The electric locomotives E656 represent the last evolution of the large family of “articulated” FS locomotives. They have been delivered starting from 1975 for a total of 461 units, divided into 6 series with some technical and aesthetic differences due to the evolution of the project over the years. Thanks to the high power and top speed of 150 km/h, they have been immediately destined to the most important long-distance trains of the period, but also to local trains with many stops and heavy and demanding freight trains, quickly becoming the backbone of the FS traction rolling stock. In 1976 the magazine “Voci della Rotaia” conducted a survey to find a nickname for the E656, and “Caimano” was the winner. All the E656 have been painted in the classic grey/blue livery, with a red stripe on the front, rounded FS logo, and yellow stripes around it, but initially, the planned livery was inspired by the TEE trains, with red stripes over a yellow background. At the end of the ‘90s, like all FS rolling stock, they received the XMPR livery in light grey/green with a blue stripe. From 2002, the units of the Cargo division, destined for freight trains, received a short gear ratio to increase performance and reduce the top speed to 120 km/h; all modified units have been classified as E655. Technical features: · NEW TOOLS for bodyshells, bogies, and related separate parts, with accurate reproduction of all the typical features of the different series on fronts, sides, and roof · Reliable mechanics with articulated chassis and gearboxes in metal, powerful central 5-pole motors, and transmission with double cardan shaft on both head bogies; two wheels with traction tyre · New electric system, with 21-pole plug NEM 660/21MTC for DCC and DCC Sound decoders, with predisposition for one “sugar cube” speaker 11 x 15 mm · “S” versions with Hornby HM7000 sound decoder and speaker installed by factory, with specific sounds for the model · White head lights and rear red lights with automatic change according to running direction, with the possibility of independent command on both cabins. Position of red lights correctly differentiated according to the reproduced unit · Third headlight with independent command from lower lamps · Interior light of both cabins and side corridor with independent command · Possibility to install a pick-up shoe for 3-rails systems, with commutation through jumper on main PCB · Coupler pocket NEM 362 with short-coupling cinematic on both heads, with the possibility to disassemble the coupler to fit the realistic head details · Accurate reproduction of the Type 52 FS pantographs fully in metal, with the possibility of current pick-up; closed position extremely flat and realistic · Accurate reproduction of the roof with several applied parts, photo-etched grills, and air conditioning boxes (where present) complete with all pipes · Cabin interiors and corridor wall fully reproduced, with separate parts and decorations differentiated between cabins A and B just like in reality · Bogies Um1250 extremely realistic, with secondary suspension and swinging beam as separate parts; with or without side dampers or with 4 or 12 sandboxes, according to the period reproduced; reproduction of signaling captators (RS and SCMT) where present · Many separate parts in plastic or metal for the best realism.