ICE TD
| Company type | Diesel multiple unit train |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail transport |
| Predecessor | ICE T (electric multiple unit) |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Germany |
| Products | High-speed tilting diesel multiple unit trains |
| Parent | Deutsche Bahn, DSB |
The DBAG Class 605, also referred to as the ICE TD, is a high-speed diesel multiple unit (DMU) train that was previously operated by Deutsche Bahn and DSB. It was taken out of passenger operation in 2017 due to reliability concerns, with a single unit retained for experimental technology purposes.
Development
Following the introduction of the Intercity-Express network in 1991 and the subsequent order for the ICE 2, Deutsche Bahn initiated efforts in 1994 to enhance long-distance travel on conventional railway lines. The objective was to elevate comfort levels close to ICE standards and boost speeds through the use of tilting electric multiple units, aimed at replacing locomotive-pulled InterCity and InterRegio services. This initiative, called IC T ("Triebzug" meaning multiple unit), culminated in the creation of the ICE T.
Acknowledging the requirement for similar rolling stock on routes without electrification, Deutsche Bahn launched the ICT-VT project ("Verbrennungstriebwagen," or internal combustion motor car) focused on diesel multiple units.
The development of ICE 3, IC T, and ICT-VT occurred simultaneously, sharing design features such as a front lounge area with panoramic track views separated from the driver’s compartment by glass. They also incorporated common technical components and employed distributed traction with underfloor motors instead of traditional powerheads, which lowered axle loads—a vital factor for tilting trains—and enhanced traction performance.
The ICT-VT was configured as a four-car set without a dining car but preserved both visual and technical similarities with the IC T. There was even an option for coupling electric and diesel units to operate together.
Production
In 1996, Deutsche Bahn placed an order for 20 diesel multiple units from a consortium led by Siemens.
For the ICE T, DWA (Bombardier) manufactured the end cars while Siemens supplied the intermediate cars. The ICE TD utilized a Siemens electro-mechanical tilting actuator system, differing from the hydraulic system developed by Fiat (Alstom) used in the ICE T. It featured secondary suspension with air springs to enhance ride quality. A signature Siemens design trait is the crescent-shaped upper part of the outer carbody supports located above each bogie center.
The tilting mechanism enabled electric motors on both axles within a bogie, resulting in each car having one powered bogie and one unpowered bogie (2Bo configuration). Propulsion was provided by four diesel engines rated at 560 kW each—one per car—derived from truck engine designs. Electrically, the train was divided into two independent power units consisting of two cars each, with provision for adding a fifth middle trailer if required.
Assembly of the first train was completed in 1998, with testing commencing in April 1999. On 13 January 2000, a test run achieved a top speed of 222 km/h.
Prior to entering service in 1999, these electric and diesel models were rebranded as ICE T and ICE TD, where "T" stands for tilt(ing) or Triebzug (trainset), and "TD" denotes tilt(ing) / trainset diesel.
Operations
By 2001, all 20 units had been delivered to Deutsche Bahn as class 605. Following initial trial runs, they began scheduled operations on ICE line 17 between Dresden and Nuremberg starting June 2001, later serving routes between Munich and Zurich, replacing EuroCity trains. These lines included sections without electrification, justifying their diesel propulsion.
The operational history of class 605 was marred by technical difficulties. After an axle failure occurred in December 2002, all remaining trains were withdrawn; one unit was lost during maintenance activities. Although they returned to service a year later, Deutsche Bahn found their operation expensive due to full taxation on diesel fuel.
Following four years in storage, these trains briefly resumed service during increased demand for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Afterwards, they were used primarily for charter services and as backup units.
From late 2007 onwards, class 605 trains ran on the Berlin–Hamburg–Copenhagen corridor, substituting Danish IC3 trains amid delays related to DSB's problematic IC4 units. Ten sets were equipped with Danish ATC safety technology. Beginning in 2008, Denmark-compatible class 605 trains operated Berlin–Hamburg–Aarhus services, allowing IC3 trains to focus on domestic routes. By mid-2009, three additional ICE TD units supported cross-border Germany–Denmark traffic, enhancing DSB’s operational flexibility.
Withdrawal
On 11 December 2016, the majority of Class 605 trainsets were retired from active service as DB chose not to invest in expensive refurbishments that involved extensive component inspections and replacements. DSB rejected the proposal to acquire these trainsets. The trains were burdened with significant maintenance and operational expenses. The Vogelfluglinie corridor connecting Hamburg and Copenhagen remains operational with Danish DSB Class MF IC3 trainsets, though the frequency of departures has decreased. Until its retirement on 1 October 2017, a single ICE TD trainset served this route.
Starting in 2019, DB commenced the phased dismantling of most of the remaining ICE TD units. Trainsets 605 017 and 605 019 were repurposed for non-commercial use as experimental vehicles in February 2019 and August 2021, respectively. Under the new designation Advanced TrainLab, these units serve as platforms for testing emerging technologies.
Previous routes
The ICE TD trainsets were deployed on the following lines:
- Nuremberg – Bayreuth – Chemnitz – Dresden (from June 2001 until December 2003; subsequently replaced by Intercity and later Regional-Express services)
- Munich – Lindau – Zürich (operated June 2001 to December 2003; succeeded by EuroCity trains)
- (Berlin –) Hamburg – Flensburg – Aarhus (December 2007 through December 2016; replaced by DSB Class MF IC3 units)
- Hamburg – Lübeck – Puttgarden – Rødby – Copenhagen (December 2007 to September 2017; initially substituted by IC3 trainsets, later by InterCity coach formations)
See also
- List of high speed trains
- Intercity-Express system in Germany
- Tilting trains in Germany
- ICE T
- Intercity Express