Silberling Supertest

Aside from locomotives, probably the key signature vehicle for a West German layout set from the 1960s through to the 1990s is the humble Silberling (literally Silver Piece, but also commonly referred to as Silverfish by UK enthusiasts).  Over 7,000 were built, so their presence was almost universal on the DB.  Even today, modernised examples still work daily in many areas.  The short rakes make them ideal for smaller layouts as well, two to four being pretty normal.  Just about any loco can go with them too, , with a flick through Die DB der achtziger Jahre illustrating haulage behind class 141, 220, 112, 211, 104, 212, 111, 215, 140, 110, 181, 216, 218, 202 (Henschel Prototype), 144, 118, and 169 and even 193.  It seems the only types not illustrated hauling them were 103s and 120s!  For Bad Horn though, a 212 will be the main hauler.  I'd recommend die Bundesbahnzeit if you're seeking inspiration for use of Silberlingen.

With such omnipresence, one might expect that a scale length H0 version be a permanent fixture in the catalogue of at least one manufacturer.  This was not so, although versions have been made by Roco, Lima and Ade.  All of these are fairly expensive, priced up to £70.  In addition, availability is poor, with Roco only periodically releasing variants, and the Lima models yet to resurface under Hornby's ownership (although announced as a four pack in silver and traffic red liveries in this year's Rivarossi range).


Lately, Piko's Hobby range has been steadily expanding, and the Silberling is the most recent newly tooled coach family to join the range.  The "Rabbit hutch" cab design was first on the market, and not unexepectedly the "Karlsruhe" type followed in this year's announcements.  As is usual for Piko Hobby models, the prices are well below the equivalent items in standard ranges, in fact only just over slightly half the price compared to Roco.  As you'd expect, shortcuts have been taken.  But does half the price mean half as good?


While the Roco model is undoubtedly more refined, the simple act of putting the two brand's models into the same rake does not immediately jar to my eyes.  Standing back at "normal viewing distances" the noticable differences are the heavy (about the scale thickness of an arm!) weld lines on the Piko model's roof and a difference in ride heights.  The rooves are different colours, but from photograph's I'd say either is realistic.   Although having the two colours in one rake might look silly, it's perfectly prototypical!  Getting back to the roof ribs, even on Roco they're too heavy, so it might put some buyers off.  Sometimes the weld lines on the real thing are next to invisible.

Getting up close, some of the savings become quicky apparant.  While Roco have applied separate handrails, on the Piko model they are moulded on, and the Roco model features rivet detail around the windows.  That said, the rivets are not particularly noticable on the prototype.  Also, Piko have moulded on the electric train heat cable, which is a customer-fitted detail on the Roco coach.

The quality of the  bodyside glazing is surprisingly high on the Piko model, showing only slight prismatic effects.  However, on the cab, the retaining clips of the corner windows are plainly visible.  In fact, the cab glazing as a whole is not that great.

You may have also noticed on the last couple of pictures that there are some fuzzy edges to the blue paint on the Piko model.    I'm actually surprised by this, as generally I find Piko's finish superior to Roco's.  That said, as the solebar on the Roco model is separate to the main body, they can't fail to have a crisp separation of colour.  There's definite bleed on the first class yellow stripe, but it's not too noticable.

Still on the finish, I think I prefer Piko's representation of the "peacock tail" pattern on the lower bodyside, but there's not a great deal in it.  Lettering and logos is very crisp on both, and as far as I can work out, the technical details on both is correct, along with representative servicing dates.


Perhaps one reason Piko felt able to include Silberlingen in their Hobby range is the generally simple nature of the details they have.  There's not that much need for additional details, and turning to the underside we can see some of the few that Roco have seen fit to include compared to Piko's moulded on representations, specifically the brake rigging.

Roco

Piko

Keeping my eyes down under, there appears to be only slight discrepancy between the various undergubbins represented by the competeing marques.

Roco

Piko

The Roco model shows more refinement in the parts, but you'd hope so at the price!  Piko's glazing shows a surprising upper hand, in having the handles for opening the windows moulded- Roco has no representation of them at all.  However, Roco's refinements shine through again on their pickup method compared to Piko's, namely bearings collecting from all wheels, while Piko have adopted a strip picking up from the axles, meaning only two wheels per bogie collect current.  Piko do put the power to good use, with nice warm-white lighting for the forwards direction.  Surprisingly, no provision for DCC appears to have been made, although I await a reply to an email I have sent Piko requesting assistance in this respect.  Back to the bogies, Roco have used multiple mouldings while Piko uses a simpler one piece model, although the dynamo is a separate part.  No representation of the sanding gear or Indusi which should be present on the Steuerwagen is made though.

Around the doorways, Roco again show their mettle- the footsteps are individual mouldings, giving an excellent appearance.  Piko's modelling of this area is less flash, and it would benefit from a bit of the buyer's attention, probably nothing more sophisticated than a bit of styrene strip.

To be continued