SNCF TGV Thalys PBKA
| Thalys PBKA | |
|---|---|
|
A Thalys PBKA at Eilendorf. | |
| In service | 1998 – present |
| Manufacturer | GEC-Alsthom |
| Family name | TGV |
| Constructed | 1995 – 1998 |
| Number built | 17 trainsets |
| Formation | 10 cars |
| Capacity | 377 seats |
| Operator(s) | Thalys |
| Specifications | |
| Train length | 200 m (656 ft 2 in) |
| Maximum speed |
320 km/h (199 mph) (Design) 300 km/h (186 mph) (Service) |
| Weight | 383 t (377 long tons; 422 short tons) |
| Power output |
8,800 kW (11,800 hp) 3,680 kW (4,930 hp) |
| Electric system(s) |
Catenary 25 kV 50 Hz AC 15 kV 16 2⁄3 Hz AC 1,500 V DC 3,000 V DC |
| Current collection method | Pantograph |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
The Thalys PBKA is a high-speed train derived from the French TGV. It operates the Thalys service between Paris, Brussels, Cologne (German: Köln) and Amsterdam, forming the abbreviation PBKA.
Unlike Thalys PBA sets, the PBKA sets were built exclusively for the Thalys service. Their motor cars are technologically similar to those of TGV Duplex sets, but the trains do not feature bi-level carriages. They have eight carriages and are 200 m (656 ft) long, weighing a total of 385 tonnes. They have a capacity of 377 seats.
All of the trains are quadri-current, capable of operating under 25 kV 50 Hz AC (LGVs and a part of the French lignes classiques), 15 kV 16.7 Hz AC (Germany), 3 kV DC (Belgium) and 1.5 kV DC (the Netherlands and the remainder of the French lignes classiques).
Their top speed in service is 300 km/h (186 mph) under 25 kV, with two power cars supplying 8,800 kW. When operating under 15 kV AC or 1,500 V DC, the power output drops to 3,680 kW,[1] insufficient to reach 300 km/h in commercial use. Although their power-to-weight ratio allows a 250 km/h operation under 15 kV AC,[1] further constraints resulted in imposing a limit of 200 km/h on these trains in Germany.[2]
Seventeen trains were ordered: nine by SNCB/NMBS, six by SNCF and two by NS. Deutsche Bahn contributed to financing two of the SNCB sets.
Fleet details
| Class | No. in Service | Year Built | Operator | Current Units | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Series 43000 | 17 | 1995–1998 | Thalys | 4301-4307 | Owned by SNCB |
| 4321-4322 | Owned by DB | ||||
| 4331-4332 | Owned by NS | ||||
| 4341-4346 | Owned by SNCF |
See also
References
- 1 2 Alain Jeunesse and Michel Rollin (March 2004). "La motorisation du TGV POS" (in French). Retrieved 2007-07-04.
- ↑ "railfaneurope.net". 2009-03-07. Retrieved 2009-03-15.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to TGV PBKA. |
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