Finland pendolino tilting trains

The Pendolino S220 represents the third generation of the Italian-designed and developed variant of tilting train. An electric multiple unit offering low axle loading, the S220 was developed by Fiat (later Alstom) Ferroviaria. It was an adaptation of the ETR 460 design as used in Italy for use in Finland by that country´s Oy Transtech (Talgo). Ordered in three batches (1992, 1997 and 2002), VR´s Pendolino fleet now consists of 18 sets.

This company was involved with the Finnish trains from the design phase, ensuring the trains and their complex tilting and control mechanisms would cope with the much harsher climate found closer to the Arctic Circle than such trains had previously operated.

The trains´ bodies and mechanical equipment underwent preliminary preparations and manufacturing at Fiat´s Savigliano manufacturing base, being transported to Finland for final fitting-out at Oy Transtech´s factory at Oulu in the north of the country.

The Pendolino fleet is the backbone of the improvements contained in the Vali 2012 project, which is bringing progressive enhancements reaching extensively across Finland´s transport infrastructure.Bodies are of largely modular construction to keep axle weights to a minimum while adhering to stringent safety standards.

Each train consists of six cars, with a traction unit at either end. Of the four trailer coaches, one contains the high voltage electrical equipment which picks up the 25kV, 50Hz electric current from the overhead wires, and traction transformer which turns that current into the power for the train and its internal systems.

The tilting capability comes from the special bogie design. The helical primary and secondary suspension is considered superior to pneumatic systems in its reliability and the ride quality.

Seats, in standard and first class coaches, are in two + one arrangement, originally giving a total capacity of 264 passengers, with two for wheelchair-bound users (later increased to a total of 309).

SIGNALLING AND COMMUNICATIONS

Internal facilities provided on Pendolinos offer standards not before seen on Finnish rolling stock. They include an office compartment containing telephones, fax machines and overhead projectors for business class passengers. Information monitors in each coach give details of the train´s progress and of onward connections. As part of the development of Vali 2012, signalling on the Helsinki-Turku route was upgraded at the same time as the track improvements. This has involved renewal of the multiple-aspect colour light signalling.

THE FUTURE

The Pendolino fleet is the backbone of the improvements contained in the Vali 2012 project, which is bringing progressive enhancements reaching extensively across Finland´s transport infrastructure. With the high-speed rail service in place, steps were being taken to extend the network of local buses operating from stations on the Helsinki-Turku routes.

Buses and minibuses bring the benefits of Vali 2012 into outlying areas, linking them directly with local or central business and population centres, where residents can join the high-speed network.

The most important railway project in Finland for over two decades, the 63km (39 mile) Kerava to Lahti direct high speed line opened in September 2006, becoming incorporated into the Pendolino network. In the longer term it will be part of a high speed Helsinki-St. Petersburg service.

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Fonte: Railway-technology.com