Piko Narrow Gauge Train Sets
Train Sets in General
Complete ‘Ready-to-Run’ Train Sets have always been a popular starting point for entering the world of model railways for over half a century. They come neatly boxed in a variety of scales and gauges, include everything you need to get started, are easy to set up and can become a hobby that the entire family can share and enjoy for a lifetime despite their gender association as a “boys toy”.
Whilst the range of Starter Train Sets in the larger scales are not necessarily quite as prolific as in the smaller scales there is still a large enough selection to fulfill most requirements even if occasional supply problems cause shortages. This is particularly acute before Christmas so don’t leave your purchase too late as you may find the shelves empty.
One major advantage of purchasing a complete starter set is that the manufacture will have put together carefully matched items and almost invariably at a price that is less than acquiring those same items individually.
As you might expect his is not altogether for altruistic reasons and by appealing to the younger fraternity they increase the chances of future growth (or at least avoid a decline in sales). Here is little doubt that in recent years ‘playing with trains’ has been largely overtaken by other hobbies and pursuits, especially pastimes revolving around more advanced consumer electronics. Children are more likely to be given an X-Box or Mobile Phone than a train set. This must be a concern to any model train manufacturer but especially those making larger-scale model trains and have a lower customer base to start with.
Just lately there does seem to have been a noticeable reduction in the range of starter sets available and it can only be hoped that this is a temporary phase and that the market will eventually be rejuvenated but nothing is for certain.
History of Piko's involvement in Large-Scale Train Sets
The long-established German firm of Piko ( pronounced "peek-oh), or PIKO Spielwaren GmbH to give them their proper title, have been manufacturing model trains in various scales since as long ago as 1949. Their product range now numbers in excess of 1500 lines in TT, N, HO, and G Scales and they currently supply the European Market whilst also exporting to the USA and various other parts of the world.
Although smaller scales are now manufactured in China their G-Scale product line is still made in Sonneberg and comprises a wide range of locomotives (steam, diesel and electric), starter sets, passenger and freight cars, plastic building kits, control equipment, track and accessories in both European and American outline.
The company has its own online mail order facility but much of the distribution is achieved via local distributors and retail outlets including PIKO America in San Diego, California.
In recent years their G-Scale product range has expanded at quite a prodigious rate possibly even eclipsing LGB but they show little sign of slowing down and as one of the foremost model railway companies in the world, continue to introduce new products and changing liveries.
To my mind their Starter Sets are particularly good value for money as they include a circle of high quality Code 332 brass track and many locomotives now come with factory-fitted Digital Sound feature as well as directional lights and smoke.
PIKO G products are both robust and "weatherproof" and thus suitable for indoor and outdoor use. They are also compatible with most other G scale model railways such as LGB, Aristo-craft, USA Trains, Bachmann, Hartford, Thiel, Trainline, Piko, Pola Buildings and Preiser G scale Figures.
In recent times the company appear to have embarked on a major push into the North American marketplace by introducing large-scale models of American prototypes albeit in more generic form rather than based on specific example (which they tend to do in Europe). They appear to have established a reasonably strong presence by offering a significant number of products based on US railroad prototypes although perhaps not quite the volumes they were hoping for. It is a difficult market to penetrate and only time will tell.
The only gripe I have is that many of their products look to be under scale and fall somewhere between 1:22.5 and 1:29 (possibly 1:27 according to a source in Piko HQ). In fact, in common with many other manufacturers supplying the large-scale marketplace you will find it hard to discover exactly what scale they actually manufacture to. This may be due to historical reasons (e.g. acquiring MDC production moulds in Piko's case) but whilst a degree of ‘selective compression’ is to be expected it would help if they could
standardise on a nominal ratio or at the very least reveal the nominal scale they are modelling to.
Starter Sets
As one might expect the PIKO G-scale Starter-Sets affords a stress-free entry level and include everything you need to enter in the exciting world of PIKO G-scale railroading.
It normally includes:
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A detailed and powerful locomotive
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Matching Cars (Passenger Coaches or Wagons)
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Full circle of brass track
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Power hook-ups
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A safety approved electronic transformer and throttle
To assemble the set you don’t need any tools or extra parts. Just open the package and let the fun begin!
PIKO G trains and accessories are built of incredibly tough weather-resistant materials for years of enjoyment indoors or outdoors.
First a word on the numbering scheme by way of explaining the two different product codes. These sets are designed to operate with mains voltages of 230v/240v in Europe and the UK. In order to operate safely in the USA and certain other Countries, where the mains voltages are around 110/120 Volts, a more suitable transformer is included. Sets are differentiated with a second digit of ‘7’ for UK/European versions and ‘8’ for USA sets. Hope this is clear as you might search for Piko products and end up on their American (or European) website in error.
Piko DB III BR80 Steam Freight Starter Set with Analogue Sound & Smoke 37120 / 38120
This introductory PIKO freight train starter set is equipped with everything you need to start in the world of G scale. It contains an attractive Dampflok Class BR80 0-6-0 Steam Locomotive in Deutsche Bahn (DB) livery, two matching wagons, brass track, CE approved transformer; controller and connecting cables.
The powerful steam locomotive features ball bearings and chromed wheel sets, direction-dependent changes of light and is already equipped with realistic, analogue sound and switchable steam function which can be enhanced by placing the two solenoids on the track.
The set also contains a Hand Uncoupler (Cat. No. 36039) for easier manual uncoupling of the vehicles.
PIKO G products are robust and "weatherproof" and thus ideally suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Also compatible with most G scale model railways such as LGB, Aristo-craft, USA Trains, Bachmann, Brawa, Hartford, Piko / Pola Buildings and Preiser G scale Figures.
The brass track circle included in the set covers an area of 140 x 140 cm and can be easily extended using PIKO's expanding range of brass track. PIKO unique track geometry makes even complex track plans simple to build with only a few types of track sections and with the rails made from pure virgin solid brass will ensure decades of use.
Contents:
1 x Steam Locomotive BR 80
1 x Boxcar
1 x High-sided Wagon
12 x 35211 R1 (R1 Curves 600 mm)
1 x 35270 Terminal
1 x 35285 Connecting Terminal Clips (14 pieces)
1 x Throttle
1 x Power Supply (230 V) 20 V / 32 VA DC / AC
2 x 35268 Solenoids
1 x 36039 Uncoupling Wand
1 x Smoke Fluid (10 ml)
Track Dimensions: 120 x 120 cm
Minimum building area: 140 x 140 cm
Piko G Scale DB BR80 Freight Train Starter Set with 2 OreCars 37100 / 38100
This PIKO starter set is equipped with everything you need to start in the world of G scale. Containing a detailed Dampflok Class BR80 Steam Locomotive in Deutsche Bahn (DB) livery, two bulk hopper cars (with different running numbers), track, UK transformer, controller and connecting cables.
The powerful 0-6-0 tank locomotive has directional lighting and can be retro-fitted with Digital and sound decoders and also a smoke generator.
Contents:
1 x Deutsche Bahn BR 80 0-6-0 Steam Locomotive
2 x Ore Hopper Wagons (DB Brown)
12 x 35211 Radius 1 (600 mm) Brass Curved Track Sections
14 x 35285 Track Clips
1 x 35270 Power Connection Clamps
1 x Transformer (Input: 230v AC; Output 20v / 28VA AC1)
1 x Speed Controller / Regulator
Piko Cat.No. 37100 /38100
Piko European Passenger Starter Set with Analogue Sound & Smoke
37130 / 38130
This powerful 0-6-0 tank locomotive in green livery features directional lighting and can be retro-fitted with Digital and Sound decoders and also a smoke generator. The set also includes two attractive two-axle short passenger cars in red/cream and blue/cream livery together with track and all necessary control equipment to get you off to a flying start.
Contents:
1 x Deutsche Bahn BR 80 0-6-0 Steam Locomotive in Green livery
2 x 2 axle Passenger Cars in two-tone liveries (see picture)
12 x 35211 Radius 1 (600 mm) Brass Curved Track Sections
14 x 35285 Track Clips
1 x 35270 Power Connection Clamps
1 x Transformer (Input: 230v AC; Output 20 v / 28 VA AC1)
1 x Speed Controller / Regulator
Piko Cat.No. 37130 / 38130
Piko European BR80 Epoch III Steam Passenger Starter Set with Analogue Sound & Smoke 37125 / 38125
This older boxed PIKO Deutsche Bahn passenger train starter set is a great entry point to experience the exciting world of G scale. Containing an attractive Dampflok Class BR80 Steam Locomotive in Deutsche Bahn (DB) livery, two matching DR coaches in dark green livery, brass track, UK transformer, controller and connecting cables.
The powerful 0-6-0 steam locomotive has a direction-dependent changes of light and is already factory equipped with realistic, analogue sound and switchable steam function.
The sound function can be controlled by two enclosed solenoids which are placed in the track (Cat.No. 35268). In addition, the locomotive has ball bearings and chromed wheel sets.
The set also contains a Hand Wand Uncoupler (Cat.No. 36039) for simple manual uncoupling of the vehicles.
Track Dimensions: 120 x 120 cm Minimum building area: 140 x 140 cm
Contents
Piko Cat. No. 37125 / 38125
1 x Steam Locomotive BR 80
2 x Matching DR Passenger Cars (Green)
12 x 35211 R1 (R1 Curves 600 mm)
1 x 35270 Terminal
1 x 35285 Connecting Terminal Clips (14 pieces)
1 x Throttle
1 x Power Supply (230 V) 20 V / 32 VA DC / AC
2 x 35268 Solenoids
1 x Uncoupling Wand
1 x Smoke Fluid
PIKO USA D&RGW Passenger Starter Set with Sound 37111/38111
An excellent PIKO starter set containing a detailed Denver & Rio Grande Western (D&RGW) Railroad Steam Locomotive with two matching Passenger Cars in authentic livery, a circle of brass track, UK transformer, controller and connecting cables. Locomotive comes factory fitted with a steam generator and realistic sound module.
This powerful loco is built from tough, weather resistant materials for durability inside and outside.
Contents:
1 x Denver & Rio Grande Western 2-6-0 Mogul Steam Locomotive & Tender
1 x Denver & Rio Grande Western Passenger Car with Clerestory roof
1 x Denver & Rio Grande Western Passenger Combine Car with Clerestory roof
12 x 35211 Radius 1 (600 mm) Brass Curved Track Sections
14 x 35285 Track Clips
1 x 35270 Power Connection Clamps
1 x Safety approved Transformer (Input: 230v AC; Output 20 v / 28 VA AC1)
1 x Analogue Speed Controller Regulator 2 x 35268 track magnets to trigger steam whistle, bell and steam functions
1 x Hand Uncoupler Coupler
1 x 10 ml Vial of Smoke Fluid
This video gives you some idea of the train in action but unfortunately the sound quality is none to good and has been drowned out by background noise.
G SCALE ONLINE
PIKO USA Pennsylvania Railroad Freight Train 37103 / 38103
This starter set features a detailed Pennsylvania Railroad Steam Locomotive with matching Reefer and 8-Wheel Caboose, a circle of brass track, UK transformer, controller and connecting cables.
Contents:
1 x Pennsylvania 0-6-0 Steam Locomotive
1 x Pennsy Reefer Car
1 x Pennsy 8-wheel Caboose
12 x 35211 Radius 1 (600 mm) Brass Curved Track Sections
14 x 35285 Track Clips
1 x 35270 Power Connection Clamps
1 x Transformer (Input: 230v AC; Output 20 v / 28 VA AC1)
1 x Speed Controller / Regulator/ Throttle
Piko Cat.No. 37103 / 38103
The introductory video courtesy of Trainworld TV shows the train in action - pity about the overpowering background track.
PIKO USA Santa Fe Railroad Freight Train
37104/38104
This American starter set comes in Santa Fe livery and features a detailed Santa Fe Railroad Steam Locomotive with matching Hopper and 8-Wheel Caboose, a circle of brass track, UK transformer, controller and connecting cables.
Contents:
1 x Santa Fe 0-6-0 Steam Locomotive
1 x Santa Fe Hopper Car
1 x Santa Fe 8-wheel Caboose
12 x 35211 Radius 1 (600 mm) Brass Curved Track Sections
14 x 35285 Track Clips
1 x 35270 Power Connection Clamps
1 x Transformer (Input: 230v AC; Output 20v / 28VA AC1)
1 x Speed Controller / Regulator / Throttle
Piko Cat.No. PK37104 / PK38104
PIKO USA White Pass & Yukon Railroad Freight Train with Analogue Sound & Smoke
37106/38106
Yet another starter set in US White Pass & Yukon Railroad livery featuring a detailed 0-6-0 Steam Locomotive with matching Box Car and 8-Wheel Caboose, a circle of brass track, UK transformer, controller and connecting cables.
Contents:
1 x White Pass & Yukon (WP&Y) 0-6-0 Steam Locomotive
1 x White Pass & Yukon Box Car (with sliding door)
1 x White Pass & Yukon 8-wheel Caboose
12 x 35211 Radius 1 (600 mm) Brass Curved Track Sections
14 x 35285 Track Clips
1 x 35270 Power Connection Clamps
1 x Transformer (Input: 230v AC; Output 20v / 28VA AC1)
1 x Speed Controller / Regulator / Throttle
2 x 35268 Solenoids to trigger steam whistle, bell and steam functions
1 x Hand Coupler
1 x 10 ml Vial of Smoke Oil
Piko Cat.No. 37106 / 38106
Piko American B&O Digital Steam Freight Starter Set with Sound, Smoke and Directional Lights 38141
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This is a set already released in the USA but not in Europe. It is a great way of making the transition into (or even start off in) Digital Train Operation or DCC.
Contents :
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Baltimore and Ohio Steam Engine
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Baltimore and Ohio Box Car
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Baltimore and Ohio Caboose
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12 Pieces (Full circle) of curved brass track (R1 curve = 3.93ft circle)
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Transformer
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Track Power Cables
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Track Clips
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Digital Central Station
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Navigator Remote + Cable (for programming and controlling the train)
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Uncoupling Wand
Piko GE 25 Ton Mighty Hauler Starter Train Set 37150/38250
This set contains everything you need to get started in the world of G Gauge model railways. This set includes a brand new design locomotive based on a small industrial diesel. It also includes two open wagons which can be filled with gravel or other goods for transportation. The track in this set forms a circle and can be extended with either Single Pieces of Piko track or by Track Extension Packs to form set layout designs.
Contents:
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1 x 0-4-0 Diesel Locomotive
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2 x Open Wagons
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12 x Radius 1 Curves (35211)
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1 x Set of Track feed Clips
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1 x Analogue Controller
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1 x UK Power Supply
Measurements:
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Area Required: 130 x 130 cm
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Minimum Space Required: 150 x 150 cm
Piko European V20 Diesel DR Passenger Starter Set with Analogue Sound 37126
Description:
V20 Passenger Starter Set with Analog Sound of the DR, Era III
Contents:
- 1 x V20 Diesel Loco with Analog Sound
- 2 x Passenger Cars
- 12 x 35211 R1 (Curve Track R1 600 mm / 23.6’’)
- 1 x 35270 Track Power Clamp
- 14 x 35285 Track Clips
- 1 x Analog Throttle
- 1 x Safety-Approved 120 V Transformer 24 V DC / 45 VA
- 2 x 35268 Track Magnets
- 1 x 36039 Uncoupling Wand
Piko European V20 Diesel DR Goods Starter Set with Analogue Sound 37121
Another train set based around the DR V20 diesel locomotive (dark green) but this time in a goods version with the two passenger cars being replaced by two freights cars: a short flat wagon with Trabant model car load and a 2-axle gondola.
The powerful diesel locomotive has a direction-dependent light change and is already equipped with realistic, analogue sound. The sound function can be controlled by two enclosed solenoids (track magnets # 35268) reproducing a Horn or Bell sound on the locomotive In addition, the locomotive has ball-bearing and chrome wheelsets. There is also a Hand Coupling/ Uncoupling Wand # 36039.
This starter set also includes the customary 12 x Radius 1 Curve Sections (35211) of 45mm brass track, 1 x Connector Clip (35270) 1 x Throttle, 1 x Power Adapter (230V) 20V / 32 VA DC / AC so you can just unpack the box, set up the track and play trains!
This excellent video shows the set in far more detail:
PIKO GE 25-Ton Industrial Starter Set 37151
This starter set comes with a loco and two cars, analogue throttle (22V / 1.6A + 16V DC), power clamps, a full circle of outdoor/indoor track (R1 radius 600mm / 23.6"), track clips, and a safety-approved transformer (230v, 24V DC, 45 VA).
Features
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GE 25-Ton Diesel Electric locomotive with directional lights
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Locomotive with powerful 5-pole precision can-type motor with reliable gear drive on the front and rear axles.
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Numerous molded-on and factory-applied details on locomotive and cars
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Digital DCC decoder and sound ready
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Detailed cab interior
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Locomotive with metal wheels, plus sliding pickup shoes for reliable electrical contact
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Cars with heavy-duty hard plastic wheels for long-term use, indoors or out.
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Hook and loop type couplers
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Crisp and clean lettering and logo designs
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Created with incredibly tough weather-resistant materials
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Minimum recommended radius: 600mm / 23.6”
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Made in Germany
The GE 25-Ton diesel locomotives are small, two-axle industrial diesel switching locomotives. They were procured by many railroads and shortlines in North America, starting before the Second World War, as American railroads began converting from steam to diesel power. General Electric started in 1938 with the construction of small diesel-electric locomotives.
From this point on, these compact locomotives were used on both standard and narrow-gauge lines for local switching service and operation in industrial plants. All GE-built 25-Ton locomotives had a Cummins 150 hp diesel engine turning a generator, which powered a traction motor on a single axle. The other axle was connected via chain-drive.
The locos were known for their excellent pulling power compared to their size and were popular with operating crews. The locomotives had a maximum speed of about 20 mph. Production lasted for decades with relatively little change, finally ending in 1974.
They were the best-selling small diesel locomotives in America, and many were exported to other markets. Over time, GE made various production modifications, and numerous further changes were made by railroad shops crews.Many are still in use today.
Piko Christmas Freight Starter Set with Analogue Sound & Smoke 37122 / 38122
This seasonal starter set comes with a locomotive and tender and three freight cars, analogue throttle (22V / 1.6A + 16V DC), power clamps, a full circle of outdoor/indoor brass track (R1 radius 600mm / 23.6"), track clips, track magnets for sound activation, smoke fluid, uncoupling wand, and a safety-approved transformer (230v, 24V DC, 45 VA).
Features
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2-6-0 "Mini-Mogul" steam locomotive and tender with directional lights
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Locomotive with powerful 5-pole precision can-type motor with reliable gear drive on the front and rear axles
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Locomotive with great-working 5-volt smoke system and analog steam sound
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Two track magnets for activation of bell and whistle sounds
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Numerous moulded-on and factory-applied details on locomotive and cars
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Locomotive with metal wheels, plus sliding pickup shoes for reliable electrical contact
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Cars with heavy-duty hard plastic wheels for long-term use, indoors or out.
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Hook and loop type couplers
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Crisp and clean lettering and logo designs
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Created with incredibly tough weather-resistant materials
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To add digital sound use a PIKO #36220 Digital Steam Sound Kit
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Minimum recommended radius: 600mm / 23.6”
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Made in Germany
Piko Christmas Freight Starter Set with Analogue Sound & Smoke 37105 / 38105
This seasonally decorated Christmas Starter Set would appeal to all ages and looks great running around the Christmas tree. As usual everything is included to get you up and running with the minimum of fuss.
Contents:
1 x 0-6-0 Saddletank Steam Locomotive in festive livery
1 x Decorated Christmas Reefer Car
1 x Decorated 8-wheel Caboose
12 x 35211 Radius 1 (600 mm) Brass Curved Track Sections
14 x 35285 Track Clips
1 x 35270 Power Connection Clamps
1 x Transformer (Input: 230v AC; Output 20 v / 28 VA AC1)
1 x Speed Controller / Regulator/ Throttle/Track Connection wires.
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How to set up a Piko Train Set:
There are a number of useful videos on how to set up your Train Set and these are just a few of them:
Piko continue to refresh their range of Starter Sets so not all of them may be available from stockists at any one time although they can usually be found on the second-hand market. I have compiled a list of all sets that have so far been released to the best of my knowledge. If you are aware of any other releases please let me know. Every care has been taken to check the accuracy of this list but we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions that may have crept in. The best practice is to do proper research and check all the details before making any purchase.
