HN2623S FS, heavy articulated six-axle electric locomotive class E.646 in “Treno Azzurro” livery, ep. III-IV with DCC sound decoder

The electric locomotives E646 and E645 2^nd series represent the first important “esthetical” evolution of the FS articulated locomotives, thanks to the new cabin design that allow more space and visibility compared to the previous polygonal cabins of the E636 and E646/E645 prototype and 1^st series. Built between 1961 and 1967 for a total of 199 E646 (destined to passengers’ transport, top speed 140 km/h) and 61 E645 (for freight services, top speed 120 km/h), maintaining the mechanical features of the 1^st series units (E646 006-037 later E645 001-032).
Since the delivery, the E646 2^nd series were immediately used to pull the most important long distance trains of the period, while the E645 reinforced the fleet for freight trains taking over the heaviest services.

This different use destination between E646 and E645 was remarked also with the livery: the first were painted in the elegant grey/green livery used for the most important trains of the period, except for the units 035 and 037 that for a few years carried the “Treno Azzurro” livery; the second, instead, were painted in the brown “Castano/isabella” livery already used in most of the previous locomotives. All the 2^nd series units were fitted with metallic decorative stripes around the bodyshell, according to the fashion of that period, lately removed.

E.646/E.645 Arnold – General features of the models

• New tools fo the bodyshells, correctly differentiated according to the period reproduced

• New tools for the bogies type U 1250

• New separate parts for roof and fronts

• Reliable mechanics with articulated metallic chassis and double cardan shaft transmission on the two head bogies

• Electric system with Next18 (NEM 662) decoder plug

• Sound versions with DCC decoder installed ex works with specific sounds and “sugar cube” speaker with new resonating chamber

• White head lights and rear red lights with inversion according to running direction, with independent command in digital mode

• Short coupling system with NEM 355 coupler pockets on both heads

• Minimum curve radius: 192 mm