NEW: Upcoming Whitcomb 65 Ton Switcher! - Model Railroader Magazine

Latecomer, but also interested in this model.  After contacting the folks at Piko America and my favorite hobby shop, this is what info I gathered...

These will be available at any shop that sells Piko stuff... so you don't have to find a Euro only store.  All hobby shops in the States can sell Piko, so if you want it ask your favorite shop to sell it to you. (It's already listed with German translated text on Trainworld's site.  TW lists it as a 65-DE-19A while Piko America says its a Whitcomb 65T... likely for more U.S. appeal.)

The model will have some variations, but it appears they are all tall-cab/hood versions.  They do plan "North American" versions that they are eluding too.  Basically saying "we have not announced everything that will be announced" later this year.

The first model versions are, USATC and Netherlands, are more of an 'as seen in Europe' version so it sounds like it will have the buffers. :( 

They have mentioned more models coming, so it is likely we see an ACL version since that seems like the most popular of roads that had one!?  (They won't answer you when you ask, but some of the wording sounds like they might.)  They did ask what roads I would like to see... so, that's good that they would consider more.

Some other details they mentioned...

- They will be using a "PIKO SmartDecoder 4.1 Sound" Plux22 decoder, that they make. It follows all NMRA standards.  I was told during NMRA testing they basically said it passed with flying colors. (tested better than many brands you already have heard of apparently?)

- This is a high-end model with what they say is "nice detail and many digitally-operated functions and sounds."

- Piko products have a 2-year warranty that is handled from San Diego if it was bought in the States.  They are known to have great service.

- The wheelsets will be NEM, not RP25.  (Apparently German's really dislike RP25 due to derailing issues?)  My hobby shop mentioned that Piko says the wheelsets will work fine on code 100 and 83 rail.

- They will have versions that are more North American that will have no buffers and a knuckle coupler. (Sounds unlikely they will have all handrail variations.)

- They make their own knuckle coupler and it's similar to a Kadee #17... who knew!? 

- The marker lights (for lack of a better term) will be on all versions.  I think only one road used them in the States, and not for long?