Talgo Avril is a high-speed train made by Talgo . It stands for "Alta Velocidad Rueda Independiente Ligero" (roughly translated as "Light High-Speed Independent Wheel").
40-443: The train is intended to have a top speed of 380 km/h (240 mph). It has front and rear power cars containing under-floor/over-roof equipment and 8 trailer cars in between the power cars, giving a total seating capacity comparable to those of an electric multiple unit rather than a locomotive -hauled train. The trailer cars have an unusually short length of 13 m (42 ft 8 in). Other details: Talgo presented
80-522: A consortium of Rotem & Mitsui and a consortium of EDi Rail & Bombardier transportation . In July 2007 GWRC announced that the preferred supplier was the consortium of Rotem and Mitsui with the units to be built at the Rotem works in Changwon , South Korea . In April 2008, GWRC announced that an additional 10 units would be purchased, following an earlier addition of another 6 units to
120-570: A continuation of the class letters assigned to the DM/D English Electric and EM/ET Ganz Mavag EMUs. FP stands for Matangi Power car (FM was not chosen to avoid confusion with NZR FM guards vans from the 1980s, some of which are preserved) and FT for Matangi Trailer car. The first batch of units are numbered in the 4000 series: FP 4103 to FP 4610 and FT 4103 to FT 4610, with each FP operating with their corresponding numbered FT. The second batch of units are numbered in
160-500: A mix of power cars and trailers, often with one of each in a pair which can be coupled to other pairs to form a larger train; see e.g. New Zealand FP class electric multiple unit . The power supply generation in Indian Railways is based on end-on-generation (EOG), in which a train's hotel load (power supply for lights, fans, air conditioning, pantry, etc.) is provided with electricity from 2 power cars attached to both ends of
200-527: A €300 million contract for 10 train sets and 30 years of maintenance. From 21 May 2024, Renfe schedules new AVE services to the Spanish regions of Asturias and Galicia , operated by variable gauge Talgo Avril trains under the class name S-106. Those AVE services are replacing the previously Alvia services Madrid Chamartín - Gijón and Castellón de la Plana / Vinaros -Gijón via Oviedo in Asturias and
240-410: Is Brightline , which operates between Miami and Orlando International Airport . It is a trainset composed of two diesel bullet power cars at both ends and 4-7 passenger cars. Another traditional example would be the older InterCity 125 , made for and used by British Rail and several subsequent privatised bodies like Great Western Railway . Multiple units ( diesel or electric ) usually have
280-648: Is a class of electric multiple units used on the suburban rail network of New Zealand 's capital city, Wellington . The class, consisting of an FP power car and an FT trailer car, operates services on all electrified lines of the network which comprise the Kapiti , Hutt Valley , Melling and Johnsonville lines. The units are owned by Greater Wellington Rail Ltd, a subsidiary of the Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC), and have been operated by Transdev Wellington under contract to
320-539: Is based on the InterCity 125, has a power car at each end, one pulling and the other pushing. The Queensland Rail Diesel Tilt Train also has two power cars. Electric Multiple Units, such as the Sydney Trains C set , have power cars on each end with trailer cars in the middle. New Zealand FP class electric multiple unit The New Zealand FP/FT "Matangi" class ( / ˈ m ɑː t ʌ ŋ i / )
360-411: Is gradually being replaced by a newer energy-efficient power supply system called head-on generation (HOG), where power supply is drawn from overhead equipment through converters provided in electric locomotives for hotel load. This system is leading to huge savings in diesel fuel consumption (amounting to ₹ 1,182 crore (US$ 140 million) as on 20 November 2019). The NSW TrainLink XPT , which
400-475: Is placed inside the wheel to reduce resonance as the wheel turns through a curve. During their time in service, there have been several accidents involving Matangi units. Two of the accidents involved trains overrunning Melling station . The class usually wears an unpainted stainless steel finish, offset by the Metlink branding colours of dark blue and lime green, with yellow safety ends. One unit, FT/FP 5350,
440-566: The EO /SE set from service – ironically the older DM/D class units used on the Johnsonville line had fewer issues - and operational clearance not being granted by NZTA. While all units are capable of operating on this line, a small number will initially be dedicated to operating the majority of services. The lower-floor trailer unit has an area with folding seats for wheelchairs or prams, and for three bicycles during off-peak (and during peak if in
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#1732772645682480-633: The 9:05 am Hutt Valley service ex-Wellington and the return 10:00 am service from Upper Hutt. After these services it returned to testing duties, including four-car running with 4132. It was intended for the units to be running in regular service on the Hutt Valley and Melling Lines from January 2011, followed by the Johnsonville Line by May 2011 and Kapiti Line from July 2011. but this has been delayed. Regular revenue service commenced on 25 March 2011 with unit 4103 running on
520-740: The Alvia services Madrid- A Coruña and Madrid- Vigo via Santiago de Compostela , Vilagarcía de Arousa and Pontevedra in Galicia. In addition Talgo Avril will replace S-112 trains for the Avlo Madrid– Barcelona , Madrid– Valencia , Madrid– Alicante and Murcia –Madrid– Valladolid services. A Talgo Avril train reached 360 km/h top-speed on the Ourense-Santiago de Compostela high-speed line on Iberian gauge as part of homologation testing. Power car In rail transport ,
560-754: The Avril concept at the InnoTrans fair in Berlin in September 2010. After several years of development and testing, the first order for Avril trains was placed in November 2016, when Spanish operator Renfe Operadora signed a €786.5 million contract for 15 train sets and 30 years of maintenance. In May 2017, Renfe Operadora ordered 15 more train sets, with the Avril's entry into service expected in 2020, delayed to March 2024. In 2023, French operator Le Train signed
600-555: The EM/ET units, drivers had to double-check the "doors closed" light was on before applying power, potentially leading to human error. This configuration led to an incident in March 2013 when three EM/ET units left Wingate station with their doors open and no passenger staff on board, after the driver mistakenly thought he heard the "right-of-way" buzzer. The 5000 series units have fully automatic Scharfenberg couplers as standard instead of
640-487: The FT car having a floor level with the platforms for wheelchair access (and a retractable ramp if needed) and having the FT at the southern end makes it closer to the concourse at Wellington railway station. For easy identification, the doors leading to the low floor area of the FT car are painted lime green, whereas the remainder are painted navy blue. Additional differences include a change to open-on-demand doors - rather than all
680-703: The GWRC since 2016. They were previously operated by Tranz Metro, a former division of KiwiRail . The FP/FT units were built in South Korea by a consortium of Hyundai Rotem and Mitsui , with the first unit arriving in New Zealand in July 2010 and entering full-time service in March 2011. The first batch of 48 units, the 4000 series units, allowed an increase in the capacity of the Wellington network, and allowed
720-563: The Hutt Valley Line, initially running two off-peak return services to Upper Hutt and a Melling Line service each weekday However a combination of slower-than-expected testing, certification and driver-training programmes saw this timetable slip, prompting criticism from commuters. Overcrowding on existing services saw temporary measures introduced in April 2011, with morning peak Melling line trains replaced by buses to free up units for
760-498: The Kapiti Line ($ 10.1 million) will allow even longer (8 car) trains. A large amount of preparation works were undertaken in the Wellington region to allow the units to operate: clearances in tunnels, at platforms and under some bridges had to be increased to take the new trains. KiwiRail installed eleven new rectifier substations to increase the electrical supply for the new trains (nine on existing electrified lines, and two on
800-664: The Kapiti and Hutt Valley Lines, and the minimum fare removed on Wellington-bound Wairarapa Connection services to allow Hutt Valley Line passengers to use the train without penalty (the latter change became permanent in October 2011). Other units were introduced to service as they arrived and completed testing and services checks and were cleared by the New Zealand Transport Agency. In June 2011, all seven units in service were temporarily withdrawn after problems
840-586: The Wellington commuter rail system to increase capacity and service frequencies. The plan also included: In December 2006, GWRC announced that it would begin the tendering process for 29 EMUs to replace the DM/D English Electric EMUs and to provide additional network capacity. GWRC formed a subsidiary named Greater Wellington Rail Limited to purchase the EMUs and three tenders were shortlisted; Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) ,
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#1732772645682880-650: The change would be a totally uniform fleet. The first two of these units, FP/FT 5010 and 5027, landed at the Port of Auckland on 12 May 2015, off the vessel Thermopylae. GWRC advised that the Request for Tender documentation included the following requirements, although some specifications may change and no weight specifications were available. The cars have AC traction gear and convert the DC power supply to AC. The interior configuration allows for more standing room, increasing
920-489: The doors opening when the train stops at the station (as on the DM/D and EM/ET class), the doors are unlocked and passengers must press a button to open that set of doors. At terminal stations, the doors automatically close again after 90 seconds to keep the elements out of the train interior. The FP/FT units have a door interlock system, which prevents the driver applying power while the train doors are still open and unlocked. On
960-419: The expression power car may refer to either of two distinct types of rail vehicle: The first of these types of vehicle is closely related to the locomotive . What differentiates the locomotive and the first type of power car is their construction or use. A locomotive can be physically separated from its train and does nothing but provide propulsion and control (and heat or electricity for passenger trains). On
1000-519: The first batch's semi-automatic knuckle couplers (for emergency coupling to the EMs), and LED lamps for headlights and interior lighting instead of halogen bulbs and fluorescent tubes. Both changes were retrofitted to the 4000 series units. With the withdrawal of the EM units on 27 May 2016, the operating voltage was increased to 1700V DC to increase the power output available. In 2020, power supply upgrades on
1040-423: The line started complaining of the trains emitting a high-pitched squealing noise as they rounded some corners. Although squealing caused by wheel slip is not uncommon on rail systems worldwide, the gradient and curve radius on the Johnsonville Line exacerbated it. During the 2012-13 Christmas/New Year period, dispensers of friction modification fluid (oil) were fitted to the line to lubricate the rail and help reduce
1080-412: The new extension to Waikanae), and hardened the signalling system against interference from their AC traction equipment. The operating voltage was increased to 1600 volts DC to maximise the power available, with the overhead supply being 1700 volts DC. Despite the power upgrades the length of Matangi trains was initially limited to a maximum of six cars out of concern for the load long trains would have on
1120-497: The noise. The fluid has produced mixed results, reducing the squeal in some places but making no difference on others, however has the unfortunate side-effect of reducing rail adhesion – when combined with a wet rail, it has caused trains to overshoot platforms and to lose traction, resulting in cancellations or delays. Wheel dampers are also to be trialled on two units to help reduce the squeal. The 5000 series units, introduced from mid-2015, have sound dampeners in-built. A rubber ring
1160-411: The non-peak direction of travel). The entry to low floor area is marked by a lime green door, whereas all other doors are navy blue. In July 2012, a passenger with a bicycle was ordered off a peak-hour train at Petone, and after refusing to comply and holding up the train for 15 minutes, was subsequently removed by police. Not long after the units were introduced on the Johnsonville Line, residents along
1200-614: The original order. A further addition to the order of three units was announced by GWRC on 4 November 2008, bringing the total number of units to 48 (96 cars). On 23 August 2012 the Greater Wellington Regional Council announced that the option of placing another order for a further 35 units was preferred over refurbishing the EM/ET units, as refurbishing the existing fleet of Ganz Mavag units would be costly and their life would only be extended by 15 years, and still suffer excessive breakdowns. The result of
1240-741: The other hand, a power car of the first type is frequently an integral part of its train, and if the train uses distributed traction , some of the car's interior space may be used for carrying passengers or cargo. Nearly all high speed trains use power cars, frequently at both ends. An example of these are the Acela Express trainsets in use by Amtrak , which are built by Bombardier in Canada using technology licensed from France's Alstom. The twenty Acela trainsets operate between Washington, D.C. , and Boston, Massachusetts . Each trainset consists of six passenger cars and two power cars. Another example
Talgo AVRIL - Misplaced Pages Continue
1280-433: The passenger capacity compared with the EM/ET class units. This does not come at the expense of seating capacity, which remains the same but with 42 fewer front/rear-facing seats per set – the A (western) side of the section between the doors of each FT car contains only longitudinal seats, to widen the aisle. The preliminary design was modified with the addition of an emergency exit door at each end to allow for evacuation in
1320-419: The power supply. Testing performed by Tranz Metro and KiwiRail in September 2011 with eight-car sets in revenue service on the Hutt Valley and Kapiti Lines found that the network is able to cope with a limited number of long trains (one at a time on the Hutt Valley line and two on the Kapiti line) resulting in eight-car trains being permitted. The first unit, 4103, operated preview services on 23 December 2010:
1360-451: The retirement of the ageing DM/D class "English Electric" multiple units that were introduced between 1949 and 1954. The 4000 series also relegated the EM/ET "Ganz-Mavag" class multiple units (introduced 1982-83) to peak services only. A second batch of 35 units, the 5000 series, were introduced in 2015–16 to replace the remaining EM/ET units. In 2005 GWRC unveiled a plan for the upgrade of
1400-531: The single-track tunnels on the Wellington network (seven on the Johnsonville Branch and five on the North–South Junction ). The end doors also allows train staff to move between units while the train is moving or where no platform is available. The FP/FT class differs from the EM/ET class in that the power car is the northern car of the pair rather than the southern one. This is due to only
1440-427: The train. Each of these power cars is equipped with one diesel alternator set that supplies 3-phase power at 750 volts 50 Hz through two sets of feeders running along the rake and coupled in between with the help of inter-vehicle couplers. Each coach then picks up the power supply through a 60 kVA transformer and brings down the voltage to 110 volts, at which the equipment in compartments run. This technology
1480-471: The wind" and a "breath of fresh air to the transport system". The name was also chosen as it is easy to pronounce and spell, is distinctively Kiwi, and had support from local iwi (Māori tribes). From their introduction until 2014, the units displayed "Matangi" on their destination signs when a destination was not selected; in 2014, this was changed to display "metlink.org.nz" (the GWRC's public transport website) instead. The class letters have been chosen as
1520-466: Was achieved in November 2011 when the units took over about 50% of the weekday off-peak services on these lines from the Ganz-Mavag units. Services began on the Johnsonville Line on 19 March 2012, having been delayed by a combination of driver training needs, units being required on the other lines due to rolling stock shortages caused by reliability issues with some Ganz units, and the withdrawal of
1560-597: Was discovered in the auxiliary power units of two units. A faulty inductor coil in the APUs caused them to overheat, and the trains were fitted with extra cooling fans and settings for the APU power supply were altered so the trains could continue in service while replacement APUs were shipped out from Korea. Introduction to the Kapiti Line was achieved in August 2011 when sufficient units became available. Another significant milestone
1600-464: Was wrapped with advertisements in October 2024 to promote the grocery delivery service Delivereasy . The name Matangi , Māori for wind, came from a competition run by GWRC. Over 100 entries were received, including several Thomas the Tank Engine -inspired suggestions. It was nominated by Linden commuter Brian Bond, chosen for Wellington's windy reputation and the new trains being "as fast as
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