Expert DB BR220 Diesel Locomotive IV (DCC-Sound)

Expert DB BR220 Diesel Locomotive IV (DCC-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:

• DCC Sound Model
• Best suited to Epoch IV Model Railways
• This model mainly operates in Germany
• This model is decorated in DB company markings
• This model is best suited to 358mm radius curves

Details

The DB Class V 200 was a landmark diesel-hydraulic locomotive introduced in the 1950s by Deutsche Bundesbahn as part of the transition away from steam traction on Germany’s mainlines. It was one of the first truly modern diesel locomotives in West Germany, designed to haul express passenger trains and later adapted to a variety of duties as electrification spread.

Development began with five prototype locomotives built in 1953–1954 by Krauss-Maffei, which were extensively tested to ensure reliability and performance. One prototype even completed a long self-powered tour through Yugoslavia, Greece and Turkey to demonstrate its capability to potential users abroad. Full production started in 1956, with 61 locomotives built by Krauss-Maffei and 20 by MaK, creating a distinctive fleet that was instantly recognisable on Germany’s rails.

The V 200 was originally deployed on top-link expresses, replacing ageing steam classes and helping modernise post-war rail travel. As electrification extended, the locomotives were increasingly used on commuter and freight services, though they continued to haul expresses on routes such as Hamburg–Westerland and Munich–Lindau.

From 1962, the V 200.0 was followed by the more powerful V 200.1 (later Class 221). By 1977, V 200.0s were concentrated in northern depots, but their two-engine design and steam heating made them costly compared with newer diesels. The last V 200 was withdrawn from DB service in 1984.