It’s always nice when you can put a face to the subject of your story. That’s exactly what we can do with this article. Sidsel Thostrup Høgh, Complex Project Manager at Danish Railways (DSB), recently visited Talgo in Spain to, among other things, view the new cab modules for the DSB-Talgo driving trailers ordered in 2023.
Of course, we’re already familiar with the design from the similar trains built for German Railways, but they still make a completely different impression in DSB’s signature red:
Driving trailers were initially not planned
DSB planned to operate these trains in ‘sandwich’ formations using its new Vectron fleet. However, this plan was revised in 2023. The contract for the sixteen Talgo trains was modified so each set would be equipped with a driving trailer. Interestingly, DSB has already begun testing the first complete trains, but these are currently fitted with two non-driving end cars, meaning they must be reconfigured later.
In 2023, DSB did not consider it necessary to set up a new tender for driving trailers as it believed the changes would not significantly extend the scope of the original framework agreement. Also:
“It is cheaper and more energy efficient to run with a combination of a locomotive and a control carriage instead of two locomotives. Therefore, this will be the solution that the carriages will run with when the delivery is finalised,” – Jürgen Müller, Director of Strategy and Rolling Stock, DSB
The first Talgo trainsets were initially expected to enter service in 2024, but their introduction has been delayed. The driving trailers are scheduled to begin commercial service between 2026 and 2027, initially functioning as standard passenger coaches. DSB plans to begin using them for train operations starting in 2028. Once in their final configuration—with both end and driving cars—a single Talgo set will offer a total capacity of 493 passenger seats.
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