After positive experiences with the operation of domestically-produced SP45-series locomotives, the Polish State Railways decided to order a more powerful machine that could be directed to handle qualified passenger traffic . Thelocomotive's designers decided touse the engine already proven in the SP45 underlicense from FIAT, but increased its power to 2250 hp. This turned out to be a very good decision, as the much more powerful engine consumed little more fuel than its predecessor.
Other innovations in the design were theuse of an alternator for electric train heating , as well as a new form of driver's cab that made iteasier to install , and aself-supporting locomotive body characterized by corrugated walls. After diagnosing and removing minor " childhooddiseases " in the prototypes SU46-001 and
SU46-002 the Cegielski plants in Poznan delivered a further 50 units in 1976-1977
locomotives, which met PKP's expectations to such anextent that consideration was given to ordering another 267 machines with a maximum speed of 120 km/h and engine power of 1654 kW. For various reasons this did not materialize, and in 1985 only 2 locomotives were produced :SU46-053 and 054.In 2012, more than 30 machines of the SU46 series were still performing their hard
daily service.
News 2022: A print variant of the SU46 by PKP's Era V. The PIKO SU46 is distinguished by its successful mold design and consistent execution of all relevant prototype details. The PIKO SU46 features the finest painting and printing, matching lamps, digitally switchable driver's cab and engine room lighting, and front and rear lights that operate according to the direction of travel using LEDs. The detailed engine room equipment was designed as an attraction with a clear view for a more realistic effect. A heavy die-cast zinc frame, two traction tires and a five-speed motor with two flywheels provide excellent handling characteristics and high pulling forces. Uncomplicated sound retrofitting and the largest possible speaker is prepared on a neat circuit board with a PluX22 interface. Attached dummy brake hoses are included for the SU46 model.
Model specifications:
- Manufacturer: PIKO
- Scale: 1/87 H0
- Product code: 52870
- Locomotive type: SU46
- Designation: PKP
- Epoch: IV
- Length: 218mm
- Minimum turning radius: 358mm
- Power system: direct current
- Digital interface: NEM 658 PluX22
- Light change: light change according to direction white/red
- Interior lighting / Lights: digitally switchable driver's cab lighting (with PluX22 decoder)
- Clutch: NEM shaft + short coupling link
- Sound: PIKO sound decoder can be retrofitted #56533
- Number of traction tires: 2
- Age: 14+