SBB’s striking Zugkraft Aargau regional train, recreated in HO scale by PIKO

Recreate the sleek and efficient look of Swiss regional rail with this Piko HO scale model of the Zugkraft Aargau 5-part passenger coach set. Finished in the striking blue-and-white livery representing the Canton of Aargau’s “Zugkraft” branding, this set is designed for authentic push–pull operation, just like the real trains that connect Swiss towns and cities.

Prototype: In cooperation with Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), the Zugkraft Aargau service began with the 1998 timetable change on the RE Wettingen–Aarau–Olten route. The striking blue-and-white livery was applied to a dedicated 5-car set: one Steuerwagen (driving trailer), one first-class coach, and three second-class coaches. An additional EW I coaches in NPZ livery were sometimes added to add capacity. The train was usually hauled by locomotive Re 4/4 II 11181, with the Steuerwagen enabling fast reversals at terminal stations.

Model: Piko produced the distinctive train as a limited-edition five-car set. All AC and DC cars feature factory-installed interior lighting. The AC version includes cars with current-conducting couplers.

The train composition consists:

• 1 Steuerwagen (driving trailer) – detailed cab front, prototypical headlight arrangement, cab interior, and realistic cab glazing.
• 3 Second-class intermediate coaches (B) – prototypical seating layouts, flush-glazed windows, and fine destination printing.
• 1 First-class coach (A) – premium seating detail, subtle roof and bogie detailing.

Model Features:

• Scale: HO (1:87)
• Era: V (modern post-1990)
• Length over buffers: approx. 142 cm (5 cars)
• Couplers: NEM pockets with close-coupling kinematics
• Interior: Fully detailed interiors across all cars
• Lighting: Cars are factory-fitted with interior lights and current conducting couplers with AC current pickup shoe installed in the Steuerwagen
• Operation: Push–pull compatible with DCC setup