Diesel locomotive M62 - the history of creation and features of the model

The history of this diesel locomotive, like many other things in the Soviet period, is closely connected with politics. And, more precisely, with the confrontation of two systems: the West and the East. He owed his appearance more not to the needs of the domestic market, but to what happened in fraternal Hungary.

Local railways recklessly purchased 20 Di3 locomotives from hostile Swedes. What seriously angered the then Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev. The directive went to the bottom: no longer to buy diesel locomotives from capitalist countries, but to master their production at their own facilities. So the events in Hungary in the early 60s contributed to the emergence of the M62 diesel locomotive.

By the way, even its marking was not Soviet, but Hungarian, clearly showing to whom, in the first place, the technical novelty was intended. The development of new equipment was entrusted to experienced designers of the Lugansk Diesel Locomotive Plant (later it was known as VZOR). In addition to Hungary, deliveries were also planned to other socialist countries of Europe, as well as to North Korea, Cuba and Mongolia. Therefore, at first it was prepared for a narrow, European gauge with a width of 1435 mm.

It also appeared on Soviet railways, but already in the 70s. And it has proven itself quite well, despite the elegant forms used for the sophisticated European eye. You will see how the surviving examples look today, the amazing history of creation and how the process of starting a diesel engine of a locomotive in a depot is going on on the SsVMedia channel. Happy viewing everyone!