SNCF TGV La Poste
TGV La Poste | |
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TGV postal near Chevry-Cossigny.
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In service | 1984-2015 |
Manufacturer | GEC-Alsthom |
Family name | TGV |
Number built | 2,5 (new) + 1(converted from SNCF TGV Sud-Est trainset no. 38) |
Number preserved | 3 + ½ spare set; La Poste is seeking a buyer for the fleet[1] |
Formation | 10 cars (2 power cars, 8 postal cars) |
Operator(s) | La Poste |
Specifications | |
Train length | 200 m |
Width | 2.904 m (9 ft 6.3 in) |
Maximum speed | 270 km/h (168 mph) |
Power output | 6,800 kW (9,100 hp) @ 25 kV |
Electric system(s) | 25 kV AC 1500 V DC Catenary |
Current collection method | Pantograph |
Safety system(s) | TVM 300/TVM 430 |
Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
The SNCF TGV La Poste (TGV-Postes) trains were built by Alstom between 1978–1986. These TGV units are essentially TGV Sud-Est trainsets that are modified for transporting mail for the French postal carrier La Poste. The top speed is 270 km/h (168 mph), making them the fastest freight trains in the world.
5 half-trainsets were built, numbered 1-5. A further two, numbered 6 and 7, were converted from former TGV-SE trainset no. 38. Each half-trainset consists of a power car and four intermediate-trailers.
Services
In 2009, La Poste reduced services from 8 to 6 daily round trips.[2]
On 21 March 2012 a demonstration freight train ran to London St Pancras International,[3] but there was no follow-up.
In mid-2015, La Poste ended TGV postal services, shifting mail services to swap bodies instead.[4] The final service was on 27 June 2015 between Cavaillon (Marseilles) and Charolais (Paris).[1]
Fleet details
Class | Number in service | Year built | Operator | Current units | Notes |
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Series 923000 | 2.5 (5 half-sets) | 1981 | La Poste | P1-P5 | |
1 (2 half-sets) | 1984 | P6-P7 | Rebuilt from PSE set |
See also
- British Rail Class 325, 161 km/h (100 mph) Postal EMUs used in Britain
References
Further reading
- Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- Watch video of TGV postal in Paris
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