Piko 52146 H0 - T 669 Diesel Locomotive, CSD, Era IV

T 669 diesel shunter model in Czechoslovak State Railways livery

A model of the T 669 diesel locomotive — the six-axle ČKD machine that for decades handled heavy shunting at the largest marshalling yards in Czechoslovakia and across the Eastern Bloc. The version reproduced by PIKO shows a Czechoslovak State Railways locomotive in an era IV setting.

The model is built around a heavy, precisely made die-cast frame and a motor with two flywheels, which translates into smooth running and pulling power in keeping with the character of the prototype. Four axles are driven, and one wheelset in each bogie carries traction tyres, arranged diagonally. The PluX22 socket to NEM 658 is prepared for straightforward retrofitting of a sound decoder.

Model specifications:

• Scale: H0 (1:87)
• Catalogue number: 52146
• Manufacturer: PIKO
• Model length: 199 mm
• Era: IV
• Power supply: DC
• Decoder socket: NEM 658 – PluX22
• Decoder: not included; the model is prepared for retrofitting the PIKO sound decoder no. 56542 (available separately)
• Drive: motor with two flywheels, four driven axles
• 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
• 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 52146 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 T 669:

Work on a heavy six-axle diesel shunter began at ČKD Praha in the early 1960s, aimed at driving steam out of heavy shunting and hump work at major yards. Three prototypes appeared in 1963: T 669.0001 for the ČSD and two broad-gauge ČME3 machines for the Soviet railways. The design is a classic hood layout with an offset cab, a slow-running six-cylinder ČKD K 6 S 310 DR engine and DC electric transmission.

Series production started in 1967. For the ČSD, 111 units of class T 669.0 were built in 1967–1969 and 207 units of class T 669.1 in 1969–1972; from 1988 they were redesignated 770 and 771 respectively. The 771 differed in using linkages that improved adhesion, raising tractive effort. As ČKD Praha was busy with export orders, much of the assembly was moved to the works at Dubnica nad Váhom.

In export terms the ČME3 family became one of the most numerous locomotive classes in the world — more than eight thousand were built by the 1990s, mainly for the Soviet railways but also for Poland (the industrial S200 series), Albania, Iraq, Syria and India. In Czechia and Slovakia the Čmelák is gradually being withdrawn, with many machines passing to private operators and engineering train duties.

Prototype specifications (T 669 / classes 770 and 771):

• Manufacturer: ČKD Praha and the works at Dubnica nad Váhom
• Built: prototypes 1963; T 669.0 — 1967–1969, T 669.1 — 1969–1972
• Output: 111 class 770 and 207 class 771 units for the ČSD; the whole ČME3 family exceeded 8,000 units
• Wheel arrangement: Co'Co'
• Length: 17,220–17,240 mm
• Service weight: 112–116 t
• Engine: ČKD K 6 S 310 DR rated at 993 kW
• Top speed: 90 km/h
• Role: heavy hump and yard shunting, freight work on the line

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.