- 4 additional sliding pickup shoes ride
directly on the rails for reliable
electrical pickup.
- Wheels are made of a long-lasting
high-traction diecast metal alloy.
- Two heavy weights are concealed
inside the body for added pulling
power and reliability.
- Triple LED-lighted lanterns on each
end change according to the
direction of travel.
- Prepared for easy installation of PIKO
digital decoder and sound unit
- Includes speaker enclosure
- Standard hook and loop couplers are
compatible with most G-Scale trains.
- Prepared for easy installation of
interior lighting
- Length VT98+VS98: 1040 mm
(3.48 ft.)
- Weight VT98+VS98: ca 4300 g
(9.5 lb.)
Details
- VT98 and VS98 feature different and
accurate individual details.
- Diecast alloy wheels with realistic
detailing
- Black colored wheels
- Durable plastic body with many
authentic details, such as handrails,
vents and doors
- Separately applied front windshield
and side windows
- Front window frames in accurate
black color
- Side window frames in accurate
black color
- Vent window frames in accurate
silver color
- Separately applied windshield wipers
- Detailed cab interior with driver figure
- Different and accurately modeled
roofs with fine detailing of vents,
horns and exhaust system
- Details accurately reproduced
- UV- and weather-resistant materials
for years of outdoor garden railway
service