RM: What is special about the coaches you produce for ČD?
A proven design, well received by both customers and operators, was developed and modified with new features for modern passenger coaches.
The area of use includes 7 European countries, and the new Vectrain cab car is equipped with train protection systems for all those countries, therefore a smooth cross border operation will be possible.
RM: You work in a consortium with the Škoda Group on the production of cars. How does this cooperation work?
This is our second cooperation with Škoda Group after the 50 Comfort Jet coaches which were delivered to ČD until 2022. Therefore, we already know each other, which makes things easier and results in a more efficient project execution on both sides.
RM: I am also asking because production takes place in 3 places - Vienna, Munich and Ostrava. How difficult is it to coordinate production in such far-away places?
I would also add Graz as the fourth production site since the bogies are manufactured there. This setup requires special focus on logistics, interface management and on the availability of the key experts, but with an experienced and highly motivated project team also this challenge can be managed.
RM: These units are based on the successful Siemens Viaggio Comfort platform. These are push-pull train sets with a control car on one side and a Siemens Vectron locomotive on the opposite side. What is the most important advantage of this type of unit?
We call this concept the Vectrain from Siemens Mobility. From the operator’s perspective it is mainly the flexibility, - for the Vectrain this applies to cross border service, operation mode, area of use and train configuration.
Additionally in operation with Vectron locomotives the engineer will have the same cockpit and basic functions in both locomotive and cab car, which results in reduced training efforts for the operator. And – not to forget - maintenance and spare parts management can also be optimized with this concept.
RM: What is the speed limit that these ComfortJets are designed for?
The Comfort Jets are designed for a maximum speed of 230 km/h
RM: How many coaches has Czech Railways ordered from your consortium and when are they expected to be delivered?
There are 180 coaches ordered from Czech railways and 2 additional ones for Správa železnic, which is the Czech infrastructure agency. The first test train is already on track and the delivery to the customer train will go until 2026.
RM: The first cars have recently arrived at the VUZ test track in Velim. They are undergoing various tests - do you have any information on how these tests are going?
The tests are running as planned, currently the focus is on software testing and the communication between single cars within the train set. In October, the first test train with a cab car will be prepared for the running tests.
RM: Could you describe the interior of these cars?
Based on the established Viaggio layout, new features such as USB charging and inductive charging (in 1st class) were added. The comfort seats are adjustable in first and second class and during the train ride quality meals can be taken in the state-of-the-art bistro area. An enlarged bike area will support travelers that are combining train and bike journeys and within the entire train set a modern HVAC system guarantees comfortable temperatures throughout the year.
RM: How are other cutting-edge products that you are preparing at the Allach factory?
Munich Allach is the lead factory for the Siemens Vectron, which is the locomotive platform for both passenger and freight trains across Europe. This platform with more than 1800 units sold is a story of success and was an important push for the development of our cab car.
Additional Information:
- These cab cars are being produced in Allach now to leverage synergies in production
-
The first cab car comes with a special Vectrain 230 livery on it
-
The car body is manufactured at our Vienna factory and subsequently brought to Allach, where the cab car is assembled, finalized and commissioned
-
The cab cars are manufactured and assembled in Allach for one significant reason: The Vectrain cab car is meant to act as an identical counterpart to the Vectron locomotive. Another special feature is the identical look as well as the identical user interface and operation of the cab car versus a Vectron locomotive: The driver will not know the difference between the two when operating the vehicle
