PIKO
PIKO (pronounced "peek-oh") is one of the largest and best-known model train brands in Europe and also enjoys a wide following in the United States and other parts of the world.[1][2]
Products
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.
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.
Manufacturing
PIKO manufactures its own products, at its headquarters factory in Sonneberg (Thüringen) Germany, and at its own factory, PIKO China, in Guangdong, PRC. The entire G-Scale product line is made in Sonneberg. The HO-Scale "Classic" line is also made in Sonneberg. The HO-Scale "Hobby" and "Expert" lines, as well as the N-Scale and TT-Scale lines, are made at PIKO China.
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
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