ČD Class 680

Infobox Locomotive Auto
name = ČD Class 680
powertype = Electric

---

imagesize = 250
caption = Pendolino 680 003 at Masarykovo nádraží in Czech capital Prague
designer =
builder = Alstom
serialnumber =
buildmodel = Pendolino
builddate =
totalproduction = 7×7 Cars
aarwheels =
uicclass = (1A)(A1) +2'2' +(1A)(A1) +2'2'+ (1A)(A1)+ 2'2' +(1A)(A1)
gauge = RailGauge|sg
trucks =
length = 185.3 m
weight = 384.0 t
electricsystem = 25 kV 50 Hz 15 kV AC 3,000 V DC
collectionmethod = pant
alternator =
generator =
tractionmotors = 8
transmission =
topspeed = convert|230|km/h|mph|abbr=on|sigfig=2
poweroutput = 8×490 kW = 3,920 kW
tractiveeffort =
factorofadhesion =
locobrakes =
trainbrakes =
safety =
railroad = ČD
officialname =
nicknames =
locale = see main article

ČD Class 680 are electric multiple units used in the Czech Republic, using tilting Pendolino technology. Built by Alstom they were largely based on the 9-car ETR 470. While testing from Břeclav to Brno on November 18, 2004, the Pendolino reached a speed of 237 km/h and created a new Czech railway speed record. [cite web |url=http://www.pendolino.cz/clanky/document.2005-02-16.6565302389 |title=Portál Pendolino.cz - 237 km/h: Nový rychlostní rekord české železnice |accessdate=2008-02-10 |author=martin |date=2005-02-17] The units are equipped to work on 25 kV 50 Hz, 15 kV AC and 3,000 V DC.

History

The initial Czech order for tilting trains was placed with Fiat Ferroviaria during 2000. As part of the Alstom take over of Fiat Ferroviaria the order was changed to Pendolino trains. The first set was delivered in 2004 as Pendolino ČD 680.

During the testing period, the train had problems with the Czech signalling system. The problems were said to be solved and the trains entered regular service in December 2005 between Prague and Ostrava. As of late January 2006, all five Czech Pendolino trains that had been put in service suffered from software and functional problems. The range of problems was spanning from failing air conditioning and heating, to failures of the tilting control. The supposedly ERTMS compliant control system ATLAS is not able to properly join several discrete systems each based on different software platforms. Similar problems have also been reported with finnish VR Class Sm3. All problems were fixed.

Operations

In December 2006 Czech Pendolinos were given permission to operate in Slovakia and Austria.
* ČD operate 7 times a day on the route Prague-Pardubice-Olomouc-Ostrava (SuperCity Pendolino)
* twice a day between Prague-Brno-Vienna (SuperCity Johann Gregor Mendel and SuperCity Smetana)
*once a day Prague-Brno-Bratislava (SuperCity Slovenská strela).

=Formation [cite web |url=http://www.pendolino.cz/folder.2005-02-16.3003666607/info |title=Portál Pendolino.cz - Obecné informace |accessdate=2008-02-10 |author=Snehurka |date=2006-01-26 ] =

The seven car units consist of:
*Class 681 Driving Motor First
*Class 081 Trailer First
*Class 683 Motor Buffet Second
*Class 084 Trailer Second
*Class 684 Motor second
*Class 082 Trailer Second
*Class 682 Driving Motor First

Cars are individually numbered, with the driving cars carrying their numbers on their noses.

Events

On December 1, 2007 a Pendolino derailed in Prague. No one was injured but the train was severely damaged.

The train was featured in the 2006 James Bond film "Casino Royale". While in reality the Czech Pendolino does not actually operate the route, in the movie it was shown to journey from Switzerland to Montenegro. In the "Wanted" movie, train was featured with real Czech Railways logo and equipement.

ee also

* List of ČD Classes

References

External links

* [http://www.atlaslokomotiv.cz/index.php?id=680 Atlas Lokomotiv Website] Czech
* [http://www.spz.logout.cz/vozidla/680/680_cd.html Website about 680 class] Czech
* [http://www.pendolino.cz fansite] Czech