Automotore FS 206/7/8 Sogliola Rail Shunter 1:35 AK Interactive 35009

Plastic model kit: Automotore FS 206/7/8 Sogliola Rail Shunter 1:35 AK Interactive 35009

The Automotore FS 206/7/8 Sogliola Rail Shunter model kit in 1:35 scale from AK Interactive is a unique offering for enthusiasts of railway history and modeling. This set allows you to recreate one of the most characteristic Italian shunting locomotives that played a significant role in the history of rail transport.

Model Features

The set offers:

• Over 180 plastic parts: The set includes elements to assemble the shunting locomotive and a section of railway track.
• Optional parts: The possibility to build a variant from World War II used in North Africa or a post-war model with several characteristic modifications.
• Figure of a non-commissioned officer of the Italian Corps of Engineers: The set also includes a figure representing a non-commissioned officer, adding realism and historical context.
• 4 painting/marking options: Modelers have the option to choose from four different painting schemes, allowing for personalization and customization of the model according to their preferences.

History and Background of the Model

Automotore FS 206/207/208 is a family of Italian variants of the Breuer IV shunting locomotive, developed by the German company H. Breuer & Co in the 1920s. The Italian versions were produced under license by the companies Antonio Badoni Lecco (1932-1969) and Officine Costamasnaga di Como (1929-1932). It is estimated that nearly 400 such locomotives were produced, which served both in the Italian State Railways and in private enterprises until the 1990s.

These locomotives were known for their reliability and versatility, making them ideal for work in sidings and industrial plants. During World War II, in July 1942, Italian engineers restored the railway line from Tobruk to El-Alamein, which was crucial for the transport of troops and supplies for the Regio Esercito and Afrika Korps. Several dozen Automotore locomotives delivered from Italy on July 26, 1942, became the main traction force on this route until November 1942.

In North Africa, these locomotives, due to their distinctive shape, were called "sogliola" (meaning "sole"), but they also gained other nicknames such as "scatole di sardine" ("sardine cans") or "armadi viaggianti" ("moving wardrobes").

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. Assembly requires separately sold modeling tools (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g., Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.