ETR 460

ETR 460
In service 1994–
Manufacturer FIAT Ferroviaria
Family name Pendolino
Constructed 1993–1995
Number built 10 trainsets
Formation 8-car trainset
Capacity 137 1st class, 69 2nd class
ETR 207-218: 100 1st class
Operator Ferrovie dello Stato/Trenitalia
Specifications
Train length 236 m (774 ft 3 in)
Maximum speed 250 km/h (155 mph)
Weight 440 t (430 long tons; 490 short tons)
Axle load 13.5 t (13.3 long tons; 14.9 short tons)
Power output 5,880 kW (7,890 hp)
Power supply Overhead catenary
Electric system(s) 3000 V DC
Current collection method Pantograph
Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 12 in)

The ETR 460 is a tilting EMU built by FIAT Ferroviaria (now Alstom Ferroviaria) beginning from 1993, also known as Pendolino.

ETR 460 was an improved development of ETR 450, a Pendolino EMU developed in the 1970s, being characterized by improved layout, electrical and electronic systems, and a better comfort. Maximum speed was the same, 250 km/h (155 mph). ETR 460 spawned two similar types of Pendolinos: ETR 470 and ETR 480. The main difference between them is that the 460 run only on 3 kV DC, the 470 on 3 kV DC and 15 kV AC, the 480 on 3 kV DC and 25 kV AC (used on new high-speed railways in Italy). Three sets were modified to be capable to run also under 1,5 kV DC for use on Turin-Lyon services, but have been all reconverted to the ETR 460 standard. All ETR 460 are planned to be converted to the ETR 480 standard, sharing the new denomination ETR 485. The English Br 390, the Slovenian series 310, the Portuguese Alfa Pendular, the Finnish Sm3 and the Spanish Alaris series were all derived from ETR 460.

This trainset designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro is used by Trenitalia (Italian major railway company) for the Eurostar Italia service on several routes all over the country.

The trainset has the ability of tilt by an 8° max angle when taking the corner to reduce the effect of the centrifugal force on the passengers. The passengers feel themselves comfortable even if the train fully takes advantage of the characteristics of the track thanks to the lightness of the construction (only 13.5 t/13.3 long tons; 14.9 short tons / axle). The use of this train does not demand particular modifications to the railroad but it is expensive in terms of maintenance of the rolling stock because of the complexity of the tilting system.

The hydraulic tilting system it is governed from two gyroscopes that are in the head cars. The curve is found on the base of the elevation of the external track.

ETR 460 are provided with 12 three-phase asynchronous motors (compared to the 16 in the ETR 450) placed n all cars, in order to improve capability in dealing with corners. Motors are controlled through inverters and GTO, with a total power of some 6 MW. Electric braking is of rheostatic type, with the possibility of energy recovering at some speeds; mechanical braking system uses disc brakes, commanded by an electro-pneumatic system called Wabcontrol.

ETR 460s can carry up to 480 passengers. Configuration includes two head coaches, 5 passenger coach, a bar coach and a restaurant coach.

See also

External links