Diesel locomotive M62, MAV prototype, orange-yellow livery, wheel arrangement 6-6. Model of the M62 230. Body plastic, frame die-cast metal, motor with flywheel. Drive on all six axles, four wheels with traction tires. Total length 202 mm.
The story of the M62 (known in Hungary as "Sergej") began when the world's first unit (M62 001) was delivered from Lugansk in 1965. A further 288 locomotives were delivered to the MAV in subsequent years. The "Sergejs" ruled the Hungarian networks, despite competition from the Nohab, all their various insufficiencies, their ear-shattering noise, and unequalled thirst for fuel. The absence of train heating even meant that an extra heating wagon had to be hooked up.
As electrification progressed, the M62 was used mainly for goods service, but also, in warmer seasons, for passenger trains. Interestingly, the original M62 001 still exists today and has found her place in the MAV historical park.
Since 2001, the MAV has been rebuilding and substantially over-hauling (including fitting the locomotives with new diesel engines with three-phase generators, weight reductions, relay brake valves, and air-conditioned driver's cabs) the M62s. Thanks to these measures, the M62 can look forward to its 40-year service jubilee in relaxed anticipation.
