IC4

Infobox Locomotive
name=IC4
powertype=diesel

---

caption=DSB's IC4 test train in Aarhus.
builder=Ansaldo Breda, Finmeccanica
builddate=since 2005
totalproduction=IC4: 14 (83 ordered)
length=86 m
weight=160 t
topspeed=200 km/h
poweroutput=2,240 kW
safety=ATC
firstrundate=August 7, 2008

The IC4 is an inter-city train built by Italian Ansaldo Breda for the Danish State Railways’ cross-Great Belt routes. Set to replace several types of outdated rolling stock as part of the company’s ‘good trains for everybody’ plan, the project has become a major political issue because of several delays. The IC4 units were originally planned to enter Intercity service by 2003. On 25 June 2007, one IC4 unit (trainset no. 4) entered regional service between Århus and Aalborg. Another test train entered regional service with passengers on 27 August, between Århus and Fredericia in eastern Jutland. Two more units have entered regional service during autumn 2007. By the end of 2007, DSB and AnsoldoBreda will decide when the IC4 is ready for Intercity and IntercityLyn services. This, however, will depend on approvals from the Danish National Rail Authority.

The IC4's first run was on August 7, 2008 from Aalborg to Copenhagen.

Equipment and specifications

The train is powered by four low-emission diesel engines with ‘common rail’ direct injection system, for a total power of 2240 kW, giving the train a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph). Each trainset consists of four articulated cars with a total length of 86 meters (282 feet), and is able to seat 208 people. Built of light aluminium alloys, each trainset weighs 140 tons.

Up to four trainsets can be coupled in one train. There are problems with this requirement, so it has been decided to first have the IC4 approved using one trainset only. To approve it for multiple connection is done later. One trainset is too short for efficient long distance usage, therefore it will be used in more regional usage to begin with.

Design

The trains design is a result of cooperation between DSB’s own designers, stressing Nordic minimalistic design, and the Italian design company Pininfarina, famous for designing Ferrari cars, stressing Italian sexyness weasel-inline and curves. On the exterior, the sharp noses on the end of each trainset, known from high speed trains throughout Europe, represents a break with the current tradition of the IC3 train, where passengers are able walk between the trainsets. In the interior, the train features natural materials in line with Scandinavian design tradition, an audio/video information system with seat reservation displays, and a lounge area.

Controversy

The train has become a hot issue in Danish politics, mainly because of the long delay in delivery from Ansaldo Breda. The Danish minister of Traffic and Energy is routinely required to give the parliament updates on the progress, and DSB’s choice of a heavily-customised train is often criticised as the major source of the delays. The expense involved in lengthening platforms on several stations along the route of the IC4 is the source of much additional criticism. In recent news [ [http://www.dr.dk/Regioner/Aarhus/Nyheder/OevrigeNyheder/2006/11/23/083456.htm IC4 kører som en drøm (dr.dk)] ] , it was revealed that the trains appear to be working properly, but documentation demands from safety authorities prevent the train from beginning full operation. Starting at the end of October 2007, four IC4 units entered regional service in Jutland. However service has again been suspended based on problems with exhaust fumes. [ [http://epn.dk/handel_service/transport_logistik/article1283057.ece IC4-tog står bomstille (epn.dk)] ]

Future

Some of the problems has by now been sorted out, but several still remains. Because of this, DSB has given Ansaldo Breda an ultimatum: Get at least 14 trains approved and ready for regular service before May of 2009, or the contract will be cancelled and DSB will demand getting the money back, and send the trains back to the factory.

The ultimatum may be met, although nothing certain at this time. However, on August 7 in 2008, train no. 13 ran a tour from Aarhus H. to Copenhagen H. and back with passengers. In spite of this, experts still doubt that the IC4 will be in regular service within the next couple of months.

If the contract is cancelled, several politicians has suggested that the electrification of the mainlines of the danish railroads, which were abandoned in the mid-1990s, gets completed. The primary reasons is, that electric trains is more enviroment friendly, produces less noise, and that there is a much larger selection of electric trains availible than diesel powered trains.

External links and references

* [http://dsb.dk/cs/Satellite?pagename=DSB/Page/Indholdsside_med_sidemenu_og_introindhold&c=Page&cid=1087467479227 Pictures of the train on the DSB website (in Danish)]