In 1958 ,production of the first Polish freight electric locomotive began at the Pafawag plant in Wroclaw .Two prototypes and 18 series machines underwent thorough testing, resulting in design changes in another 70 units. By 1971
a total of 658 locomotives of this type were delivered. Reaching a top speed of 100 km/h, the machines were designed to run a train of 2,400 tons at 70 km/h in level terrain .ET21-series locomotives could be found for along time on virtually the entire electrified network in Poland. With the increasing number of ET22-series machines , ET21-series locomotives were gradually pushed out to the south of the country. Originally, theET21 series was to be withdrawn from service as early as2002, but the locomotives served much longer, and can still be found todayin the colors of private carriers.
Novelty 2022: A contemporary model of the PKP ET21 is sure to touch the hearts of many railroad friends in our country, as the freight locomotive is one of the milestones of traction change in Poland. PIKO pays tribute to this historical value in an H0 scale model. The result is a model that perfectly captures the character of the original. Typical features of the PIKO Expert models can also be found in the ET21: finely engraved and extremely plastic fan grilles, precisely openworked bogie panels and extremely filigree roof equipment. These features are complemented by an absolutely prototypical paint scheme and equally accurate printing. The model is powered by a five-speed PIKO engine with two flywheels. Retrofitting the vehicle with a digital decoder or sound can be easily done thanks to the PluX22 interface and appropriate mounting space. Almost mandatory, of course, is the red and white LED lighting, which changes with the direction of travel.
Model specifications:
- Manufacturer: PIKO
- Scale: 1/87 H0
- Product code: 51606
- Locomotive type: ET21-386
- Designation: PKP
- Epoch: V
- Length: 193mm
- Minimum turning radius: 358mm
- Power system: direct current
- Digital interface: NEM 658 PluX22
- Sound: PIKO sound decoder can be retrofitted #56589
- Lighting (internal): Driver's room lighting digitally switchable (with PluX22 decoder)
- Coupling: NEM shaft + short coupling link
- Special features: driver's desk lighting
- Age: 14+
For more information and photos, visit the manufacturer's website.
A bit of history in the video:
ET21-157 PKP vs ET22-259 in miniature
And, when was the first PKP locomotive launched ?