In the post-war period, Isotta Fraschini, a historic Italian automotive company, undertook a significant process of industrial conversion, shifting its focus towards the production of diesel engines for marine, industrial and railway applications. Within this framework, new designs were developed, characterised by high robustness, versatility and ease of maintenance, intended to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding and diversifying market. Among these were the engines of the ID36 series, produced in a range of configurations with varying numbers of cylinders and intended for multiple applications, ensuring operational reliability and service continuity even under severe working conditions. Introduced in 1971, the ID36 series was manufactured over an extended period and further developed into numerous models, including versions for naval applications with specific requirements for the Navy, such as non-magnetic variants. The ID36S 6V model represents the smallest version, featuring a six-cylinder V configuration. Its constructional features and modular design facilitated its use across different sectors, from driving generating sets to marine propulsion and railway traction, all of which required reliable machinery with extended maintenance intervals. Within the railway sector, the ID36S 6V engines were employed in the first half of the 1960s in light-duty diesel-electric (LDe) locomotives of the Ferrovie della Sardegna and subsequently, in the early 1980s, in nVrec and nVDrec generator cars used for supplying electrical power to passenger train formations. Manufactured in 1983, the exhibited unit originates from the Palermo Locomotive Depot of Trenitalia and has been kindly donated.

Click here to listen to the audioguide on izi.TRAVEL

Technical specifications