SBB Giruno “Ceneri 2020”: All-New Construction Engineered in 1:87 Scale

Prototype: The SBB Giruno, officially designated RABe 501, is Switzerland’s latest-generation high-speed train, developed by Stadler Rail and introduced in 2019. Designed specifically for international long-distance operations on the north–south axis, the Giruno connects Switzerland with Italy through the Gotthard Base Tunnel and represents a major step forward in SBB’s cross-border international services on the north-south corridor. In 2026, SBB plans to extend Giruno rail services into Germany via Basel, further strengthening its international network.

On 15 December 2019, train number 501 008 received a special “Ceneri 2020” livery to celebrate the completion of the Ceneri Base Tunnel— the final element of the NRLA (New Rail Link through the Alps). This commemorative design marked a significant milestone in Switzerland’s long-term vision to enhance north–south connectivity with faster, more efficient alpine rail travel.

Model: ARWICO in partnership with Piko is bringing to market SBB Giruno in “Ceneri 2020” livery in a completely new construction in 1:87 scale. The model built true to prototype features two different control cars and nine distinct intermediate coaches, each equipped with its own faithfully reproduced and prototypically accurate interiors.

The model is driven by 4 powered axles, a powerful 5-pole motor with 2 flywheels, and 8 traction tires in coach F. Power pickup is handled through the two bogies of the control cars, with electronic selection of the active control car for optimal operations. Power bridging for dead track sections is managed by a processor-controlled system without any braking mechanism, ensuring that the train can come to a precise stop in front of a signal showing ‘halt’, even though the powered car is in the middle of the consist. 

The 11-car train consist is coupled and engineered for both realism and operational flexibility. A multi-pole power-conducting coupling system runs through the entire consist, supported by short-coupling kinematics on all coaches. End control cars A and L feature front couplers without short-coupling mechanisms for prototype fidelity.

Removable front caps allow two complete trainsets to be coupled seamlessly.

Three coupling types are included:

1. Scharfenberg-style imitation
2. Adapter with NEM coupling pocket
3. Loop coupler for navigating tight R1 curves

Digital Innovation – Exciting Light Features and Sound Functions

The model is a digital model railroaders delight with several exciting and innovative light and sound features, elevating realism to a new level of bus-controlled architecture.  The following are some of the distinct features:

• Dimmable interior lighting in all coaches
• Illuminated train destination displays in the entrance doors
• PIKO XP 5.1 decoder with a PluX22 interface located in coach G
• Newly developed adaptive speed controller ensures smooth running, supported by bidirectional prototypical sound coupling and factory-set load compensation

True-to-Prototype Lighting and Sound Features

End cars feature a highly detailed lighting system:

• 12 individually controlled lights
• 16 country-specific lighting configurations controlled and dimmed via a processor-based lighting logic
• Cab lighting and driver’s desk lighting
• Several prototypical operating sounds including multiple station announcements
• Coaches D and K contain dual speakers placed exactly where the traction motors sit in the real train, creating spatially accurate, immersive sound.