DR V36 Diesel Locomotive III

DR V36 Diesel Locomotive III

1:22.5 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 III Model Railways
• This model mainly operates in Germany
• This model is decorated in DR company markings
• This model is best suited to 600mm radius curves

Details

From the 1920s, Germany began experimenting with diesel locomotives on a larger scale, but widespread development was interrupted by the rise of the National Socialist regime, which sought to reduce reliance on imported oil. Despite this, from 1935 onwards, diesel locomotives were produced for military purposes, as their lack of visible smoke made them safer from air raids. Leading German manufacturers developed multiple classes with mechanical and hydrodynamic transmissions, ranging from 110 to 550 HP.

The V 36 was originally built for the Wehrmacht, with 292 locomotives constructed and initially designated WR 360 C 14. The later designation, V 36, reflects its Verbrennungsmotor (combustion engine) and 360 HP output. Its compact design and reliable transmission made it well-suited for light mainline work, shunting, and military transport.

After World War II, V 36 locomotives found service in both East and West Germany, performing passenger and freight duties on secondary lines and continuing as versatile shunting engines. The V 36 is notable for bridging the gap between early experimental diesels and post-war mainline diesel technology, making it an interesting subject for Era II–III German railway modelling.