GDR East Germany in HO- Piko E44, E11 and Gutzold V180. скачать в хорошем качестве

GDR East Germany in HO- Piko E44, E11 and Gutzold V180.

Here is part of my small (but fascinating) collection of East German models. It could not have been a comfortable time for the population of the country, but there was still time for a toy train industry. East Germany nationalised model production, which meant a limited range of models was produced by Schicht, Piko and Gutzold. Production was centred on Dresden. Some of the models are fantastic- for instance the E11 electric (a 1960s model) had twin motors, red/white lights in the direction of travel, working pantographs and wire handrails. The Gutzold V180 also has a central, cardan drive motor. Coaches were either lit, or could be easily illuminated. However, think twice before taking an East German loco apart- they must have been built by bored engineers and watchmakers. There are loads of small parts and bearings- nothing like anything I have ever seen! Another innovation is rubber buffers, which do not snap off- something I wish had been taken up more widely! In this video, I have a regional train, formed of Schicht type Y coaches, and a local train formed of Schicht Rekowagens. The latter are new utilitarian bodies on old frames- a widespread practice on the GDR (their version of the UK Pacer, no doubt!). Piko models are still widely available, and their budget range of European Diesels and Electrics look great and are a pleasure to run (whilst being kind to the wallet). Gutzold has faired less well. It went out of business recently, but has apparently restarted production.