PIKO 21004 H0 Electric Locomotive BR 184.1 DB Era IV

The PIKO 21004 captures the distinctive silhouette of the DB Class 184.1 (E 410), a four-axle electric locomotive built for the Deutsche Bundesbahn. Unlike generic H0 models, this version features a finely detailed body with free-standing grab irons and a fully equipped roof, including functional pantographs that are not current-carrying. The model is designed for analog DC operation and can be upgraded with a digital decoder via the NEM 652 interface.

Highlights

• Scale: H0 (1:87)
• Railway company: Deutsche Bundesbahn (DB)
• Era IV (1965-1990)
• Power system: DC
• Decoder interface: NEM 652 (8-pin)
• Lighting: Directional LED triple headlights and two red tail lights
• Coupling: NEM 362 shaft with close coupling mechanism
• Minimum radius: 358 mm (R1)
• Traction tires: 2
• Length over buffers: 195 mm
• Number of driven axles: 4
• Material: High-quality plastic body, metal chassis

In daily use

On the layout, the BR 184.1 handles R1 curves with ease thanks to its close coupling mechanism and traction tires, ensuring reliable pulling power. The LED lighting provides realistic illumination in both directions, and the detailed roof equipment adds visual interest. For digital operation, a suitable decoder can be installed without major modifications.

Full specifications

• Prototype: DB Class 184.1 (E 410)
• Road number: 184 101-7
• Pantographs: Functional (non-current-carrying)
• Sound module: No (retrofittable with decoder)
• Control: Analog (digital possible with decoder)

Final note

A faithful H0 representation of a classic DB electric locomotive, ready for analog layouts and easily upgradable to digital.