Talgo II: Building on Innovation

Posted: | Updated: | Tags: status train toots transport

The contents of this post were originally toots on Mastodon, you can find the original thread there.

@PeskyPotato

Talgo, innovative Spanish train manufactuer, started experimenting in the 1930s with self-guiding wheels, articulated trainsets and aluminium train bodies with a low center of gravity to come up with the Talgo II.

Picture of the control and power car of the Talgo II, named Virgen de Aránzazu. Painted gray with red strips and window cut outs to view the diesel-electric engine. Picture of English and Spanish sign. "The Talgo project (Goicoechea Oriol Articulated Light Train) was born in the 1940s when businessman and politician José Luis Oriol Urigüen gave his financial backing to engineer Alejandro Goicoechea Omar's project. In 1941 the first trials of the Talgo I were run between Madrid and Guadalajara at speeds of up to 135 km/h. This prototype was further developed in 1950 with the arrival of Talgo II, which built on Goicoechea's design. The new version was constructed in the USA by American Car and Foundry. The inauguration of Talgo II's commercial service took place in July 1950 on Madrid-Irún line. The Talgo revolution combined three substantial innovations: self-guiding wheels, articulated trainsets, and light aluminium coachwork. It was revolutionary in terms of the service provided to passengers with its innovative design and a new concept of comfort, with doors at platform level, anatomically designed reclining seats, air conditioning, at-seat meal service, and panoramic windows." Picture of rear view of the control and power car attached to passenger cars with the the passenr door open.
Replies: 1 Boosts: 0 Favourites: 1 | Source
@PeskyPotato

Talgo II was manufactured by American Car Foundry under Talgo's watch entering service in 1950 between Madrid, Spain and Hendaye, France, traveling up to 120 km/h.

Picture of rear passenger car with a curved panoramic window. Picture through the panoramic window looking into the passenger car of seats and tables. Picture of shelves with bags inside the baggage car.
Replies: 0 Boosts: 0 Favourites: 0 | Source

Related ramblings