FS E428 Locomotives

FS E428 Locomotives

FS E428 was developed during the fascist government in Italy, back in the years from the 20’s to 40’s. Fascism focused much on railway connections and, so, this locomotive was the final product of engineering study. There was the need for a fast and powerful locomotive, to connect the entire nation: this vehicle was big, fast, and very powerful, considering the general conditions of that time.
Theoretical studies were aiming for a top speed of 150km/h but, in real life, the locomotive was limited to 130. Part of this same family, was the E326 locomotive, with a different boogies scheme; it was meant to be lighter and faster, but it was a very failed project.
E428 is a 3000V DC (2′ Bo) (Bo 2′) locomotive, with the main frame being placed on the two big boogies that are supported, themselves, by 2 smaller boogies (to distribute weight and to better face curves). The electric equipment is classical rheostatic.
It was built in 4 series: the first two were esthetically identical but different in electrical systems; the third one had a first kind of aerodynamic front cab; the last one had a final smooth aerodynamic line.
In the 80s, an FS project was to refurbish some of those 4th series locomotives to be able to do “navetta” services (metro-like trains). Unfortunately, only one of those locomotives (n. 226) received modifications and new livery, as long as a personal name (“Pirata” – pirate).
E428 locomotives worked from 1934 to 1991. All the locomotives have been demolished, except some models of all the series that are being preserved for historical events

Mod info:
Power: 2800kw
Tractive effort from: 156kN
Max speed: 130km/h
Year from: 1935