SNCF TGV La Poste

TGV La Poste
A TGV La Poste train near Chevry-Cossigny outside Paris.
Manufacturer	GEC-Alsthom
Family name	TGV
Entered service	1984
Number built	2,5
Number in service	3 (including 1 converted from SNCF TGV Sud-Est trainset no. 38) + 1/2 spare set
Formation	10 cars (2 power cars, 8 postal cars)
Operator	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	6800 kW @ 25 kV
Electric system(s)	25 kV AC 1500 V DC
Safety system(s)	TVM 300/TVM 430
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

Since 2009, La Poste has reduced services from 8 to 6 daily round trips.

Fleet details

Class	Number in service	Year built	Operator	Current units	Notes
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