Piko 52586 Expert DR V200 1001 Diesel Locomotive III (~AC-Sound) HO Gauge

Expert DR V200 1001 Diesel Locomotive III (~AC-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: AC Sound Model Best suited to Epoch III Model Railways This model mainly operates in Germany This model is decorated in DR company markings This model is best suited to 358mm radius curves Details The DB Class V 200 was a landmark diesel-hydraulic locomotive developed in the 1950s for the Deutsche Bundesbahn as part of the move away from steam traction on mainline services. A series of five prototype locomotives was built by Krauss-Maffei in 1953–1954 and tested extensively, including a notable demonstration journey under their own power through Yugoslavia, Greece and Turkey to showcase their capability to international audiences. Full production began in 1956, with 61 locomotives built by Krauss-Maffei and 20 by MaK, creating a distinctive and powerful fleet. The V 200 was originally deployed on express passenger services throughout West Germany, replacing ageing steam classes and helping to modernise post-war rail travel. As main lines were progressively electrified, the V 200 was increasingly used on commuter and freight services, while still hauling premier expresses on routes such as Hamburg–Westerland, Hamburg–Lübeck–Copenhagen and Munich–Lindau. In 1962, the V 200.0 was followed by the more powerful V 200.1 (later designated Class 221). From 1977, remaining V 200.0 locomotives were concentrated in northern German depots, but their two-engine layout and steam heating systems became outdated compared to newer single-engine diesels and modern electric train heating. The last V 200 was withdrawn from DB service in 1984.