Locomotiva 940.030

How did Locomotiva 940.030, a relic of Italian rail history, end up gracing the cityscape of Turin? Locomotiva 940.030 stands proudly before the revamped Officine Grandi Riparazioni (OGR). This placement is a tribute to Turin’s rich industrial heritage. The OGR, once vital railway workshops, now serve as a vibrant exhibition space, a backdrop to the 940.030’s imposing presence. Locomotiva 940.030’s story began in 1922. Built by the Officine Meccaniche Navali in Naples, this locomotive was designed for the demanding routes of the Apennines. It was a modified version of the successful 740 locomotive. The key difference was the removal of the tender, increasing the payload capacity. This design also featured a rear bissel, supporting the coal reserves. The symmetrical design allowed the locomotive to travel at maximum speed in both directions. This eliminated the need to turn around at smaller stations. Fifty 940s were initially built, with three more added in 1951. Locomotiva 940.030’s journey included assignments in Sulmona, Salerno, and Campobasso. It even saw service in Sicily during World War II. After the war, it continued its service, eventually ending its official career in Pisa in 1975. Initially slated for demolition, it was saved in 1983. It was listed for preservation due to its historical significance. The Museo Ferroviario Piemontese acquired and restored Locomotiva 940.030. It was initially displayed at their Savigliano headquarters. In 2011, as part of Italy’s 150th-anniversary celebrations, Locomotiva 940.030 found its current home in Turin. It now shares the space with the E404.002, a high-speed train prototype. Together they stand as symbols of Italy’s railway evolution. They serve as a reminder of the generations who labored within the OGR walls.