SNCF TGV La Poste
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| TGV La Poste | |
|---|---|
 TGV postal near Chevry-Cossigny. | |
| 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) |
| Operators | 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 collector(s) | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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
- ^ a b Barrow, Keith (29 June 2015). "Last post for French high-speed freight as postal TGVs bow out". International Railway Journal. Retrieved 23 July 2015.
- ^ "TGV: La Poste supprime un quart des TGV postaux". Passion - Trains (in French). 24 April 2009.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|trans_title=ignored (|trans-title=suggested) (help) - ^ "Demonstration high speed freight train links Lyon and London". Railway Gazette International. 21 March 2012.
- ^ "Swap bodies to carry mail by rail". Railway Gazette International. Retrieved 3 July 2014.
Further reading
- Perren, Brian (15–28 February 1995). Kelly, Peter (ed.). "Speeding La Poste". RAIL (magazine). No. 246. pp. 36–37. ISSN 0953-4563.
- Watch video of TGV postal in Paris
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