Piko 59278 H0 - SM42 diesel locomotive, PNI, Era VI

SM42 diesel shunter model in the yellow livery of PNI

A model of the SM42 diesel shunter — the most numerous Polish diesel locomotive, present on sidings and freight yards from the 1960s to the present day. The version reproduced by PIKO carries the bold yellow livery of the operator PNI in an era VI setting.

The model faithfully captures the proportions of the prototype. Precise engraving on the bogies shows details such as axle box covers and springing elements, while the body with its fan grilles, flaps, handrails and railings retains an authentic character. A strong motor drives all four axles through two cardan shafts. The eight-pin decoder socket to NEM 652 simplifies retrofitting a decoder and sound with the largest possible speaker.

Model specifications:

• Scale: H0 (1:87)
• Catalogue number: 59278
• Manufacturer: PIKO
• Model length: 164 mm
• Era: VI
• Power supply: DC
• Decoder socket: NEM 652 (eight-pin)
• Decoder: not included
• Drive: strong motor driving four axles through two cardan shafts
• Traction tyres: 2
• Coupling: NEM 362 coupler pocket (without 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 59278 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 SM42:

The SM42 is regarded as the first fully successful Polish diesel locomotive design. Conceptual work began in 1961 and Fablok completed the prototype in 1964. The class was intended to drive steam out of shunting work and to marshal trains for more powerful main-line machines. The design is a four-axle hood locomotive with an a8C22 engine of around 590 kW and electric transmission.

Production ran from the mid-1960s to 1992 with a total output of around 1,800 units, of which more than a thousand went to PKP and the rest to industry and export. The industrial version was designated Ls800P. It is the most numerous Polish diesel locomotive and remains the backbone of shunting for PKP Cargo and private operators. The same carbody also carried passenger variants: the SP42 with a heating boiler and the SU42 with electric train heating.

Since the 1990s many modernisations have appeared — types 6Da, 6Dc, 6Dd, 6Dg, 6Dk and 18D — with MTU and Caterpillar engines, new driving desks and radio control, known collectively as the SM42-2000 family. The Nowy Sącz works alone rebuilt 187 machines to 6Dg standard by 2018. Locomotives of this family today serve industrial sidings, terminals and freight yards across the country, including with private operators.

Prototype specifications (SM42, Fablok type 6D):

• Manufacturer: Fablok Chrzanów, type 6D
• Built: 1965–1992 (prototype 1964)
• Output: approx. 1,800 units
• Wheel arrangement: Bo'Bo'
• Length: 14,240 mm
• Service weight: 70–74 t
• Engine: a8C22 rated at 588–590 kW, electric transmission
• Top speed: 90 km/h
• Role: shunting, light and medium 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.