Piko 51449 H0 - 431.194 Electric Locomotive, MAV, Era VI

Class 431.194 electric locomotive model in Hungarian State Railways livery

A model of the electric locomotive designated 431.194 today and known for decades as the V43 — the most important electric locomotive in Hungarian railway history. The version reproduced by PIKO represents an era VI setting, when these machines, after the introduction of UIC numbering, worked mainly on regional and freight duties.

The model stands out for its accurate engraving and colourful, legible printing. Inside, a robust drive is combined with modern electronics: the PluX22 socket to NEM 658 and a spacious circuit board allow a decoder to be fitted together with the largest possible speaker. With a decoder installed, digitally switchable cab lighting becomes available, and two traction tyres increase pulling power.

Model specifications:

• Scale: H0 (1:87)
• Catalogue number: 51449
• Manufacturer: PIKO
• Model length: 180 mm
• Era: VI
• Power supply: DC
• Decoder socket: NEM 658 – PluX22
• Decoder: not included; the model is prepared for retrofitting the PIKO sound decoder no. 56598 (available separately)
• Traction tyres: 2
• Coupling: NEM 362 coupler pocket with close coupling kinematics
• Minimum radius: 358 mm
• Lighting: lights changing with the direction of travel: white and red
• Digitally switchable cab lighting (with a PluX22 decoder fitted)
• The model is painted and ready to run
• Recommended age: 14 years and over

Please note: powered track and a controller are required to operate this model.

The model is not a starter set and does not include track or a controller. As supplied, without a decoder, the locomotive runs on a conventional analogue DC layout — a power supply with variable voltage is all that is needed. Once a decoder is fitted in the prepared socket, the model works in the digital DCC system and requires a command station, for example the PIKO SmartControl or another DCC-compatible controller. The decoder and speaker are not included and are available separately.

Model railways – digital or analogue control?

The digital DCC control system allows several locomotives to run independently on the same track. Each vehicle receives individual commands while the rail voltage stays constant, which makes realistic operation possible and allows the lights and sound effects of every locomotive to be controlled separately. In an analogue system all vehicles on a given circuit are controlled at once by varying the supply voltage. PIKO model 51449 is supplied without a decoder and in this form works in analogue operation; the prepared socket allows a switch to digital control at any time.

About the MÁV V43 (Class 431):

The V43 is the most important electric locomotive in Hungarian railway history. Its ancestry goes back to the French school of design — the successful SNCF BB 9400 was the model — and the first seven prototypes were ordered in 1960 within the European 50 Hz Group and built in Essen. A further 372 units were built under licence in Hungary by Ganz-MÁVAG between 1963 and 1982, for a total of 379 machines.

The nickname Szili, from the Hungarian for silicon, refers to the silicon rectifiers that were novel when the class appeared. Later sub-classes earned their own names — the V43 2000 became Papagáj and the V43 3000 Cirmos. The compact four-axle machine, weighing 80 t and rated at 2,220 kW, proved so versatile that for half a century it hauled practically everything: semi-fast, stopping, suburban and freight trains across the whole 25 kV 50 Hz network.

The V43 remained the backbone of MÁV electric traction well into the 2000s. UIC numbering was introduced in 2011, renaming the V43 1000 sub-class as Class 431. Only modern designs — the Bombardier TRAXX and the Siemens Vectron — are now displacing them, but many still work, mainly on regional and freight duties, and machines in historic liveries are a highlight of Hungarian railway events.

Prototype specifications (MÁV V43 / Class 431):

• Manufacturer: prototypes — 50 Hz Group (built in Essen); series — Ganz-MÁVAG under licence
• Built: 1963–1982
• Output: 379 units
• Wheel arrangement: Bo'Bo'
• Length: 15,700 mm
• Weight: 80 t
• Power: 2,220 kW
• Supply voltage: 25 kV 50 Hz
• Top speed: 130 km/h, later limited to 120 km/h
• Role: universal — passenger and freight trains

About the manufacturer – PIKO:

PIKO is a German manufacturer of model railways with more than seventy years of tradition, founded in 1949 in Sonneberg. Today it is one of the most popular model railway brands in Europe and a leading producer of Polish prototype models, including locomotives and coaches in PKP, PKP Intercity and PKP Cargo colours. The range covers H0, TT, N and G scales, from individual wagons to comprehensive starter sets and digital control systems. The PIKO Expert range combines a high level of detail with modern digital technology — with factory-fitted DCC and sound decoders in selected models. PIKO products are valued by modellers and collectors worldwide.