The electric locomotives E656 represent the last evolution of the big 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, becoming quickly the backbone of the FS traction rolling stock. In 1976 the magazine “Voci della Rotaia” made 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 red stripe on front, rounded FS logo and yellow stripes around it, but initially the livery planned was inspired by the TEE trains, with red stripes over a yellow background. At the end of the ‘90s, same as all the FS rolling stock, they received the XMPR livery light grey/green with blue stripe. From 2002 the units of the Cargo division, destined to freight trains, received a short gear ratio to increase the 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-poles motors and transmission with double cardan shaft on both head bogies; two wheels with traction tyre · New electric system, with 21-poles 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 possibility of independent command on both cabins. Position of red lights correctly differentiated according to the reproduced unit · Third head light 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 possibility to disassemble the coupler to fit the realistic head details · Accurate reproduction of the Type 52 FS pantographs fully in metal, with 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 same as 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 signalling captators (RS and SCMT) where present · Many separate parts in plastic or metal for the best realism