ETR.470 "Treno Zero" | TrainsDepot.org

The ETR.470 "Treno Zero" was a prototype composed of three coaches:
BAC: motorized head unit;
BB: motorized middle unit;
BB: non-motorized trail unit.

It was equipped with a pantograph for the Swiss network and another for the Italian network.

Initially, it was painted in Cisalpino colors. Later, following the purchase of 3x units by the Slovenian Railways (SŽ), classified as Class 310, it received the same SŽ livery for promotional purposes.

It underwent an extensive testing program in Switzerland as a prelude to the introduction of the ETR.470 trains. The primary focus was on adjusting the AC power supply and tilting control system, crucial for navigating Switzerland’s numerous tight curves. Due to the country’s steep inclines and declines, the traction and braking systems required close monitoring. Additionally, the train’s interference effects on signaling systems were examined, with special attention to train control systems, which had to integrate Italian, Swiss, and even German infrastructure.

Reports indicate that the several-month-long testing and pre-operation phase revealed no major issues. However, concerns were raised about the train’s basic technical standards, modest comfort, and suboptimal braking performance. Infrastructure along the operating routes—including signals, speed monitoring systems, and overhead lines—had to be adjusted accordingly.

The train was also used for ERTMS (ETCS) tests before eventually being decommissioned and stored near Alstom’s (formerly Fiat Ferroviaria) facility in Savigliano, Italy.

Sources: https://www.hochgeschwindigkeitszuege.com/italien/etr-470-cisalpino.php

1996

April

ETR.470 "Treno Zero" during a test drive in Lausanne in the Cisalpino livery.

Sources: bahnbilder.de & rail-pictures.com

Other pictures from the same year during testing on the Lausanne - Geneva line:

Source: forum.3rails.fr

View all 12 photos in the photo gallery

Sources: https://www.bahnbilder.de/bild/Schweiz~Unternehmen~Cisalpino+AG/1354121/der-cisalpino-etr-470-8222treno-zero8220.html, https://forum.3rails.fr/t/quelques-archives-ferroviaires/13669/11

1996

June 1

ETR.470 "Treno Zero" during testing in Italy:

Source: suedbahnmuseum.at

Throughout the year, FIAT continued promoting the Pendolino in other European countries: an intensive test program with the ETR.470 "Treno Zero" was carried out in Slovenia, Croatia, Romania, the Czech Republic and Hungary.

Sources: https://www.suedbahnmuseum.at/at/blog/eine-suedbahnreise, https://www.byterfly.eu/islandora/object/librib:948401/datastream/PDF/content/librib_948401.pdf

1997

July 5

ETR.470 "Treno Zero" test runs in Germany in preparation for the planned through services Milano - Zürich - Stuttgart with Cisalpino ETR.470 trains.

Source: railfaneurope.net

1998

The ETR.470 "Treno Zero" receives the Slovenian Railways livery and is brought to Slovenia for presentation purposes, following the order of 3x units from this series, the future Class 310.

Sources: https://www.vlaky.net/zeleznice/spravy/8033-Konec-jedne-ikony-jugoslavskych-stejnosmernych-trati/

1999

February 12

The unit is spotted in Göschenen, Switzerland, in the Slovenian Railways livery:

Source: vlaki.info

NB: The train received this livery for presentation purposes in Slovenia as a prelude to the acquisition of 3x units designated as Class 310.

2005

March

The ETR.470 "Train Zero" returns to Slovenia for passenger trials, offering free promotional rides.

The goal was to persuade the Slovenian Railways to consider purchasing additional units. The original order included an option for four extra dual-system units, intended for routes to Munich and Zagreb, but this option was never exercised.

Due to its frequent presence in Slovenia and its nearly identical livery to the Class 310, some Slovenian railway enthusiasts humorously dubbed it "310 007/008"". This nickname playfully suggests that, despite not officially belonging to Slovenia, the unit is practically the fourth member of the fleet, blending seamlessly with the existing three.

Sources: https://www.vlaki.info/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1252

2006

January 21

ETR.470 "Train Zero" during a test drive in Firenze Campo di Marte railway station in Italy:

Source: trainspo.com

Sources: https://trainspo.com/photo/44170/

2010/11

ETR.470 "Treno Zero" is spotted next to the Alstom factory in Savigliano (Italy):

Sources: trainspo.com & trainspo.com

Sources: https://trainspo.com/photo/103682/, https://trainspo.com/photo/49990/

2012

As reported in June 2012, this unit is acquired by SBB CFF FFS from Alstom to provide spare parts for their ETR 470 fleet.

Sources: https://www.e-periodica.ch/cntmng?pid=sxp-001%3A2012%3A0%3A%3A260

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