Piko 22008 Expert VSM 500 Diesel Locomotive VI (DCC-Sound) HO Gauge

Expert VSM 500 Diesel Locomotive VI (DCC-Sound) 1:87 scale model produced by Piko. This model is ready-to-run straight out of the box and would make a excellent addition to any model railway collection. Features: DCC Sound Model Best suited to Epoch VI Model Railways This model mainly operates in Netherlands This model is decorated in VSM company markings This model is best suited to 358mm radius curves Details The NS Class 500 was a series of diesel-electric shunting locomotives used by Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) in the Netherlands in the post-Second World War era. Closely related to the NS Class 600 and Class 700 types, the Class 500 locomotives trace their origins to surplus War Department shunters acquired by NS in 1945 and 1946. These early units were taken into Dutch service and numbered 501–510, where they quickly proved their worth as reliable yard engines. Built to a British design similar to the LMS / British Rail Class 11, the NS Class 500 had a “6K” diesel engine producing around 350 hp, with only an engine brake rather than a full train brake system. Following their initial success, NS placed orders for a further 35 locomotives in the late 1940s to expand its shunting fleet during the critical period of railway reconstruction. The Class 500 shared the same compact, functional appearance as its 600-series siblings and was used extensively in Dutch yards and depots. Over time, as newer shunters and yard tractors arrived, the Class 500 locomotives were gradually withdrawn from NS service. Many were preserved by heritage groups or found second careers in industrial use.