Rivarossi HR2968 FS, E.656 4th series original livery, without gutter, with dampers, ep. V

Rivarossi HR2968 FS, E.656 4th series original livery, without gutter, with dampers, ep. V

Product Info

The electric locomotives E656 represent the last evolution of the big family of "articulated" FS locomotives. They have been delivered starting from 1975 for a total of 461 units, divided into 6 series with some technical and esthetical differences due to the evolution of the project over the years. Thanks to the high power and top speed of 150 km/h, they have been immediately destined to the most important long-distance trains of the period, but also to local trains with many stops and heavy and demanding freight trains, becoming quickly the backbone of the FS traction rolling stock.

In 1976 the magazine "Voci della Rotaia" made a survey to find a nickname for the E656, and "Caimano" was the winner.

All the E656 have been painted in the classic grey/blue livery, with red stripe on front, rounded FS logo and yellow stripes around it, but initially the livery planned was inspired by the TEE trains, with red stripes over a yellow background. At the end of the ‘90s, same as all the FS rolling stock, they received the XMPR livery light grey/green with blue stripe.

From 2002 the units of the Cargo division, destined to freight trains, received a short gear ratio to increase the performance and reduce the top speed to 120 km/h; all modified units have been classified as E655.

Technical features:

· NEW TOOLS for bodyshells, bogies and related separate parts, with accurate reproduction of all the typical features of the different series on fronts, sides and roof

· Reliable mechanics with articulated chassis and gearboxes in metal, powerful central 5-poles motori and transmission with double cardan shaft on both head bogies; two wheels with traction tyre

· New electric system, with 21-poles plug NEM 660/21MTC for DCC and DCC Sound decoders, with predisposition for one "sugar cube" speaker 11 x 15 mm