NSB BM70

Infobox EMU
name = NSB BM70

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imagesize = 300px
background = red
caption = A NSB BM70 at Hamar Station.
Manufacturer = Duewag, ADtranz and Vst. Sundland
Operator = Norges Statsbaner
Formation = 4 cars
Built = 16 units
LinesServed = Vestfoldbanen
Drammenbanen
Gardermobanen
Dovrebanen
InService = 1992 - Current
Refurbishment =
CarLength = 104.8 m (total)
CarWidth =
CarHeight =
Weight = 206 t (total)
Capacity = 44 first class
186 second class
MaxSpeed = 160 km/h
Gauge = 1,435 mm
Traction =
Voltage = 15 kV AC overhead wire

NSB BM70 is a four-carriage electric multiple unit used by Norges Statsbaner for medium distance trains around Oslo. In particular they are used on Dovrebanen between Oslo and Lillehammer and on Vestfoldbanen, operating the regional service between Lillehammer and Skien.

History

During the late 1980s and early 1990s NSB decided to change their focus to what could become a competitive advantage. Focus on long-distance travel would be undercut, and instead focus on medium distance trains, particularly around Oslo. This lead to the NSB InterCity Express concept being launched, based on fixed, hourly frequency with upgraded service in new electric multiple units, using higher speeds than tradition trains, and with stops only in the larger towns and cities. The service was to be launched on Østfoldbanen, Vestfoldbanen and Dovrebanen to Lillehammer. The service could take advantage of new lines between Ski and Moss, and Gardermobanen to Eidsvoll. Some of the departures served by BM70s are very early morning "red-eye" services used by people with a long commute to Oslo. Therefore, there is a quiet section on the train where mobile phones and loud conversation are banned.cite book |first=Nils Carl |last=Aspenberg |title=Elektrolok i Norge |year=2001 |publisher=Baneforlaget |location=Oslo |language=Norway |isbn=82-91448-42-6]

The invitation for the bid was issued on October 1, 1986 and on December 20, 1988 NSB signed a contract with EB Strømmens Verksted concerning the delivery of nine new units. The first test runs were performed on May 23, 1992 on Roa-Hønefossbanen. In 1992 NSB ordered additional three units, to be delivered in time for the 1994 Winter Olympics. An additional four units were delivered in 1996, making the grand total sixteen.

The trains have had a fair number of technical difficulties, and on Vestfoldbanen they also were of an unsuitable size; the ideal size needed was six cars, while the fixed construction required the use of either four or eight cars. From 2000-02 the trains were converted from the InterCity Express concept to the NSB Agenda concept, but also this latter branding attempt has been discontinued, and the services are now part of the "regional" services provided by NSB. With the delivery of the NSB BM73, the BM70 has been focused on the Skien - Lillehammer run, while the 73-units are used on Østfoldbanen.

pecifications

The units were built by Strømmen, with Duewag and ABB as suppliers. The chassis is built in aluminum, like the B7 passenger cars, and the units are capable of being multiple driven with the NSB BM69 and other types of trains. The original seating was either 226 or 243, rebuilt to 230 and 235 with the conversion to Agenda.

External links

* [http://www.jernbane.net/norge/bm/bm70/bm70.htm Jernbane.net entry on the BM70] (in Norwegian)
* [http://www.railfaneurope.net/list/norway/norway_nsb.html Railfaneurope fleet detail]
* [http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/no/electric/emu/BM70/pix.html Railfaneurope images]

References