SJ X2

Infobox Train
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name = X2


imagesize = 300px
caption = X2 train used by SJ AB of Sweden
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Manufacturer = Asea Brown Boveri
Adtranz
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Formation =
Designation = 2001 - 2043
Operator = SJ
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yearconstruction = 1989 - 98
yearservice = 1989
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numberconstruction =
numberbuilt = 43
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MaxSpeed = 200 km/h
Weight = 73 t
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Engine =
Power = 3,260 kW
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Power-supply = Pantograph
Gauge = RailGauge|sg
Voltage = 15 kV 16⅔ Hz AC
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X2 is the high speed train system operated by SJ (Swedish Railways) under the X 2000 brand name. It has a top operating speed of 200–210 km/h, but has reached 276 km/h in a test. The reason the X2 was chosen was that the country has very curved railways, and not enough traffic to justify building special high-speed railway lines. Clearly, a tilting train like the X2 had to be developed. A tilting train provided the advantages of high speed and comfort for the passengers, as tilting trains are made for curved railways. The X2 was designed and built by ABB Asea Brown Boveri (later Adtranz ABB Daimler Benz Transportation and now Bombardier Transportation). The drive unit for the X2 is designated as a multiple unit although since the drive unit doesn't carry any passengers it should be considered as a locomotive.

Technical

Like the Pendolino, but unlike the TGV, the X2, due to its tilting mechanism, does not run on specialised high-speed lines, but on existing lines. This limits the speed when compared to trains such as the TGV, but means that expensive high-speed lines do not have to be built.

The power output is 3200 kW, which is comparatively low for a fast train, though the tilting means that accelerating out of curves is not as important. It also enabled SJ to say that it does not consume more power at 200 km/h than older Rc-pulled trains at 130.

Operation

The X2 trains have mostly run the X 2000 service level, but have periodically been used for Linx traffic as well as regional services, for which fewer coaches were used to improve acceleration.

Exports

X2 trains were loaned to Amtrak in the United States in 1992-93 and to Countrylink in Australia ["The X2 Tilt Train" Beckhaus, John Australian Railway Historical Society Bulletin 1995, January pp15-17] in 1995 for evaluation, but neither company bought any trains.

An X2 train operates in China, on the Guangshen railway, known as "Xinshisu".

The Norwegian State Railways bought 38 three- and four-car modifications; the BM71 and NSB BM73. The former are used on the Airport Express Train while the latter are used on intercity services. While built on the same technology, they do not use a locomotive, instead having powered bogies in each car. The front ends are visually different, and the airport express trains lack tilting. The units were built at Strømmen in 1997-2000.

References