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Starter set from Piko
We were disappointed in Kevin Strong’s review in the April Garden Railways of the new Piko Starter Set. As a beginner product, we believe this set fills a much needed niche that is not being adequately addressed. Thus, his observations that the loco’s speed and detailing are not at hobby standards miss the point that the hobbyist is not the intended audience for this set.
Regarding the painted drivers, Kevin acknowledges this is not an operating issue on the clean track that comes with every set. Again, the loco is not intended to see duty on an existing pike like Kevin’s, where the transfer of paint to worn rails might cause problems. And the set instructions do specifically advise running a new loco for a while for optimum performance.
Certainly we were disappointed that Kevin experienced loose crankpins, but in all honesty, we have had no similar complaints from shops or consumers. Anyone experiencing such problems should contact Silvergate for a no-cost repair or replacement.
We are in total agreement that a beginner set should bring more people into our hobby by providing a fun, relaxing experience. We stand by this set as achieving that goal.
Again, we appreciate the many accolades PIKO products have received in past reviews, by this and other magazines. We are glad to share the common goal of bringing more happy railroaders to the garden.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Meador
VP - Development
Silvergate Distributors, Inc.
I don’t understand how someone buying a starter set is already supposed to know that the set they just purchased is not intended for existing layouts and should only be used on the track included in the box.
This is corporate spin and will not help the hobby. And it’s logic defying spin at that, which in a sad way fits right in with most of the news these days. While this may be reasonable on whatever planet Silvergate normally operates on, their problem is that this is the Earth.
Hopefully Kevin will keep reviewing products from the perspective of someone living in reality and not in some corporate spin-world.
TJ Lee
I have two Piko 0-6-0 UP starter sets and run them on new and old track and also outdoors. I am glad I bought them before I read the review because I like the sets and have had no problems. I bought them on sale for $199 each. Piko makes good trains at reasonable prices. I also have a Piko Tarus which runs great that I bought because I liked the quality of my starter sets. If you buy a set from a train store the staff will help you if you are a beginner and have problems.