Micro Metakit 05901H Italian FS Class 470 Freight Locomotive Black/Red Livery

Micro Metakit’s model 05901H of the Italian State Railways (FS) Class 470 is a remarkable tribute to one of Italy’s most iconic mountain locomotives. True to the brand’s reputation for uncompromising quality and mechanical excellence, this model combines artisanal craftsmanship with engineering finesse in miniature form.

Model Highlights:

• Fully Functional Running Gear: The FS 470’s complex drive system, featuring a four-cylinder compound configuration with functional inside motion, is meticulously replicated. Watching the synchronized movement of the internal and external drive rods in action is nothing short of mesmerizing.

• Premium Construction: Hand-built from brass, nickel silver, and stainless steel, the model exudes weight, solidity, and mechanical authenticity. Every rivet, handrail, and fitting is crisply rendered.

• High-Performance Motor: Powered by a whisper-quiet Faulhaber brushless, ironless motor, the FS 470 model delivers smooth and consistent running characteristics even at low speeds—perfect for realistic mountain operations.

• Finest Details: The cab interior is finely detailed, including functional doors and a removable roof for viewing the firebox and controls. The brake rigging and underframe piping are fully represented on both locomotive and tender.

• Visual Authenticity: Painted in a historically accurate Italian black livery with brass and copper highlights, the model captures the spirit and austerity of early 20th-century Italian steam power.

This is not a toy—it’s a collector’s piece and a mechanical work of art. For connoisseurs of fine brass locomotives, the 05901H is a standout addition.

Historical Background: FS Class 470

The FS Class 470 was introduced in the early 20th century as part of the Italian State Railways’ efforts to improve traction on steep gradients, particularly in the mountainous regions of northern and central Italy. Designed as a 2-8-0 ‘Consolidation’-type locomotive, the 470 was Italy’s first mass-produced compound freight engine.

Key Characteristics:

• Wheel Arrangement: 1′D (2-8-0)

• Drive System: Four-cylinder compound with Walschaerts valve gear

• Boiler Pressure: Approx. 12 kg/cm²

• Top Speed: Around 60 km/h – optimized for pulling power, not speed

• Service: Primarily used on challenging mountain lines such as the Apennines and the Brenner Pass

Built between 1907 and 1911, over 300 units were produced by various Italian builders, including Breda and Ansaldo. The compound system allowed for more efficient steam usage, particularly useful in long, sustained climbs where power and endurance mattered more than acceleration.

The 470 class remained in active service well into the 1950s and some even survived into the early dieselization era, a testament to their robust design and utility. Though not flashy, these locomotives were the reliable workhorses of Italy’s mountain freight operations for decades.

Final Verdict:

The Micro Metakit FS 470 (05901H) is an exceptional representation of a historically significant locomotive. It combines mechanical complexity with historical authenticity, making it ideal for collectors who value both technical precision and the locomotive’s historical story. A true jewel in any high-end model railway collection.