Arnold HN2574 - FS, diesel locomotive D.445 of the 3rd series with four headlights in MDVC livery, Ep. IV-V

Arnold HN2574 - FS, diesel locomotive D.445 of the 3rd series with four headlights in MDVC livery, Ep. IV-V

 

Prototype information

The FS D445 diesel locomotives represent the latest evolution of the Italian "standard train diesel locomotives", a family that also includes the D343, D345 and D443 groups, which have the same design of the fronts and general lines of the structure, as well as the extensive standardization of numerous components.
The D445s are therefore the most powerful and numerous FS diesel machines, built between 1974 and 1988 in a total of 150 units divided into three series. They are equipped with a 1560 kW FIAT diesel generator combined with a continuously variable three-phase transmission capable of developing a power of 1210 kW at the rim, allowing them to reach a speed of 130 km/h, ideal for passenger transport on the non-electrified secondary lines for which they are intended.
They are also the only FS diesel locomotives capable of providing the REC (Electric Carriage Heating) essential for passenger service.
The appearance of the 1st series units (1001-1035) follows that of the earlier D343/D345/D443, with the livery in green/Isabella with aluminium and red stripes on the front and initially the typical wraparound windows remaining almost unchanged; from the 2nd series (1036-1055) the units were fitted with remote control for shuttle trains via a 78-pin line and the new, eye-catching MDVC livery matching the carriages in the same livery and flat front windows (later extended to all units); finally the 3rd series units (1056-1150) differed from the earlier "shuttle" units by the modern headlights with red lights separated from the white ones. Like all FS vehicles, all series received the XMPR livery between the late 1990s and early 2000s, initially with some differences in layout; in recent years, some units of the 3rd series have been equipped for the transport of intercity trains on routes not yet electrified and from February 2022 they received the corresponding livery with a white background and red and gray stripes.

 

Technical details

- Mechanics with metal frame, 5-pole central motor with double cardan drive on both axles of both bogies, two wheels with grip ring.
- Minimum bending radius: 192 mm.
- Electrical system with Next18 (NEM 662) interface for DCC and DCC sound decoders, preparation for "sugar cube" loudspeakers 11 x 15 mm.
- "Cube" 11 x 15 mm.
- "S" versions with ESU Loksound Micro V5 sound decoder and loudspeaker installed as standard, with model-specific sounds.
- White headlight and Red tail light with automatic switching depending on the direction of travel, with independent control of red lights and third headlights (in digital mode) and the option of selectively switching off the headlights, in digital mode via decoder and in analog mode.
Digital mode via decoder and in analog mode via DIP switch.
- Close coupling drawbar on both end caps, hook with normal coupling according to NEM 355/356/357 for N gauge.
- The headlights, windscreens, FS logos and couplings are consistently differentiated according to the model series and era being reproduced.

 

 

 

Characteristics:

Manufacturer:	Arnold
Item number:	HN2574
number of pieces:	1 piece
EAN:	5063129014445
Product Type:	Diesel locomotive
track:	N
scale:	1:160
model series:	D.445
Company number:	D.445
Railway company:	FS
country:	IT
epoch:	IV-V
Metal model:	partly made of metal
grinder:	No
Electricity system:	DC
operation mode:	DC Analog
interface:	Next18 (NEM662)
Digital decoder:	No
engine:	5-pole motor
Motor with flywheel:	Yes
Length over buffer:	88mm
Minimum radius:	192mm
coupling:	Shaft NEM 355 with KK kinematics
digital coupling:	No
Interior design:	equipped with interior furnishings
Headlight:	LED headlight
Sound:	No
Age recommendation:	14 years and older
WEEE No.:	DE47027570