FS Class D.341

Ferrovie dello Stato (FS)

Company type	State-owned company
Industry	Rail transport
Headquarters	Italy
Area served	Italy
Products	Railway locomotives

The Class D.341 diesel-electric locomotives, operated by the Ferrovie dello Stato (FS), were introduced in Italy during the 1950s and continue to be utilized today. A significant portion of the surviving units are currently managed by La Ferroviaria Italiana (LFI).

History

Following World War II, the Italian state railways FS initiated a program to phase out steam engines on routes lacking railway electrification system#Non-electrified lines electrification. The D.341 series emerged from this initiative, developed jointly by Fiat and Ernesto Breda. Production occurred in two batches featuring distinct engines according to the manufacturer, with the latter batch exhibiting a somewhat altered exterior design. Additionally, two prototype units were constructed by Ansaldo and Reggiane.

Description

The D.341 is equipped with dual compact cabs, positioned at each end of the locomotive and separated by a sizable compartment housing the engine, cooling apparatus, and transmission system. Each locomotive contains two V-12 engines connected to DC generators operating at 450/700 V; these generators were supplied by Magneti Marelli for FIAT-built models, while Breda or Ocren provided them for other versions. The electrical power generated is delivered to four traction motors, each rated at a maximum of 177 kW (237 hp) in the initial series and 192 kW (257 hp) in the subsequent series.