description FS E.656 Caimano Overview
The FS Class E.656, also known as the "Caimano" (Caiman), is a class of Italian Bo-Bo-Bo electric locomotives introduced in 1975 for Ferrovie dello Stato. Featuring six axles mounted on three bogies, it was designed to provide high adhesion for heavy freight and passenger trains on the 3 kV DC network. It evolved from the earlier E.645 class and was produced in multiple series over more than a decade, becoming a workhorse of Italian rail transport.
help FS E.656 Caimano FAQ
When was the FS E.656 Caimano introduced?
The FS E.656 entered service in the mid-1970s, with construction running from 1975 to 1989. Its nickname Caimano means Caiman in Italian. [Fondazione FS](https://www.fondazionefs.it/content/dam/fondazionefs/fondazione-fs-new/pdf/cataloghi-rotabili/05_locomotive_elettriche.pdf)
What makes the E.656 a six-axle locomotive?
The E.656 uses a Bo'Bo'Bo' arrangement with three two-axle bogies, giving it six powered axles. Its one-hour rating is about 4,800 kW, which provided strong adhesion for heavy trains. [Fondazione FS](https://www.fondazionefs.it/content/dam/fondazionefs/fondazione-fs-new/pdf/cataloghi-rotabili/05_locomotive_elettriche.pdf)
What kinds of trains did the E.656 Caimano haul?
The class was designed for heavy passenger and freight duties on Italy's electrified main lines. It could work both express passenger services and demanding freight trains, rather than being restricted to a single service type. [Fondazione FS](https://www.fondazionefs.it/content/dam/fondazionefs/fondazione-fs-new/pdf/cataloghi-rotabili/05_locomotive_elettriche.pdf)
How does the E.656 compare with the FS E.444 Tartaruga?
The E.656 is an articulated six-axle locomotive intended for adhesion and mixed heavy duties, while the E.444 Tartaruga is a four-axle high-speed electric locomotive. The contrast is between the E.656's hauling flexibility and the E.444's express passenger specialization. [Fondazione FS](https://www.fondazionefs.it/content/dam/fondazionefs/fondazione-fs-new/pdf/cataloghi-rotabili/05_locomotive_elettriche.pdf)
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