Sik 330

Roco 43676 - light diesel shunter "Sik Series 200/300" no. 330.

And rather unexpectedly, the rolling park of my model railway fleet expands once again - this time, though, it's a 'foreigner' that joins the fleet.

In 1934, the NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Dutch Railways) ordered a series of so-called diesel "Locomotors" for light shunting duties.  These engines had a very simple design, which made them very reliable - so much so, in fact, that they remained in widespread service until an accident in 2001, after which they were banned from use due to their lack of modern safety equipment.  A number of Siks were also equiped with a light crane mounted behind their cab.

Locomotive 330 is one of a batch of 48 ordered after World War II. She was built by Werkspoor and entered service with the NS in 1950.  She remained in service until 2001, and was scrapped in August/September 2003.  She is seen in her original livery.

The model was dirt-cheap and has light damage, but nothing irreparable.