Number built 15 Train length 183 m (600 ft 4.7 in) | Operator(s) RENFE | |
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Manufacturer Talgo / Bombardier (Kassel) Capacity 11 coach set:
299 seats, 236 standard, 62 first, 1 special Car length 20 m (65 ft 7.4 in) (power car)
13.14 m (43 ft 1.3 in) (passenger car) | ||
The RENFE Class 730 or S-730 (Spanish: Serie 730 de Renfe, manufacturer's designation Talgo 250) is a high-speed dual-gauge, dual-voltage trainset consisting of 11 Talgo VII tilting coaches and two power cars, used on Alvia services. The class have been nicknamed patitos (ducklings), due to the shape of the train nose. They are an upgraded version of RENFE Class 130, in order to extend high-quality services to parts of Spain not on the high-speed network, so these hybrid trains can run with both electric and diesel power.
Contents
Background and design
The trainsets are designed for high-speed services on Iberian gauge (1,668 mm (5 ft 5 21⁄32 in)) and high-speed (1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in)) lines; they can change gauge at low speed without stopping using Talgo's RD variable gauge system. The carriages are constructed from aluminium and incorporate the Talgo Pendular passive pendulum tilting system, are sealed against pressure differences for tunnel travel, and have underframe air conditioning, individual audio systems and video displays, rotating and reclining seats and power outlets.
Capacity in standard class is 36 seated, in first class 26 seats, end coaches have lower capacity, one coach is typically used for restaurant/sales services.
The locomotives use AC traction motors controlled by IGBT inverters which include integrated auxiliary inverters. Signalling systems can include ETCS Level 2, LZB, ASFA and Ebicab900TBS.
2013 Santiago de Compostela accident
On 24 July 2013 a RENFE class S730 running as the Alvia 4155 service from Madrid to Ferrol derailed and crashed near Santiago de Compostela in north-western Spain, killing 78, out of 218 passengers on board. The cause of the accident is not yet officially determined, but the train was alleged to be traveling over twice the posted speed limit while entering a curve, due to the absence of ERTMS.