Novelty 2026: When powerful diesel locomotives for shunting duties were lacking in Poland in the mid-1950s, the Polskie Koleje Pa?stwowe (Polish State Railways) opted for proven Hungarian technology: the M44 series locomotives. At a time when Polish diesel traction was still being developed and many depots operated with outdated steam shunting locomotives, the robust M44 offered a practical and relatively quickly available solution. After successful tests in 1957, conducted at the shunting yards Warszawa Odolany and Pozna? Franowo, ten machines were purchased in 1958 and put into service as PKP SM40-01 to 10. These first M44s for Poland largely corresponded to the Hungarian base version, but were already equipped with Polish safety and radio systems. Their areas of operation ranged from major hubs such as Warszawa, Gda?sk, and Wroc?aw to regional freight yards and industrial works. The locomotives were considered reliable, strong-pulling, and easy to maintain – qualities that made them popular both in contemporary depots and on industrial railways of metallurgical and chemical plants. Some examples have been preserved as historical witnesses – including SM40-01 at the Skansen Taboru Kolejowego Chabówka. It represents an Era when Polish stations and shunting tracks were characterized by the distinctive sound and striking silhouette of these machines.

Version with ribbed body | Illuminated control panel | In digital operation with switchable cab lighting | Fitted sandboxes, sand pipes, and brake shoes | Additional tank, air conditioning unit, speedometer, and horn | Fine handrails and steps | MAV-style exhaust | PKP antenna | PSD XP Sound decoder with authentic sound and many functions pre-installed

Features:

Item number: 52388

EAN: 4015615523888

Manufacturer: PEAK

Sound yes/no: and

WEEE-Registration number: DE 24216800

Type of current: Direct current

Railway administration: PKP

Era: IV

Kind of measurement: Length over buffers

Measurement: 130

Minimum radius: 358

Digital interface: NO 658 PluX22

Built-in decoder: PluX22 Sounddecoder

Interior Lighting / Lights: Digitally switchable cab lighting (with PluX22 decoder)

Number of Traction Tyres: 2

Coupling: NEM shaft + close coupling mechanism

Sound: PIKO sound decoder factory equipped

Directional lights: Direction-dependent light change white / red