'Named' station Diesel locomotive ChME-3 - "Именной" ЧМЭ-3

In fact this is almost usual station locomotive. There was the international division of a labor in Communist block. And Czech built ChKD Praha of 3o-3o

(or Co-Co) layout Diesel locomotive has been chosen as standard station/shunting locomotive for Soviet Railroads and for other Communist countries. In Soviet Union it was named ChME-3 (Czech-built, station, with electric transmission). It has recommended itself from the best side and circa 7500 pieces have been built. It was best Czechs' business for all their history. And now ChME-3 are carrying almost all station works in all post-Soviet countries, also being frequentely used in suburban traffic.

But this piece is unique simulteniously being 'named' locomotive. Named locomotives are not rare all over the world. But in this special case term 'named' means that this is a kind of award or moral stimulation. This practice is still kept since 1920 when for some locomotives names of war and revolution heroes have been given. Such 'named' locomotives were credited for best crews for combat heroism and labour achievements - as a sort of award, apart of honor badges, medals, etc. It was considered as a great honor for locomotives. But nobless obligee! And locomotive staff (or 'brigade' as it is called here) had to keep such locomotive in excellent technical state. And also to fulfil combat or labour feats equal to those of a hero to give his name.

Locomotive brigades were usually 'attached' to the one and the same locomotive for years and decades. It became a real second house for a staff. Therefore locomotives were beloved and pampered by crew. Locomotive shining by fresh painting and polished brass details was the subject of pride of a staff - it belongs to railroaders 'Codecs of honor'. At the steam age such cases were often when locomotive staff was unsatisfied by standard paint given by a railroad. And a crew bought some 'special' paint from it's personal funds.

We may see from these shots that nothing changed at this branch despite the change of political system. And 'named' locomotives tradition is kept almost a century.

And this locomotive is named in honor of N.E. Kalinichenko, the full Knight of Soldier fame order, receiving during the WWII the stars of all three degreess. Apropos the Soldier fame is rare award being given only for privates or sergeants and only for combat feats carried in specially hard and dangerous conditions. From 15 millions men and women who served in Red Army during WWII only 2656 became full Knights of this order - including four women.

This award system repeates exectly the Soldier's St Georgian Cross - the highest and most valuable soldier's award of Russian Empire. Both orders - Empire and Soviet were carried on the same insignia band with orange-n-black strips. So called Georgian or Guardian colors. It's well depicted on shields on both sides of locomotive.

Kahrkov-Passenger station, Juzhnaya (Southern) railroad, Kharkov. Ukraine

Done