Piko 52388 Expert PKP SM41 Diesel Locomotive IV (DCC-Sound) HO Gauge

Expert PKP SM41 Diesel Locomotive IV (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 IV Model Railways This model mainly operates in Poland This model is decorated in PKP company markings This model is best suited to 358mm radius curves Details The PKP Class SM40 and SM41 were early diesel-electric shunting locomotives used by Polskie Koleje Panstwowe (PKP), imported from Hungary in the late 1950s and 1960s to modernise Poland’s diesel fleet. These locomotives were based on the Hungarian MÁV Class M44 design built by Ganz–MÁVAG between the 1950s and 1970s, and were among the first heavier diesel diesels to work in large numbers on Polish railways. The early batch delivered to PKP in 1958–1959 was initially designated Lwe58 before being reclassified as SM40. Later examples supplied from 1961 onwards featured simplified electropneumatic controls and side railings and were designated SM41. Both types used a Bo'Bo' wheel arrangement, electric transmission, and a Ganz-Jendrassik V16 diesel engine rated at about 441 kW, giving a top speed of roughly 80 km/h, ideal for shunting, light freight and yard work. The SM40 and SM41 locomotives worked extensively in marshalling yards, depots and secondary line duties, replacing older steam shunters and helping expand diesel operations. Although early units suffered some technical teething problems, the class proved reliable enough that over 260 SM41s were purchased. The final units were withdrawn from PKP service by 2000, with a few preserved in museums and heritage collections.