SNCF TGV Réseau
| Company type | High-speed train series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail transport |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Founder | Alstom |
| Headquarters | France |
Area served | France, Belgium, Italy, Germany, Switzerland |
| Products | High-speed trains |
| Parent | SNCF |
The SNCF TGV Réseau (TGV-R) represents a high-speed train series constructed by Alstom from 1992 through 1996 for France's national railway company, SNCF. Drawing inspiration from the preceding TGV Atlantique model, these Réseau trainsets commenced operations in 1993.
Design
A total of fifty dual-voltage trainsets (numbered 501 to 550) were manufactured between 1992 and 1994, followed by forty triple-voltage sets (4501 to 4540) produced from 1994 to 1996. The final ten triple-voltage units, designated as Thalys PBA sets, were specifically built for Thalys services, now under the Eurostar brand. These triple-voltage trains are compatible with French and electrification systems as well as Belgian and Italian power supplies.
Each consist consists of two powered locomotives providing at 25 kV and eight passenger coaches, accommodating 377 seats. They can reach a maximum velocity of , have a length of , and a width of . The dual-voltage models weigh , whereas the triple-voltage variants incorporate weight-saving features such as aluminium parts and hollow axles to comply with Belgian axle load restrictions below per axle. To mitigate passenger discomfort caused by rapid pressure changes inside tunnels at high speed, the Réseau trains are equipped with pressure-tight cabins.
In 2006, nineteen Réseau trainsets underwent conversion by coupling their existing coaches with new TGV POS power cars for deployment on the LGV Est route serving Germany and Switzerland. These rebuilt units were renumbered from 601 to 619 and integrated into the TGV Duplex fleet under the name TGV Réseau Duplex.
SNCF Refurbishment
Approximately a decade after entering service, the TGV Réseau fleet required interior modernization aligned with the TGV Est initiative to support domestic routes. The upgraded interior designs were also applied to coaches from the POS sets.
Between 2002 and 2003, three interior concepts were unveiled:
- Recaro collaborating with Brand Company (creator of the "snail" TGV emblem)
- MBD Design (known for Alstom's Prima locomotives and TGV Duplex front ends) partnering with fashion designer Christian Lacroix
- Antolin working alongside Kenzo
Following the Train Capitale exhibition in Paris, MBD Design together with Christian Lacroix secured the refurbishment contract.
The renovation process started in 2004 at SNCF’s Hellemmes workshop near Lille, concluding with the final dual-voltage unit in 2006. From 2008 to 2009, tri-voltage trainsets received the same interior treatment. The refurbished trains showcase a refreshed livery along with new fittings: red for second class, yellow-green for first class, and silver accents in the bar area, complemented by reflective striping on the motorcars.
Although SNCF temporarily suspended use of the Lacroix design in 2007 due to material vibrations experienced at , this decision was later reversed, resulting in all TGV Réseau trains adopting the Lacroix interior scheme.
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 Unit 502 lost after accident Units 515–533 converted to Réseau Duplex. |
| Series 38000 | 1993–1996 | 30 | 27 | 4501–4506, 4510–4529, 4551 | Tri-voltage 4530 converted into Iris 320 | |
| Eurostar | 10 | 9 | 4532–4540 | Tri-voltage 4531 transferred to SNCF and renumbered as 4551 |
See also
- List of high speed trains
- KTX-I — Korean model inspired by this design