Ferreoclipping

A GERMAN RAIL (DB) ICE high-speed train entered the Channel Tunnel today heralding the start of certification for operation to London. DB is seeking approval of the eight-car Class 406 train from the Channel Tunnel Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) in preparation for the launch of through services between London and destinations in Germany in 2013.

Today's test was a pre-configuration run using an ICE3MF train, which is equipped with TVM430 and ETCS for operation in France. DB will display one of these trains at London St Pancras station on Tuesday.

At present all passenger trains must have power cars and be at least 375m-long with a through corridor to aid evacuation in an emergency. The ICEs are 200m-long and have distributed power and, if run in pairs to form a 400m-long train, would not have a corridor connection between the two sets. Nonetheless, DB said last week it is confident it can secure approval from the IGC, and hopes to demonstrate during the tests that passengers can safely evacuate a 200m-long train in the tunnel.

IRJ - Wednesday, October 13, 2010

http://www.railjournal.com/newsflash/channel-tunnel-ice-tests-begin.html