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03.10.2025 Press Release: Hobby Fair Leipzig - October 2025

Christmas magic on the tracks – PIKO brings the railway back under the Christmas tree and makes the hearts of model railway fans beat faster in Leipzig!

Sonneberg, October 2025 – For decades, PIKO has been one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality model railways and stands for the connection of tradition and innovation. With a passion for detailed models, the company pursues a central goal: to make the model railway a hobby for people of all ages and to strengthen it as a connecting element between generations. At this year’s Hobby Fair in Leipzig, from October 3 to 5, 2025, PIKO will present a wide range of exciting new products from the current model railway year that underline exactly this ambition.

A special highlight is the new PIKO G scale Christmas set (Art. No. 02412). With this emotionally charged product, the model railway is intended to once again become a permanent part of the Christmas celebration. The set includes a steam locomotive model based on a BR 80 with light and steam functions as well as two open freight cars, which can serve as original transport vehicles for small gifts, for example. All models are designed in a festive Christmas look with golden ornaments. The set is complemented by an easy-to-use controller and a track circle. This allows the first runs around the Christmas tree to be made as early as November. At a price of €249.99 including shipping, the Christmas set offers not only a model railway, but above all an experience that creates shining eyes for young and old alike and memories that last well beyond Christmas. The set is delivered in a lovingly and high-quality designed gift box, which already makes the set itself a special present – whether for the whole family, for children, or simply as a treat for yourself. At the same time, it guarantees safe transport and storage until the next Christmas. This unique set is available exclusively online at www.weihnachtslok.de.

PIKO also has exciting new products for the younger generation of model railway fans, just in time for the upcoming Christmas season. The newly introduced PIKO kids starter sets (Art. No. 57032 and 57033), already presented in Göppingen, open the door to the world of model railways for children from the age of eight. Each set contains a robust diesel locomotive of the DB AG class 218 or ÖBB class 2016 and two open freight cars decorated with colorful, glow-in-the-dark graffiti designs. A simple oval track with ballast imitation and an easy-to-use controller provide instant fun without technical hurdles. The special feature: The sets can be universally combined with the entire PIKO H0 DC range and can be digitalized in no time with the PIKO SmartControlwlan system. This makes the step into the world of model railways easy, and the first starter set quickly becomes the foundation for a fascinating hobby that brings joy for years. As the perfect addition, PIKO presents a matching extension set with additional tracks and another car (Art. No. 55380).

In addition, visitors in Leipzig can look forward to a special surprise: With the BR 212 electric locomotive (Art. No. 47492 and 47493) in TT scale, PIKO is presenting a version of the class 243 introduced at the beginning of the year. This new product builds on the great success of the BR 243 (Art. No. 47490) and expands the range of attractive TT models with another authentic prototype. Unlike the 47490, this version now features a rounded roof, square buffers, and off-center front sockets. The locomotive belongs to the pre-series locomotives 212 002 to 212 005, was designed for 160 km/h, and was based in Berlin.

But the PIKO stand will not stop at individual highlights. Numerous other new products demonstrate the diversity of the range. In G scale, for example, the BR 221 diesel locomotive is in operation, running with the newly released chemical tank car around the new G building of the “Neuffen Station” (Art. No. 65000). On the H0 technology layout, several highlights can be experienced at once: both the eight-piece Metropolitan train set and the new Halberstadt center-entry coaches make their rounds there. PIKO also provides eye-catchers in the smaller TT and N scales. Particularly the chemical tank cars, available with either a high-gloss or matte tank, attract attention.

A central attraction for visitors are the display cases. Here, visitors can view current models from PIKO’s extensive program up close. Among them are the striking blue-painted Vectron Dual Mode of Press, the newly tooled Czech electric locomotive 669.1 ČSD, and the E410 electric locomotive with four fine metal pantographs – all in H0. A perennial favorite is the shuttle display case with TT models, which, in addition to the new BR 243, also features the highly detailed BR 62 steam locomotive. Various models in G and N scales round off the representative overview of the full breadth of the current PIKO program.
Leipzig also provides the perfect opportunity for direct interaction with fans. At the stand, interested visitors can not only talk with the PIKO team, browse brochures, and purchase selected starter sets and PIKO fan merchandise, but also get creative themselves. A large play layout invites children to discover the world of model railways through play. Those who wish can even paint their own car in G or H0 scale and take home a unique souvenir. This makes the fair visit an experience for many families that goes far beyond just seeing the products.

Traditionally, PIKO also uses the stage in Leipzig to look ahead. At the fair, the first information about the “Open Day” next year was announced. Loyal PIKO fans already knew the date, but now everyone can mark June 20, 2026, in their calendars. On this day, the traditional company in Sonneberg will open its doors and provide exclusive insights behind the scenes of production. A colorful program with factory tours, numerous sales booths, and a large play area for children – including a model railway to try out – is planned. The company is particularly pleased that the 2026 “Open Day” will be held under the patronage of the Prime Minister of Thuringia, Prof. Dr. Mario Voigt. This underlines the importance of PIKO not only as a manufacturer of high-quality model railways, but also as a deeply rooted traditional company in the Thuringia region.

With all these new products and attractions, PIKO once again shows at the Leipzig Hobby Fair how it succeeds in rekindling enthusiasm for model railways and making the hobby a cross-generational experience. Between technical innovations, loving details, and a palpable passion for the world of railways, PIKO offers an experience that excites both professionals and families alike.