Expert MAV M44 Diesel Locomotive III

Expert MAV M44 Diesel Locomotive III

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 III Model Railways
• This model mainly operates in Hungary
• This model is decorated in MAV company markings
• This model is best suited to 358mm radius curves

Details

The MÁV Class M44 is a classic diesel-electric shunting locomotive built for the Magyar Államvasutak (MÁV) from 1954 to 1971 by Ganz–MÁVAG to modernise post-war yard and secondary line operations. With a Bo'Bo' wheel arrangement and robust electric transmission, the M44 was designed to replace obsolete steam shunters and provide strong low-speed tractive effort for heavy shunting, yard movements and light freight duties.

Powered by a Ganz–Jendrassik V16 diesel engine producing around 441 kW (approximately 600 hp) and capable of around 80 km/h, the M44 combined dependable performance with simple, rugged construction. Early prototypes were completed in 1954, and following successful testing, production continued throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Its versatility and reliability led to widespread export to other Eastern European railways.

Beyond Hungary, the M44 was operated by Polish State Railways (PKP) as Classes SM40/SM41, by Bulgarian State Railways (BDŽ), Yugoslav Railways (JŽ) and later Serbian Railways (ŽS), among others, proving its adaptability to varied conditions.