Novelty 2026: When powerful diesel locomotives for shunting duties were lacking in Poland in the mid-1950s, the Polskie Koleje Państwowe (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 At a time when Polish diesel traction was still being developed and many depots operated with outdated steam shunting locomotives, the robust M44 offered a practical and relatively quickly available solution.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 Poznań 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, Gdańsk, and Wrocław 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 | Square sockets