Expert FS D.445 Diesel Locomotive IV

Expert FS D.445 Diesel Locomotive IV

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:

• Analogue DC Model
• Best suited to Epoch IV Model Railways
• This model mainly operates in Italy
• This model is decorated in FS company markings
• This model is best suited to 358mm radius curves

Details

The FS Class D.445 is one of the most widely used diesel-electric locomotives in Italy, developed for Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS) to handle both passenger and freight services where electrification was absent or limited. Introduced in 1974, the class was designed around a rugged and reliable Co'Co' wheel arrangement and equipped with modern (for the time) diesel-electric transmission that delivered strong performance and excellent tractive effort.

Built until 1988, a total of 418 D.445 locomotives were produced, making it one of the most numerous mainline diesels in Italian post-war history. The class was capable of 140 km/h, making it suitable for fast regional passenger trains as well as heavy freight workings. Its robust construction and adaptability allowed it to remain in regular service for decades, even as newer locomotives and multiple units arrived.

D.445s were a familiar sight across Italy’s non-electrified network, working with traditional Italian coaching stock as well as freight consists. A variety of liveries were applied over its lifetime, including classic FS green and later FS red and silver schemes, reflecting evolving corporate identity.