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Talgo's lean Aluminium manufacturing powers super-fast and safe travel (2/2)


Hello! And welcome back to our blog post on TALGO trains. TALGO recently held speed trials in India for its 9 series unit. Let's continue from where we left off and talk about how achieving such high speeds is made possible by the Spanish manufacturer.

Read our 1st post on the Spanish TALGO trains here for more on this topic.

TALGO trains boast of superior sustainability and safety features in the new age trains in addition to increasing the passenger comfort without compromising on the high speed proposition. The use of hi-tech sensors and microprocessors ensure that the train’s vibration are minimized by automatically adjusting the suspension system through a robust feedback system.

The present trains running in India have been reported to be employing technology which is outdated by 3 decades. The amplified use of instrumentation and real-time feedback systems in the engine and the coaches are still to be incorporated in the present technological arsenal of the railway transportation. In addition to this, mechanical advancements and strict railway regulations have also made the European trains safer and much energy efficient. The ‘dynamometric axle’ in the Spanish trains is an example of what we are talking about. It determines the contact force between the wheel and the rail, evaluating the quality of the roll of the wheels. This lowers the chances of derailment in adverse environment conditions and uneven terrain.

Talgo’s trademark high-speed maneuvers couldn’t have been possible without stringent controls and checks on the weight of the coaches. The most widely used metal component in the manufacturing of these coaches is aluminium. The structure of the train down to every small detail that implicates the trains’ performance is designed and simulated to perfection. According to the manufacturer, “The energy efficiency and the resulting enhanced sustainability of Talgo trains is largely achieved by the continuing effort to reduce the weight in each and every component that makes up the train. The lightness of Talgo trains and the improved energy results achieve lower ratios of acceleration and deceleration, i.e., these processes of acceleration and deceleration are accomplished in less time.”

Talgo's superior instrumentation technology used in wheels

In our previous post, we had talked about the ‘Guided axles & independent wheels’. This has specifically been designed to achieve the above claim. Talgo has discarded steel in its manufacturing for aluminium for its lightness, durability, and non-corrosive property. Using selected lightweight aluminum alloys has also empowered them to gain even more sturdiness than steel. They have not shied away from using the best alloys created by recent technology from other sectors such as aerospace, naval, and wind turbines for the purpose of creating a lighter structure. Furthermore, compensation of the extra weight has been carried out by redesigning other elements of the train like seats, handrails, aisles, furniture, fairings, flooring, etc. The strange nose of the train has been precisely modified for maximizing the aerodynamics of the speeding train.

Talgo coach interior

Here are some quick facts that may interest you:
  • Talgo 250 was the first high-speed train to run in Central Asia. In Uzbekistan, it runs on a daily basis.
  • A typical 9-coach Talgo train consists of 2 Executive Class cars, 4 Chair Cars, a cafeteria, a power car and a tail-end coach for staff and equipment.
  • Talgo train coaches could save up to Rs 1 crore as compared to the LHB coaches used in Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains given their claim of low maintenance.
  • It has the technology to keep interiors pleasant even when the temperature outside crosses 50 degree Celsius or drops below -20 degree Celsius.


  • Railways' energy bill could be reduced tentatively by 30%, as its light weight manufacturing using aluminum and aluminium alloys would result in lower energy consumption.
  • There would be no requirement of overhauling the tracks if the trains were to be run in India, unlike Japanese trains.
  • Amenities like footrests, reading lights, tables, audio entertainment control, etc. are provided for every individual seat. The trains also come with monitors for video entertainment, shower units, in-house restaurant and a cafeteria car for passenger coaches.


References:


 Picture credits: TALGO
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