H0 Expert Diesel Locomotive SM31 PKP Cargo VI #52300
10.07.2023 H0 Expert Diesel Locomotive SM31 PKP Cargo VI #52300
The SM31 rolls up! The Polish diesel locomotive as a powerful H0 model from PIKO
52300 Diesel locomotive SM31 PKP Cargo era VI 179,00 €
52302 Diesel locomotive SM31 PKP Cargo era VI, PIKO TrainSound® Onboard 289,00 €
52303 ~Diesel locomotive SM31 PKP Cargo era VI, PIKO TrainSound® Onboard 289,00 €
The advantages of the models in key points
- Completely new construction
- Filigree attachments, partly made of metal
- Driver's cab, undercarriage and instrument lighting digitally switchable
- Silky smooth driving characteristics thanks to sophisticated drive technology
- Finely etched fan grille and freely rotatable fan wheel
- Sound variant with modern PIKO SmartDecoder XP
» The model in the PIKO webshop
Some information about the prototype and model
The increased demands of heavy shunting and freight service prompted PKP to procure powerful diesel locomotives. In addition to imports from the RGW countries, Fablok began in 1973 with the development of its own large diesel locomotive with 1200 hp, for which basic components were taken over from the tried and tested SM42. From 1976, PKP received 167 of these machines and classified them as SM31 003 - 169. For the needs of the industry another 28 machines followed, which were supplemented by the two prototypes not taken over by the PKP. Contrary to expectations, the heavy Co'Co' machines were not suitable for use on industrial sidings, so many were promptly withdrawn or sold to PKP. The locomotives that were sold were given new order numbers at PKP to avoid duplication. Today, about 30 locomotives of this series are still in service, most of them in Upper Silesia. Although the machines were repeatedly retrofitted with current radio and safety systems over four decades of operational service, a general reconstruction remains absent, in contrast to other series.
Our prototype: Diesel locomotive SM31-118 PKP Cargo
With the SM31, there was an extremely impressive prototype to be transferred to 1:87 scale. Great emphasis was placed on attention to detail. The extensive and extremely vivid engravings on the locomotive's body are proof of this. Examples for the high quality of the model are also the multi-part representation of the axial fan and the outstandingly detailed bogies. Technically, the model follows proven PIKO principles: A mid-mounted motor with two flywheel masses drives the respective outer wheel sets of both bogies via cardan shafts. The zinc die-cast chassis and the attached motor mount provide enormous frictional weight. The factory-equipped locomotives for digital operation have, in addition to the obligatory front and rear lights, switchable chassis and driver's cab lights, and an illuminated instrument panel is also available. In addition, a variety of sound functions are available, such as the preheating device or entertaining radio messages. The analogue models can be easily upgraded for digital operation thanks to the PluX22 interface.
The highly detailed PIKO model of the SM31 proves once again that prototypical model realisation and maximum operational suitability are by no means mutually exclusive.
10.07.2023 Productmanagement