Alstom Unveils Fourth Generation Pendolino

The article examines the new generation of Alstom's Pendolino tilting trains, which, following dynamic test completion at the Czech Republic's Velim test circuit, are due to start mainline testing this month in Italy. The new Pendolinos reach speeds of 250 km/h, and feature better accessibility, improved reliability, and a more spacious interior than their predecessors. Trenitalia has ordered a fleet of 12 ETR 600 trains equipped for operation on 25kV ac high-speed lines and 3kV dc conventional lines for service in Italy from Alstom. Fourteen tri-voltage trains have been purchased by Cisalpino for service on operator routes to 15 kV networks in Switzerland and Germany from Italy beginning in 2007. Train design and components, including bogies, body shell, and signaling systems, are discussed.