HR2977HM FS, 6-axle electric locomotive E.656 023, 1st series, original state, 50th anniversary delivery of 1st unit (1975), ep. IV, with BLE sound decoder

Rivarossi celebrates 50 years of the "Caimano"!

At the Novegro Hobby Model Expo at the end of September, the brand unveiled as a world premiere the new H0 scale commemorative model dedicated to the most iconic locomotive of the modern FS fleet: the E.656 "Caimano".

For this special occasion, the model comes in a commemorative box including a special-edition booklet and a keychain featuring the locomotive’s front end.

This reproduction faithfully represents unit 023 in its factory condition, exactly as it appeared on November 13, 1975, when it first ran on the FS network.


The famous nickname “Caimano” was assigned to the E.656 the following year, thanks to a contest in the magazine "Voci della Rotaia". For this reason, the typical reptile drawing on the cab sides was not yet present at the time.

Technical features:

• Lighting and front-end details true to the original E.656 023 in factory condition.








• Shock absorber on the articulation joint between the half-bodies, as originally on 1st series E.656.








• Improved pantographs compared to previous models.








• Front windows tinted with violet hue.








• New molds for body shell, bogies, and applied parts, with accurate reproduction of construction series differences on fronts, sides, and roof.








• Reliable mechanics with articulated chassis, metal gearboxes, powerful 5-pole central motor with twin cardan shaft drive to both axles of the end bogies, two traction tires.








• Completely new electrical system with 21-pin NEM 660/21MTC interface for DCC and DCC Sound decoders, prepared for 11 x 15 mm “sugar cube” speaker.








• Sound version equipped with Hornby HM7000 sound decoder and factory-installed speaker, with custom sound project.








• White headlights and red tail lights with automatic changeover according to direction of travel, independently switchable per cab. Red light position faithfully matched to prototype unit.








• Third headlight independently switchable from main lights.








• Cab and side corridor interior lighting, independently controllable.