SNCF TGV PBA
| Industry | Rail transport |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1992 |
| Founder | Alstom |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | High-speed trains |
The SNCF TGV Réseau (TGV-R) is a high-speed train model developed by Alstom from 1992 to 1996 for SNCF, the French national railway company, evolving from the earlier TGV Atlantique design. The initial Réseau units began operating in 1993.
Design
Production included fifty dual-voltage trainsets (numbered 501 to 550) manufactured between 1992 and 1994, followed by forty triple-voltage sets (numbers 4501 to 4540) produced from 1994 to 1996. The final ten triple-voltage units, designated as Thalys PBA trains (serving the Paris–Brussels–Amsterdam route), were built specifically for Thalys services, now part of the Eurostar network. These triple-voltage trains are compatible with French electrical systems ( and ) as well as Belgian and Italian power supplies.
Each consist features two power cars generating at 25 kV and eight passenger coaches, offering seating for approximately 377 travelers. They can achieve speeds up to , span in length, and have a width of . The dual-voltage sets weigh , whereas the triple-voltage versions incorporate lightweight elements such as aluminum parts and hollow axles to comply with axle-load restrictions in Belgium.
To mitigate discomfort caused by rapid air pressure fluctuations when entering tunnels at high velocity on the LGV Atlantique, the Réseau trains are equipped with pressure-sealed cabins to enhance passenger comfort.
In 2006, nineteen Réseau trainsets underwent modernization by combining their existing carriages with new TGV POS power cars to operate on the LGV Est line extending to Germany and Switzerland. This conversion resulted in nineteen TGV Réseau Duplex formations (numbered 601 to 619), which have since been incorporated into the TGV Duplex fleet.
SNCF Refurbishment
After roughly a decade in service, the interiors of TGV Réseau trains required modernization. This refurbishment coincided with the TGV Est development project, as dual-voltage trainsets were allocated to domestic routes on this line. The updated interior styling was also applied to POS coaches.
Between 2002 and 2003, three interior design proposals were showcased:
- Recaro in partnership with Brand Company (creators of the "snail" TGV emblem)
- MBD Design (known for designing Alstom's Prima locomotive fronts and the TGV Duplex), collaborating with fashion designer Christian Lacroix
- Antolin working alongside Kenzo
Following the Train Capitale exhibition in Paris, the design team comprising MBD Design and Christian Lacroix was chosen as the preferred option.
Refurbishment work commenced in 2004 at SNCF’s Hellemmes facility near Lille, concluding with the final dual-voltage trainset by 2006. Between 2008 and 2009, triple-voltage sets were similarly renovated following the same design scheme. Updated trains display a slightly refreshed paint scheme, new interior fittings featuring color-coded seats (red for second class, yellow-green for first class, silver for bar areas), and reflective striping on power cars.
Although SNCF initially declared in July 2007 that the Lacroix interior design would be discontinued due to vibration problems at , this decision was later reversed. Currently, all TGV Réseau units feature the Lacroix interior design.
Fleet details
| Class | Year Built | Operator | Built | In service | Current Units | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Series 28000 | 1992–1994 | SNCF | 50 | 30 | 501, 503–514, 534–550 | Dual-voltage 502 written off after accident 515–533 converted to Réseau Duplex. |
| Series 38000 | 1993–1996 | 30 | 27 | 4501–4506, 4510–4529, 4551 | Tri-voltage 4530 converted to Iris 320 | |
| Eurostar | 10 | 9 | 4532–4540 | Tri-voltage 4531 sold to SNCF, renumbered 4551 |
See also
- List of high speed trains
- KTX-I — Korean model inspired by this design