SNCF TGV Thalys PBKA

Thalys PBKA

A Thalys PBKA at Eilendorf.
In service 1998–present
Manufacturer GEC-Alsthom
Family name TGV
Constructed 1995–1998
Number built 17 trainsets
Formation 10 cars
Capacity 377 seats
Operator(s) Thalys
Specifications
Train length 200 m (656 ft 2 in)
Maximum speed 320 km/h (199 mph) (Design)
300 km/h (186 mph) (Service)
Weight 383 t (377 long tons; 422 short tons)
Power output 8,800 kW (11,800 hp)
3,680 kW (4,930 hp)
Electric system(s) Catenary
25 kV 50 Hz AC
15 kV  16 2⁄3 Hz AC
1,500 V DC
3,000 V DC
Current collection method Pantograph
Track gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge

The Thalys PBKA is a high-speed train derived from the French TGV. It operates the Thalys service between Paris, Brussels, Cologne (German: Köln) and Amsterdam, forming the abbreviation PBKA.

Unlike Thalys PBA sets, the PBKA sets were built exclusively for the Thalys service. Their motor cars are technologically similar to those of TGV Duplex sets, but the trains do not feature bi-level carriages. They have eight carriages and are 200 m (656 ft) long, weighing a total of 385 tonnes. They have a capacity of 377 seats.

All of the trains are quadri-current, capable of operating under 25 kV 50 Hz AC (LGVs and a part of the French lignes classiques), 15 kV 16.7 Hz AC (Germany), 3 kV DC (Belgium) and 1.5 kV DC (the Netherlands and the remainder of the French lignes classiques).

Their top speed in service is 300 km/h (186 mph) under 25 kV, with two power cars supplying 8,800 kW. When operating under 15 kV AC or 1,500 V DC, the power output drops to 3,680 kW,[1] insufficient to reach 300 km/h in commercial use. Although their power-to-weight ratio allows a 250 km/h operation under 15 kV AC,[1] further constraints resulted in imposing a limit of 200 km/h on these trains in Germany.[2]

Seventeen trains were ordered: nine by SNCB/NMBS, six by SNCF and two by NS. Deutsche Bahn contributed to financing two of the SNCB sets.

Fleet details

Class No. in Service Year Built Operator Current Units Notes
Series 43000 17 1995–1998 Thalys 4301-4307 Owned by SNCB
4321-4322 Owned by DB
4331-4332 Owned by NS
4341-4346 Owned by SNCF

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Alain Jeunesse and Michel Rollin (March 2004). "La motorisation du TGV POS" (in French). Retrieved 2007-07-04.
  2. ↑ "railfaneurope.net". 2009-03-07. Retrieved 2009-03-15.
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