First Generation
| ETR.500 (mono-current) | |
|---|---|
ETR.500 mono-current powercar at Roma Termini. |
|
| In service | 1992–2007 |
| Manufacturer | Trevi (consortium of Alstom, Bombardier, AnsaldoBreda) |
| Refurbishment | 2006–2008, transformation into E.414 |
| Number built | 30 trainsets |
| Formation | 11-car trainset |
| Capacity | 187 (1st class) 469 (2nd class) |
| Operator | FS/Trenitalia |
| Specifications | |
| Train length | 327.6 m (1,074 ft 10 in) |
| Maximum speed | 340 km/h (211 mph) |
| Weight | 598 t (589 long tons; 659 short tons) |
| Power output | 8,800 kW (11,800 hp) |
| Train heating | (?) |
| Electric system(s) | Overhead catenary, 3 kV DC |
| Current collection method | Pantograph |
| Safety system(s) | RS4, SCMT |
| Gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) |
After the success of the 2 prototypes, FS decided to order 30 mono-current trainsets supporting the 3 kV DC supply of existing lines. Delivered between 1992 and 1996, with interiors styled by design company Pininfarina, they consist of 2 motorcars (numbered E 404 100 to 159), four first class cars, a restaurant car, and six second class cars. Although suited for driving 300 km/h (186 mph), they were limited to 250 km/h (155 mph) on the Direttissima as the current drawn from the catenary at 300 km/h (186 mph) would be too high. This was also the reason why a second generation, dual-voltage trains was ordered.
Major routes of this train were Chiusi-Milan, Florence-Naples, Milan-Rome Termini, Milan-Naples, Bologna-Rome Termini, Milan-Salerno, Milan-Venice, Venice-Rome Termini.
Between 2006 and 2008, the first generation trains have been upgraded with newly built E.404 6xx dual-voltage motorcars, coupled to the existing middle cars. All E.404 0xx motorcars of the older trainsets have been refurbished and transformed into locomotives of the type E.414, and will haul EuroStarCity trains on selected routes. These trains consist of two E.414 locomotives and 10 former Intercity UIC-Z coaches. Although the coaches are "normal" Intercity coaches, they will mostly remain in semi-permanent coupled formation with the two E.414 locomotives.
Read more about this topic: ETR 500
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