Piko 52388 H0 - SM41 Diesel Locomotive, PKP, Era IV, DCC with sound

Digital SM41 diesel shunter model in Polish State Railways livery

A digital model of the SM41 diesel shunter — the Ganz-MÁVAG design that PKP turned to at a time when Polish diesel traction was still developing. The version reproduced by PIKO represents an era IV setting and comes with a factory-fitted sound decoder.

The model reproduces the version with a ribbed body. The finish includes applied sand boxes, sand pipes and brake shoes, an additional tank, an air conditioning unit, a speedometer and a horn, together with fine handrails and steps. Characteristic details of the Polish version are the Hungarian-style exhaust, the PKP aerial and square sockets. The driver’s desk is illuminated. The factory-fitted PIKO sound decoder in PluX22 standard reproduces the operating sounds of the locomotive and controls digitally switchable cab lighting.

Model specifications:

• Scale: H0 (1:87)
• Catalogue number: 52388
• Manufacturer: PIKO
• Model length: 130 mm
• Era: IV
• Power supply: DC
• Decoder socket: NEM 658 – PluX22
• Decoder: PIKO sound decoder, factory-fitted
• 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
• Illuminated driver’s desk
• Digitally switchable cab lighting
• The model is painted and ready to run
• Recommended age: 14 years and over

Please note: a DCC command station and powered track are required to operate this model.

The model is not a starter set and does not include track or a controller. To use all the digital functions — sound and independent lighting control — a DCC command station is required (for example the PIKO SmartControl or any other DCC-compatible controller) connected to powered track. The model can also be run on a conventional analogue DC layout, but only provided that the decoder has the alternative power source function enabled (analogue operation — controlled in the DCC standard by bit 2 of register CV29). It is active by default, but if it has previously been switched off, applying DC to the track may damage the decoder. In analogue mode only basic running is available — without sound or digital functions.

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 52388 has a factory-fitted sound decoder and is intended above all for digital operation.

About the SM41:

In the mid-1950s the Polish railways lacked powerful diesel shunters, and many depots still worked with obsolete steam engines. PKP turned to proven Hungarian technology — the MÁVAG type DVM 2, known on the Hungarian railways as class M44. After trials covering more than two thousand kilometres, ten machines were ordered, delivered in 1958–1959 and ultimately designated SM40-01 to 10.

The experience was good enough that PKP ordered the developed Ganz-MÁVAG DVM 2-2 version, with simplified electro-pneumatic control allowing multiple working from a single desk. This became class SM41 — around 364 units in total, of which 264 went to PKP and the rest to industry. The locomotives worked shunting duties but, thanks to considerable tractive effort, were also used on the line. The lack of train heating equipment kept them out of winter passenger work.

Their operating areas ranged from major hubs — Warsaw, Gdańsk and Wrocław — to regional freight yards and the sidings of steelworks and chemical plants. From the mid-1960s the Hungarian classes began to be displaced by the more powerful home-built SM42. The last SM41 worked until 2000 at Grudziądz. Individual examples survive, including SM40-01 and SM41-01 at the Railway Rolling Stock Heritage Park in Chabówka.

Prototype specifications (SM41, Ganz-MÁVAG type DVM 2-2):

• Manufacturer: Ganz-MÁVAG, Budapest
• Deliveries: SM40 — 1958–1959 (10 units); SM41 — around 364 units in total
• PKP fleet: 264 SM41 locomotives
• Wheel arrangement: Bo'Bo'
• Length: 11,278 mm
• Service weight: approx. 62 t
• Engine: V16 XVIJV170/240 rated at 441 kW, electric transmission
• Top speed: 80 km/h
• Maximum tractive effort: 182.6 kN
• Role: yard shunting, light main-line work
• End of PKP service: 2000

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.