Today, SNCF TGV La Poste is a topic of great relevance and interest to a wide spectrum of people. From its impact on society to its influence on technology, SNCF TGV La Poste has been the subject of numerous research and discussions in recent years. As public awareness of SNCF TGV La Poste continues to grow, it is important to fully analyze its implications and consider potential long-term consequences. In this article, we will explore various facets related to SNCF TGV La Poste and its impact on different aspects of daily life.
TGV La Poste | |
---|---|
In service | 1984- 27 June 2015 |
Manufacturer | GEC-Alsthom |
Family name | TGV |
Number built | 2+1⁄2 (new) + 1 (converted) |
Number preserved | 3 + 1⁄2 spare set |
Formation | 10 cars (2 power cars, 8 postal cars) |
Operators | SNCF for La Poste |
Specifications | |
Train length | 200 m (656 ft 2 in) |
Width | 2.904 m (9 ft 6.3 in) |
Maximum speed | 270 km/h (168 mph) |
Power output | 6,800 kW (9,119 hp) @ 25 kV |
Electric system(s) | |
Current collector(s) | Pantograph |
Safety system(s) | TVM-300, KVB |
Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
The TGV La Poste were dedicated trainsets for high-speed freight and mail transportation by French railway company SNCF on behalf of the French postal carrier La Poste. The top speed of this TGV Sud-Est derivate was 270 km/h (168 mph), making them the fastest freight trains in the world. [citation needed] They were withdrawn in 2015.
The trainsets were built by Alstom between 1978 and 1986. These TGV units are essentially TGV Sud-Est trainsets that are modified for transporting mail. 5 half-trainsets were built, numbered 1–5. A further two, numbered 6 and 7, were converted from former TGV-SE trainset no. 38. Each half-trainset consisted of a power car and four intermediate-trailers.[citation needed]
In 2009, La Poste reduced services from 8 to 6 daily round trips.
On 21 March 2012 a demonstration freight train ran to London-St Pancras, but there was no follow-up.
In mid-2015, La Poste ended TGV postal services, shifting mail services to swap bodies instead as part of a major logistics restructuring and expansion which the trainsets were not capable of handling. Additionally, the demand for fast overnight mail services has been decreasing in recent years. The final service was on 27 June 2015 between Cavaillon (Marseilles) and Charolais (Paris). La Poste originally was seeking a buyer for the fleet, however in December 2016 three trainsets were dismantled by SME (Société Métallurgique d'Épernay) leaving only a half spare trainset left.
Class | Number in service | Year built | Operator | Current units | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Series 923000 | 2.5 (5 half-sets) | 1981 | La Poste | P1-P5 | |
1 (2 half-sets) | 1984 | P6-P7 | Rebuilt from SNCF TGV Sud-Est passenger trainset no. 38 |