The S-105 unit looks similar to S-121 units (they are made by the same manufacturer, after all). It is also a marvel of engineering, allowing to change gauge width through the same width changing stations at 20 km/h, and are certified up to 320 km/h (as they have achieved 350 km/h during tests). However, they are 4-coach units, and only 2 units can go coupled (the same that happens with S-121 units). While S-121 units run in frequent regional high-speed services, S-105 units were going to be used for high-speed long-distance trips. Running 213-seat units for long-distance trips at 300+ km/h may not be economically efficient (according to Renfe's opinion), so I think we won't be seeing this units in regular services until they have to run high-speed services from one city to two other cities that are close one to the other but with final diverging legs, so they can run 2 coupled units for most part of the trip, and each one alone for the few last kilometres of the trip. CAF needs also to fix and test the issue with frame and bogie cracking (the same issue they had with Flytoget trains in Norway), that's why I think they are running so many tests for such a long time.
Some comments and clarifications: 2:48 Puerta de Atocha is the high-speed station. Chamartín is connected via the Recoletos and Sol tunnels to *Atocha Cercanías* (not to be confused with Puerta de Atocha), as part of Madrid's 1668 mm standard gauge network. There is a 1435 mm narrow gauge high-speed tunnel that was finished two years ago, linking Chamartín and Puerta de Atocha, but hasn't entered service yet. 6:56 No, competition is not needed. If anything, natural monopoly is needed. Give it 20 years, you'll see. Railways are not a market; they're critical infrastructure, a public service, vertebrate the territory and are a national trademark. They're not just another market that can be butchered up and sold in pieces, let alone to private companies with public funding from abroad. 7:29 If entering gauge-change mode at exactly 20 km/h the system applies emergency brakes. Actual speed is 18 km/h, with a tolerance of up to 19 km/h. I know this from experience, from my first time driving through a gauge change station where I got hit with emergency brakes for being in a hurry and going exactly at 20 km/h as to not lose time (plus, the train's driving manual says so, 18 km/h). Also, conventional or standard gauge in Spain is 1668 mm, the so-called "Iberian gauge"; with the narrower 1435 mm being simply narrow gauge or otherwise commonly referred to as high-speed gauge, with a myriad of other incorrect names such as "UIC gauge", "international gauge" or "European gauge". The third most common is 1000 mm metre gauge. 7:44 Not for the driver, believe me! Many buttons to be pushed in the right order, at the right time, in a short amount of time. 7:56 That's correct. The easiest way for the untrained eye to tell S/120 and S/121 apart, are the former sport two magenta stripes (Long Distance services) and the latter a bottom magenta stripe and a top orange one (Medium Distance services). Gauge change technology is fundamentally different between Talgo and CAF, though. Wouldn't say it's much like that S/130. But here's a fun fact: a Talgo consist doesn't change gauge if driven through a CAF changer, but during tests CAF consists have proven to be able to change gauge being driven through Talgo changers at low speeds! 8:21 The S/102 and S/112 are actually the S/130's older, stronger brothers. 8:34 That's correct. It's a shame an order was never placed and it's another shame that the only prototype is just there collecting dust and falling apart. Reason is, being the only of its kind, there are no spare parts to replace ones that needed maintenance and the prototype is no longer functional due to this. Nevertheless, CAF markets it to several operators in Europe and other continents to prove it's perfectly capable of building a 300 km/h high-speed train. Fingers crossed for future orders. 9:49 Nothing Renfe can do about it, really. It's the Ministry of Health's call (don't ask about Ouigo, I have no idea why they're pushing the limit. Profit above safety I guess, that's what they came here for anyway). 13:07 Hold up! Talgos don't have axles, they're in fact semi-axles. Both wheels on the same theoretical axle are fully independent of each other, meaning no wheel slip on curves due to slight differences in curve radius. Talgos are truly underappreciated technological marvels, they're so unique in so many ways. Also, precisely because of the single-rodal-per-coach configuration is that Talgos are so smooth to ride, compared to traditional bogie coaches. Would love to write the full mechanical explanation but that would be excessively lengthy. 17:59 Ouch. Yeah definitely the worst place to have a train break down, single-track sections. 18:29 Bit of an evil remark, but I've deprived passengers of those repays by a very small margin more than once. Mwahaha! Sometimes you can make up for lost time in some lines. And that's all for the lengthy comment. I did enjoy the video, nothing said was out of place either. Thumbs up.
Good vid, thanks. I remember travelling through those gauge changing contraptions and was mightily impressed: engineers have so much imagination as well as practical skills. I was also impressed by how much space the wider trains gave the passenger even in 2nd Class (Tourista) compared with the UK loading gauge.
In this video by Adif (public Spanish railway infrastructure company), it is quite well explained, and illustrated with working examples on S-121 and S-130 trains ruclips.net/video/y8N7Ikw87tM/видео.html
Great video as always and enjoyed watching today's video and loved watching all those picturesque landscapes, and gauge-changing process was quite unique and interesting furthermore, I really appreciate delay refund scheme provided by the train operators, I think, it's a nice gesture and it portrays that, how committed train operators are towards passengers.
Very interesting ... this gauge change concept on the go. And their delay compensation policy is extremely generous imho. I would happily pay a few extra bucks if they served a few drinks while watching the sunset during the delay
I remember Chamartin station back in the summer of 2008 when we passed through there it is very big still lovely journey nice countryside sorry you arrived late in Santander because of the broken down train.
What a great train with the gauge changing ability. Santander is a beautiful city, it is great to walk from the beach up to the top of the hill. I spent a week in an apartment from where I could see from the window half the field of Racing Santander.
I’m going to catch this train on the 21st Feb from Madrid to Santander. Travelling from London to Madrid Madrid Santander by train, returning Santander Madrid by airplane ✈️ and London
@@NonstopEurotrip My second favorite is the Spain Barcelona-Madrid in Renfe Ave and my last favrite is the trip where u go on the Renfe Ave train called [The Duck]
8:35 - The CAF Oaris (named by renfe as Serie 105) is not being used on any line right now. It has been moved between rail deposits since it was delivered by CAF. Before the pandemic it was seen between León and Madrid as part of some trials. Some thought it meant that the train would enter into service any time soon, but in reality, it never happened. So, sadly, no plans for this train.
What a nice trip. Marvellous video. I don't know anything about Iberian gauge high-voltage system, but to my opinion, the process of AC-DC changing was at the top. I would be very appreciated you tell about this more preciously in some details. I'm not a technician. I'm really sorry bagging you about this. While having read some comments I came to conclusion your videos have a wide range of popularity. So I wish your channel great success. Next time I wish you go to Russia to make a trip by Sapsan. It is said this supreme high-speed train is very nice, comfortable and beautiful. Had you already made this wonderful journey I would be very appreciated to find out your opinion about this train or maybe other trains in Russia or Ukraine. Have you ever been to Uzbekistan. This is a small country in Asia (like Sweden in territory). The government of this country decided to attract tourists to make this country famous for people of other countries from all over the world. There are many historical sights there. Tourists may visit ancient cities like Bukhara, Samarkand and certainly the capital city of this country - Tashkent. In Samarkand there a tomb of one of the most famous man in history - Tamerlan. He was died and was buried there. Why I'm talking about this, you anseer me. You know that the railway system of this country is served by RENFE. There are about 6 or 7 trains that are in service there. While going people may see beautiful landscapes of this country. In Europe not very many people know about this country. But some Spanish specialists are working there to make sure everything will be in service for reducing problems which may be caused during your voyage to make it more comfortable with all modern conveniences people may need in a way. So, would you have such opportunity to visit this country I would be very pleased to see your next video. I think it would have a great success. P.S. I'm really sorry if I make a mistake. My native language is not English. I'm Ukrainian. And at school and in university I studied German. I like Germany very much. I adore this country. So, you'll be there, I would have a chance to watch your video about ICE (Intercity Express) Zug. Will you be able to make it, I will be very grateful for watching this next time. Sincerely Yours. Yura.
Realmente, no tiene mucha tecnología, es mecánica relativamente simple. En mi canal puedes ver algunas tomas cercanas del cambio de ancho, y en el canal de TALGO tienes muy buenas explicaciones. Saludos cordiales desde Córdoba.
Nice! But there is no axle between the coaches. Talgotrains use Single-Wheel-Undercarriage. The seats are usually turned into the direction of travel (except the seats at the end of each coach.
The Talgo is an articulated train, so that the two coach ends sit on one bogie. If it were a single axle the ride would be appalling! Not unique,TGVs operate on the same principle.
@@christophernoble6810 Yes, the Talgo is a articulated train, but no: He has no bogies (like TGV): Look the unique system of the two single-wheels between two coaches (including passive tilting and gauge-changing system) at: es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pendolino#/media/Archivo:Talgo_podvozek.jpg
Great review!! Made the same journey in standard class a few years back and was pretty good then. Food available and decor fine but I can appreciate it now needs a bit of refreshing. Shame about the food too, hope you didn’t get too hungry en route!! I recall the journey up is stunningly beautiful,starting with hot and rather parched landscapes then coming up to lush, green forests and hills further north. I’m sure that compensates lol! Plus, glad to see they have a full refund scheme. Was it easy to claim? Thanks very much 👍
Excellent Omar! These trips in first class are much better with the complimentary food and drink, hopefully it will be back very soon! Very easy to claim, and money back in 48 hours!
@@NonstopEurotrip I hope so too, would be great to see the complimentary food and drinks back, it’s these little things that make first class in my opinion! 👍 Good to hear, sometimes these companies can be a bit of faff in refunding but excellent that it was all done and dusted in 48 hours.
The rail connection between Santander/Cantabria and Madrid is very problematic and due to the mountainous terrain and investments would have to be very high. The Central Government offered Cantabria a high speed connection via Bilbao but it was not accepted. This situation will persist as Santander only has around 200.000 inhab which does not justify the investment.
Great video!! And practically free due to excessive delay. My dad traveled Philadelphia to Chicago on the Broadway Limited an all first class/Pullman train. A similar refund was given if the train was more than 15 minutes late arriving Chicago.😀😀♥️♥️
At the risk of making a silly question... how do they actually do the physical change of gauges? The wheels are +200mm wide or they move on the axis or what...? 🤔😳 Well... something is something, your ride was free, cool...!! The aerodynamic line of the front of the engine is fantastic.
Great video, as always! This train looks nice, although it doesn't have a renovated interior. This railway line also looks interesting. I know Spain, unfortunately only from planes, next time I also have to try some trains :-)
Another brilliant presentation Max! 👍🏻. Curious … we’re announcements followed in English? And to get a refund within 48 hours is just wild, something that wouldn’t happen on America’s Amtrak. 🤷♂️
Thanks Rob, yes all Spanish highspeed, long and medium distance trains have the announcements in Spanish, local language and English. I was surprised the refund came so quick tbh 😂
Great video! And I agree that the train interiors need a face lift ASAP. However, let me comment a little off-topic about the line towards Bilbao that is mentioned. If I am not wrong, between Madrid and Bilbao/ Irún, the high speed service ends once you pass Valladolid (or maybe before entering Valladolid). From there on, it's the same old line with abismal trip times 3:45+ minutes to Bilbao. 4:45 + to Irún. This results in not so much overall time difference in today's trips to the Basque Country compared to Talgo services in the 70s, which used a more direct route. Although they will open the new high speed line section up to Burgos pretty soon , or so they say, the new train line in the Basque country (designed for 220 km/h) keeps being delayed over and over. Now they are talking about 2024. But before, they promised it would be open in 2019, 2013 and so. It's been more than 25 years since they started planning it, but political, technical, economic issues and local priorities came along the way. As a result of the 19th. century infrastructure connecting the Basque Country with the rest of Spain, I think Bilbao , given its population and economic importance, must be one of the cities with fewer long distance train services in Western Europe. Everything comes down to two meager Alvia services to Madrid that nobody takes (since they are slower and more expensive than the hourly bus services, and also less convenient than driving or taking the frequent flights) and one to Barcelona.. All trains run empty most of the times for understandably reasons. Anyway, sorry this ended up being so long. Thanks again for another excellent video, which I truly enjoyed.
@@NonstopEurotrip Of course! I was born , raised and I lived there until life took me somewhere else. 😃Possibly if politics had not gotten in the way some of the early proposals (a direct high speed line from Bilbao to Vitoria as proposed in 1987) would have solved some of the problems and would have made the train viable by the early 90s. Since that's not the case, 30+ years later here they are in groundhog day over an over moving the date further and further into the future. Most of the people in Bilbao 50 years or younger have never taken the train to go to Madrid, or anywhere else for the same matter. Unfortunately, driving, taking the bus or flying are the options. Anyway, coming back to your video, I really like it and the line between Palencia and Santander seems to be interesting. I should check it someday. Keep the good work!
@Paseos por Madrid Thank you for the comment. Last time I took the Alvia (Summer 2019) from Valladolid to Bilbao it was business as usual. The same old line. It's good that the Alvia uses the HST now up to Venta de Baños, but it does not show up in total travel time or only marginally (same woeful 3:45 +/ 4:00 as two years and a half ago). I am also glad that they are finally opening the line up to Burgos soon and that they will be able to shave 1 hour off the whole trip. At least, then, the train would become an option to travel from the Basque Country, on par with bus services. That would be a welcoming change. Further in the future, they are now talking about 2027 for the basque HST line (we'll see) but the line between Vitoria and Burgos is still in somewhat early stages of design so I am not so sure that the train would be really competitive in that line by then.
This is the problem with the AVE, many parts of the main system need upgrading 3KV? I´m surprised the train can move at all they burn some electricity. At full speed every coach costs around €6 a mile in electricity costs. I went to Malaga-Tarragona last week the trip was around €130
I wonder if the gauge-changing mechanism will become troublesome as the trains age. Although converting all track and rolling stock to standard gauge would be hugely expensive, and disruptive while it was taking place, in the long run it would make international transport more efficient. The same applies to the power systems.
I like your vids, would save some money and do a trip around EU and testing out some diff trains and see places....easy travel....And I even need to testing out Flixbus efter been playing Fernbus.
Is a highspeed link to the border town of Irun-Hendaya foreseen (say Bilbao, San Sebastian, Hendaya)? Now you end up with Euskotren which is lovely but going at 50 kph.
I read Oaris train is still undes tests. It is in the same stage as new Talgo-Avril train. Once the Oaris get its safety certificate it will probably run between León and Madrid, as there is a lack of rolling stock in this line. We expect to see it running soon.
Having in account the Oaris is already out of comission in Norway after 2 months of operation because tecnical problems with the suspension and bogeys. I doubt we will see it anywhere. There is a reason why Talgo gets contracts and CAF doesn't. Also no, Oaris is not on the same stage as the Avril. the Avril has a contract with Renfe, the Oaris doesnt. The prototype came out like 4 years ago yet nothing has come of it apart from the sale to Norway that now seems is going to be a PR disaster for the company.
Can you please give me some more info about Avril. It appears, there are two different designs, one shown on wikipedia and one getting tested with a different face. What made Talgo change the looks?
Nice to see you (finally 😄) confirm the toilet worked! Train interiors could do with an upgrade alright. That green... 🤑 Does this train always depart from Iberian gauge platforms at Chamartin?
Always no. This is because this service starts at Alicante. It goes on the iberian gauge tracks to go to the tunnels linking Atocha and Chamartin (nicknamed Tuneles de la Risa). Also there are major enginering works at Chamartin, so changes could happen. And also is near to open the 3rd tunnel in Madrid between the two major stations, this in standard gauge
You'll be VERY pleased to see all the videos I've filmed in the last few months Mark 😁 As Albe says, if the train starts at Charmatín is 'usually' on a standard gauge platform...
These trains are great except for the seats. They’re not terrible but on a long journey you certainly feel the lack of padding after about 3 hours. I also feel like simple beverages should be included in the ‘first class’ coaches, rather than a small mediocre cup of coffee costing over 3 euros.
I came to know first tym that same train can run on a variable gauge....that's really cool and an engineering masterpiece. Here, in India and Indian subcontinent, Indian gauge(1676mm) is the only one. Btw Great video buddy!
Yeah, but the project of Talgo coming to India was cancelled due to many reasons such as small height of trains as compared to platforms of India, less people carrying capacity and most importantly the Talgo owners were not ready for Make in India initiative.
The most commonly used socket in Europe is the Type F (which is also used in Spain and consequently on this train). Most earthed or high power double insulated appliances in Europe have plugs can use Type E & F sockets nowadays. For double insulated low power devices (up to 240V/2.5A) there is the "Europlug" (Type C) which fits into Type C, E, F, H, K, L, and J sockets. Basically the only incompatible European countries are Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland with their Type G sockets...
Can anyone Spanish or Portuguese tell us if there are talks about possibly regauging the whole network to standard gauge? How much would it cost and after how many decades would those costs be paid back thanks to the new ease of travel to and from the rest of Europe (goods and passenger)?
@Madrid city walks Not completelly accurate that IP (Portugal's infrastructure manager) hasn't a plan. All lines leading to the borders are being relaid with double fixation sleepers. But since our terrestial frontier is just with Spain and ADIF has currently no plans to bring the standard gauge closer...
@@ruipina5636 Portugal has plans in their major axle; Faro - Lisboa - Oporto. it woluld be natural to enlarge northener to Galicia in Spain. Spain woluld prefer do first the Portugal connection by Badajoz (they would have to accelerate the hsl works in Extremadura)
Complete regauging was discarted; the network was constructed with 18th century standards (specially for mountanious lands where few tunnels were made and the primary option was follow a river / ladder of a mountain for less step gradient). In flat sections, like Mediterranian Corridor, enginering works are on the way, and final result is a regauge. There are to be 3 passes to France in standard gauge; International tunnel at La Jonquera in service, Irún - Hendaya in engineering works and the International tunnel at Canfranc tbd.
@@albe6253 the plan (not definitive) for the new Lisboa - Porto HS line is to construct in 2 phases using iberian gauge, allowing the immediate usage by the actual long distance trains (Alfa and ICs). The new Porto (Braga) - Vigo will be built in Iberian gauge because there isn't standard gauge on the spanish side of the border. Finnally, the new connection under construction between Évora and Badajoz, also keeps with the iberian gauge. There isn't any plan for a new line or gauge convertion between Lisboa and Faro.
@@ruipina5636 AVE will arrive next year in Ourense, Galicia. And then, Ourense / Vigo - Santiago - Coruña new line (opened in Iberian gauge and 25kV AC electrification) goes to regauging. The future is Standard gauge
Hey everybody. I'll be absent of subscribing to this channel for the next almost 3 months, but it doesn't means I need to stop commenting and watching this channel's videos. I'll be back to be subscribed at the beggining of my Christmas' holiday (From 20th December 2021) to Nonstop Eurotrip, Superalbs Travels & Dylan's Travel Reports' channels 4:30 The Renfe S-130 trainstock isn't very old. It was introduced in late 2006, in the Madrid-Barcelona and vice-versa services, when the Madrid-Barcelona High Speed Line wasn't opened as a full route between the 2 cities 11:50 According to the Castille and León's "Estatuto de Autonomía" (An autonomical constitution that's under the power of the Spanish Constitution) says that autonomy hasn't a de facto capital city (Because Castille (it was named Castilla La Vieja (Old Castille in English) until it was joint with the region of León) and León were different regions until the late 1970s & beggining of the 1980s, when the current Spanish autonomies were born). And due to that, the Autonomical Supreme Court and the Autonomical Government Palace and the Autonomical Parliament are in different cities (The Autonomical Supreme Court is in Burgos & the legislative and executive powers are in Valladolid) 20:52 Video's final score: 8.6
With all due respect Alvia trains are not High speed at all . AVE is the major high speed train operator since 1992 , but now there are also low cost but high speed operators like AVRIL , or Ougo
@@rsnankivell1962 FS does not operate any EMU in the IC category, but operates ordinary loc+X UIC cars sets, older but nicer in terms of cabin interior and layout.
España tiene nada que envidiar a Holanda en este sentido ,como para decir que son un desastre, España es el segundo país con más kilómetros de alta velocidad en el mundo no creo que Holanda pueda decir lo mismo
The S-105 unit looks similar to S-121 units (they are made by the same manufacturer, after all). It is also a marvel of engineering, allowing to change gauge width through the same width changing stations at 20 km/h, and are certified up to 320 km/h (as they have achieved 350 km/h during tests). However, they are 4-coach units, and only 2 units can go coupled (the same that happens with S-121 units). While S-121 units run in frequent regional high-speed services, S-105 units were going to be used for high-speed long-distance trips. Running 213-seat units for long-distance trips at 300+ km/h may not be economically efficient (according to Renfe's opinion), so I think we won't be seeing this units in regular services until they have to run high-speed services from one city to two other cities that are close one to the other but with final diverging legs, so they can run 2 coupled units for most part of the trip, and each one alone for the few last kilometres of the trip. CAF needs also to fix and test the issue with frame and bogie cracking (the same issue they had with Flytoget trains in Norway), that's why I think they are running so many tests for such a long time.
CAF tech is more complicated than TALGO tech...😊
I was mechanic on board of TALGO, and for me, have the perfection of simplicity. 👌🤗🤗
You can see, in my Channel, some very near views of gauge change.
Congratulations for your Channel, and salute you from Córdoba, Spain 🇪🇦.
@@jmaguilucho68 Thank you, I'll check it out 🙏🏻
Those high speed Spanish trains are very slick, fast and beautiful. No wonder Spain is the best country for fast trains.
Yes, or Italy 😁
@@bluebear6570 Spain beats France & Germany...
Some comments and clarifications:
2:48 Puerta de Atocha is the high-speed station. Chamartín is connected via the Recoletos and Sol tunnels to *Atocha Cercanías* (not to be confused with Puerta de Atocha), as part of Madrid's 1668 mm standard gauge network. There is a 1435 mm narrow gauge high-speed tunnel that was finished two years ago, linking Chamartín and Puerta de Atocha, but hasn't entered service yet.
6:56 No, competition is not needed. If anything, natural monopoly is needed. Give it 20 years, you'll see. Railways are not a market; they're critical infrastructure, a public service, vertebrate the territory and are a national trademark. They're not just another market that can be butchered up and sold in pieces, let alone to private companies with public funding from abroad.
7:29 If entering gauge-change mode at exactly 20 km/h the system applies emergency brakes. Actual speed is 18 km/h, with a tolerance of up to 19 km/h. I know this from experience, from my first time driving through a gauge change station where I got hit with emergency brakes for being in a hurry and going exactly at 20 km/h as to not lose time (plus, the train's driving manual says so, 18 km/h). Also, conventional or standard gauge in Spain is 1668 mm, the so-called "Iberian gauge"; with the narrower 1435 mm being simply narrow gauge or otherwise commonly referred to as high-speed gauge, with a myriad of other incorrect names such as "UIC gauge", "international gauge" or "European gauge". The third most common is 1000 mm metre gauge.
7:44 Not for the driver, believe me! Many buttons to be pushed in the right order, at the right time, in a short amount of time.
7:56 That's correct. The easiest way for the untrained eye to tell S/120 and S/121 apart, are the former sport two magenta stripes (Long Distance services) and the latter a bottom magenta stripe and a top orange one (Medium Distance services). Gauge change technology is fundamentally different between Talgo and CAF, though. Wouldn't say it's much like that S/130. But here's a fun fact: a Talgo consist doesn't change gauge if driven through a CAF changer, but during tests CAF consists have proven to be able to change gauge being driven through Talgo changers at low speeds!
8:21 The S/102 and S/112 are actually the S/130's older, stronger brothers.
8:34 That's correct. It's a shame an order was never placed and it's another shame that the only prototype is just there collecting dust and falling apart. Reason is, being the only of its kind, there are no spare parts to replace ones that needed maintenance and the prototype is no longer functional due to this. Nevertheless, CAF markets it to several operators in Europe and other continents to prove it's perfectly capable of building a 300 km/h high-speed train. Fingers crossed for future orders.
9:49 Nothing Renfe can do about it, really. It's the Ministry of Health's call (don't ask about Ouigo, I have no idea why they're pushing the limit. Profit above safety I guess, that's what they came here for anyway).
13:07 Hold up! Talgos don't have axles, they're in fact semi-axles. Both wheels on the same theoretical axle are fully independent of each other, meaning no wheel slip on curves due to slight differences in curve radius. Talgos are truly underappreciated technological marvels, they're so unique in so many ways. Also, precisely because of the single-rodal-per-coach configuration is that Talgos are so smooth to ride, compared to traditional bogie coaches. Would love to write the full mechanical explanation but that would be excessively lengthy.
17:59 Ouch. Yeah definitely the worst place to have a train break down, single-track sections.
18:29 Bit of an evil remark, but I've deprived passengers of those repays by a very small margin more than once. Mwahaha! Sometimes you can make up for lost time in some lines.
And that's all for the lengthy comment. I did enjoy the video, nothing said was out of place either. Thumbs up.
Wow thanks for such a detailed comment, it was very interesting to read! I'm glad you enjoyed the video 😃
But it was competition what finally dragged prices down and made Renfe notice the shitty prices and services they offered...
Good vid, thanks. I remember travelling through those gauge changing contraptions and was mightily impressed: engineers have so much imagination as well as practical skills. I was also impressed by how much space the wider trains gave the passenger even in 2nd Class (Tourista) compared with the UK loading gauge.
Yes, I agree Chris. It's very impressive 😃
Lovely video. I'd be fascinated to see exactly how the gauge changing takes place. It looks so simple. and that you had a 'free' trip ...perfect!
There are videos on RUclips showing it in action 😁
See: ruclips.net/video/qwNl-g_91GE/видео.html
In this video by Adif (public Spanish railway infrastructure company), it is quite well explained, and illustrated with working examples on S-121 and S-130 trains ruclips.net/video/y8N7Ikw87tM/видео.html
Great video as always and enjoyed watching today's video and loved watching all those picturesque landscapes, and gauge-changing process was quite unique and interesting furthermore, I really appreciate delay refund scheme provided by the train operators, I think, it's a nice gesture and it portrays that, how committed train operators are towards passengers.
I'm glad you enjoyed it mate! It's an excellent route and they're clever trains, not bad considering it ended up being a free ride 😂🙏🏻
@@NonstopEurotrip 😂
@@NonstopEurotrip where are you from
@@manosm2003 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Renfe is a wonderful and prestigious company
Debatable 🙃
Well it happens, it was way longer but the most beautiful eith the river and all these green hills, well done my friend!!!!
You've been watching a lot of my videos today 😂
This looks exciting. Clean services make a big difference to ones attitude to the trip.
Absolutely Anne couldn't agree more! 👍🏻
Travelling hospital, enjoyable video hahaha. I cannot wait to see the full refurbished version.
Me too!!! 🤗
Great report about the Renfe Serie 130. On the next year they will be refurbished, and we will be able to compare the "before" and the "after".
Oh absolutely, I'll have to go back 😁
Very interesting ... this gauge change concept on the go. And their delay compensation policy is extremely generous imho. I would happily pay a few extra bucks if they served a few drinks while watching the sunset during the delay
They do normally, and a full meal! Spanish first class in 'normal times' is great tbh 🇪🇦😃
Atocha station is a work of art and one of the largest and most connected in Spain
It certainly is 😀
I like your way of presenting. Keep to this format.
I'll try my best 🙂
I remember Chamartin station back in the summer of 2008 when we passed through there it is very big still lovely journey nice countryside sorry you arrived late in Santander because of the broken down train.
It's ok, because it was free 😂
What a great train with the gauge changing ability. Santander is a beautiful city, it is great to walk from the beach up to the top of the hill. I spent a week in an apartment from where I could see from the window half the field of Racing Santander.
Wow that must have been great 😊
I’m going to catch this train on the 21st Feb from Madrid to Santander. Travelling from London to Madrid Madrid Santander by train, returning Santander Madrid by airplane ✈️ and London
Have a good trip! 😃
For me this is the best video on this channel.
What about your next favourite? 😄
@@NonstopEurotrip My second favorite is the Spain Barcelona-Madrid in Renfe Ave and my last favrite is the trip where u go on the Renfe Ave train called [The Duck]
@@NonstopEurotrip Also, my favorite train where i like where you go on trip is the Renfe Alvia S-130.
I spent about 6 hours on one of those trains from Santander to Alicante and back but I have also done London to Alicante via Paris and Barcelona
Did you have fun? ☺️
Good sceneries
Refund option was great
Absolutely yes 😊
La verdad es que tenemos una buena Red de ferrocarril, tanto en trenes de cercanías y sobre todo el AVE
Estaría bien que las conexiones fueran un poco más frecuentes y mejor programadas.
@@NonstopEurotrip son bastantes frecuentes y impecable en horarios, se nota que utilizas poco el ferrocarril
Great video, greetings from Santander. I hope you like my city.
Absolutely love it!
8:35 - The CAF Oaris (named by renfe as Serie 105) is not being used on any line right now. It has been moved between rail deposits since it was delivered by CAF. Before the pandemic it was seen between León and Madrid as part of some trials. Some thought it meant that the train would enter into service any time soon, but in reality, it never happened. So, sadly, no plans for this train.
Thanks for the Information, I think they look like good trains! 🇪🇦
Very informative Miguel! If you post this as a separate comment (instead of a reply) I will pin it, as it answers many questions!
No wonder Clint liked making westerns in Spain...Thought I was looking at West Texas for a moment there!
You should see the southern plains of Spain 😂
What a nice trip. Marvellous video. I don't know anything about Iberian gauge high-voltage system, but to my opinion, the process of AC-DC changing was at the top. I would be very appreciated you tell about this more preciously in some details. I'm not a technician. I'm really sorry bagging you about this. While having read some comments I came to conclusion your videos have a wide range of popularity. So I wish your channel great success. Next time I wish you go to Russia to make a trip by Sapsan. It is said this supreme high-speed train is very nice, comfortable and beautiful. Had you already made this wonderful journey I would be very appreciated to find out your opinion about this train or maybe other trains in Russia or Ukraine.
Have you ever been to Uzbekistan. This is a small country in Asia (like Sweden in territory). The government of this country decided to attract tourists to make this country famous for people of other countries from all over the world. There are many historical sights there. Tourists may visit ancient cities like Bukhara, Samarkand and certainly the capital city of this country - Tashkent. In Samarkand there a tomb of one of the most famous man in history - Tamerlan. He was died and was buried there. Why I'm talking about this, you anseer me. You know that the railway system of this country is served by RENFE. There are about 6 or 7 trains that are in service there. While going people may see beautiful landscapes of this country. In Europe not very many people know about this country. But some Spanish specialists are working there to make sure everything will be in service for reducing problems which may be caused during your voyage to make it more comfortable with all modern conveniences people may need in a way. So, would you have such opportunity to visit this country I would be very pleased to see your next video. I think it would have a great success.
P.S. I'm really sorry if I make a mistake. My native language is not English. I'm Ukrainian. And at school and in university I studied German. I like Germany very much. I adore this country. So, you'll be there, I would have a chance to watch your video about ICE (Intercity Express) Zug. Will you be able to make it, I will be very grateful for watching this next time.
Sincerely Yours. Yura.
Thanks! But I already have Ukrainian and German videos on the channel 😊
OP BRO 😄😉
Nice trip report! Really interesting to see the gauge changing, looks so easy but I bet there's a lot of engineering going on.
Haha absolutely Juan! 😂
Realmente, no tiene mucha tecnología, es mecánica relativamente simple. En mi canal puedes ver algunas tomas cercanas del cambio de ancho, y en el canal de TALGO tienes muy buenas explicaciones.
Saludos cordiales desde Córdoba.
That refund policy is amazing! EU law actually only mandates 25% for >60min and 50% for >120min delay.
Isn't it just 😀
Nice video mate! Love the picture of the thumbail! My house is at the right of the bridge in the picture : ) ( Serin, Gijón)
Oh wow, lovely! 😃
Excellent as usual. I have been to Santander but by sea on a cruise, it is a pleasant city. Renfe's refund scheme seems very generous.
Excellent John! The refund efficiency even surprised me 😂
Nice!
But there is no axle between the coaches. Talgotrains use Single-Wheel-Undercarriage.
The seats are usually turned into the direction of travel (except the seats at the end of each coach.
The Talgo is an articulated train, so that the two coach ends sit on one bogie. If it were a single axle the ride would be appalling! Not unique,TGVs operate on the same principle.
@@christophernoble6810 Yes, the Talgo is a articulated train, but no: He has no bogies (like TGV): Look the unique system of the two single-wheels between two coaches (including passive tilting and gauge-changing system) at: es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pendolino#/media/Archivo:Talgo_podvozek.jpg
Yes, I just didn't explain it very well. There is no actual bogie. Very different to a TGV.
Great train!
Absolutely! 😃
Great review!! Made the same journey in standard class a few years back and was pretty good then. Food available and decor fine but I can appreciate it now needs a bit of refreshing. Shame about the food too, hope you didn’t get too hungry en route!!
I recall the journey up is stunningly beautiful,starting with hot and rather parched landscapes then coming up to lush, green forests and hills further north. I’m sure that compensates lol!
Plus, glad to see they have a full refund scheme. Was it easy to claim?
Thanks very much 👍
Excellent Omar! These trips in first class are much better with the complimentary food and drink, hopefully it will be back very soon! Very easy to claim, and money back in 48 hours!
@@NonstopEurotrip I hope so too, would be great to see the complimentary food and drinks back, it’s these little things that make first class in my opinion! 👍
Good to hear, sometimes these companies can be a bit of faff in refunding but excellent that it was all done and dusted in 48 hours.
The rail connection between Santander/Cantabria and Madrid is very problematic and due to the mountainous terrain and investments would have to be very high. The Central Government offered Cantabria a high speed connection via Bilbao but it was not accepted. This situation will persist as Santander only has around 200.000 inhab which does not justify the investment.
Yeah I can see the issues! Spectacular line from Bilbao 🤯
Why not embrace maglev to deal with troublesome terrain
Great video!! And practically free due to excessive delay. My dad traveled Philadelphia to Chicago on the Broadway Limited an all first class/Pullman train. A similar refund was given if the train was more than 15 minutes late arriving Chicago.😀😀♥️♥️
Thanks 🙏🏻 ooh that Pullman sounds great! 😁
@@NonstopEurotrip Oh Max!! It would great to experience that all first class accomodation. Long gone!!!
At the risk of making a silly question... how do they actually do the physical change of gauges? The wheels are +200mm wide or they move on the axis or what...? 🤔😳 Well... something is something, your ride was free, cool...!! The aerodynamic line of the front of the engine is fantastic.
It's probably best you watch this video: ruclips.net/video/qwNl-g_91GE/видео.html 😃👍🏻
Great video, as always! This train looks nice, although it doesn't have a renovated interior. This railway line also looks interesting. I know Spain, unfortunately only from planes, next time I also have to try some trains :-)
Thanks mate, you'll have to go next year and find a refurbished one to compare against, then do some AVEs too 😁
Another brilliant presentation Max! 👍🏻. Curious … we’re announcements followed in English? And to get a refund within 48 hours is just wild, something that wouldn’t happen on America’s Amtrak. 🤷♂️
Thanks Rob, yes all Spanish highspeed, long and medium distance trains have the announcements in Spanish, local language and English. I was surprised the refund came so quick tbh 😂
Great video! And I agree that the train interiors need a face lift ASAP. However, let me comment a little off-topic about the line towards Bilbao that is mentioned. If I am not wrong, between Madrid and Bilbao/ Irún, the high speed service ends once you pass Valladolid (or maybe before entering Valladolid). From there on, it's the same old line with abismal trip times 3:45+ minutes to Bilbao. 4:45 + to Irún. This results in not so much overall time difference in today's trips to the Basque Country compared to Talgo services in the 70s, which used a more direct route. Although they will open the new high speed line section up to Burgos pretty soon , or so they say, the new train line in the Basque country (designed for 220 km/h) keeps being delayed over and over. Now they are talking about 2024. But before, they promised it would be open in 2019, 2013 and so. It's been more than 25 years since they started planning it, but political, technical, economic issues and local priorities came along the way. As a result of the 19th. century infrastructure connecting the Basque Country with the rest of Spain, I think Bilbao , given its population and economic importance, must be one of the cities with fewer long distance train services in Western Europe. Everything comes down to two meager Alvia services to Madrid that nobody takes (since they are slower and more expensive than the hourly bus services, and also less convenient than driving or taking the frequent flights) and one to Barcelona.. All trains run empty most of the times for understandably reasons. Anyway, sorry this ended up being so long. Thanks again for another excellent video, which I truly enjoyed.
Have you seen the terrain 🤣
@@NonstopEurotrip Of course! I was born , raised and I lived there until life took me somewhere else. 😃Possibly if politics had not gotten in the way some of the early proposals (a direct high speed line from Bilbao to Vitoria as proposed in 1987) would have solved some of the problems and would have made the train viable by the early 90s. Since that's not the case, 30+ years later here they are in groundhog day over an over moving the date further and further into the future. Most of the people in Bilbao 50 years or younger have never taken the train to go to Madrid, or anywhere else for the same matter. Unfortunately, driving, taking the bus or flying are the options. Anyway, coming back to your video, I really like it and the line between Palencia and Santander seems to be interesting. I should check it someday. Keep the good work!
@Paseos por Madrid Thank you for the comment. Last time I took the Alvia (Summer 2019) from Valladolid to Bilbao it was business as usual. The same old line. It's good that the Alvia uses the HST now up to Venta de Baños, but it does not show up in total travel time or only marginally (same woeful 3:45 +/ 4:00 as two years and a half ago). I am also glad that they are finally opening the line up to Burgos soon and that they will be able to shave 1 hour off the whole trip. At least, then, the train would become an option to travel from the Basque Country, on par with bus services. That would be a welcoming change. Further in the future, they are now talking about 2027 for the basque HST line (we'll see) but the line between Vitoria and Burgos is still in somewhat early stages of design so I am not so sure that the train would be really competitive in that line by then.
Nice trip ... thanks one more time
You're welcome 😁
This is the problem with the AVE, many parts of the main system need upgrading 3KV? I´m surprised the train can move at all they burn some electricity. At full speed every coach costs around €6 a mile in electricity costs. I went to Malaga-Tarragona last week the trip was around €130
Wow that's is crazy expensive! I usually get promo fares in advance, and they can be cheap that way 👍🏻
I wonder if the gauge-changing mechanism will become troublesome as the trains age. Although converting all track and rolling stock to standard gauge would be hugely expensive, and disruptive while it was taking place, in the long run it would make international transport more efficient. The same applies to the power systems.
Ah I wonder! It's a great solution tbh, and very easy, when it works! 🇪🇦
It's been working since October 1967. With proper maintenance (which they are having), it's as flawless as we can see on the video.
I like your vids, would save some money and do a trip around EU and testing out some diff trains and see places....easy travel....And I even need to testing out Flixbus efter been playing Fernbus.
Good plan ☺️
Was it easy to get the refund?
Very easy, within 2 days!
Is a highspeed link to the border town of Irun-Hendaya foreseen (say Bilbao, San Sebastian, Hendaya)? Now you end up with Euskotren which is lovely but going at 50 kph.
I don't know if it will extend past Valladolid towards Bilbao 🤔
That trip was actually expensive. It still is, but I've managed to buy a 4hour ticket to Castellón at 20€ using multiple discounts.
Good price!
Great video !!
Thanks 👍🏻
The Talgo set changes gauge AND from diesel to purely electric on the move
This one doesn't, as it's electric only. But the S730 does...
Great video, how quickly did you get the refund?
Within 48 hours!
Great video.
Thanks!
I read Oaris train is still undes tests. It is in the same stage as new Talgo-Avril train.
Once the Oaris get its safety certificate it will probably run between León and Madrid, as there is a lack of rolling stock in this line.
We expect to see it running soon.
Having in account the Oaris is already out of comission in Norway after 2 months of operation because tecnical problems with the suspension and bogeys. I doubt we will see it anywhere. There is a reason why Talgo gets contracts and CAF doesn't. Also no, Oaris is not on the same stage as the Avril. the Avril has a contract with Renfe, the Oaris doesnt. The prototype came out like 4 years ago yet nothing has come of it apart from the sale to Norway that now seems is going to be a PR disaster for the company.
No lo vas a ver ni en lepe
Avril is definitely entering service afaik, Oaris, I doubt it 😂
Si,lleva como diez años en pruebas
Can you please give me some more info about Avril. It appears, there are two different designs, one shown on wikipedia and one getting tested with a different face. What made Talgo change the looks?
Nice to see you (finally 😄) confirm the toilet worked! Train interiors could do with an upgrade alright. That green... 🤑 Does this train always depart from Iberian gauge platforms at Chamartin?
Always no. This is because this service starts at Alicante. It goes on the iberian gauge tracks to go to the tunnels linking Atocha and Chamartin (nicknamed Tuneles de la Risa).
Also there are major enginering works at Chamartin, so changes could happen.
And also is near to open the 3rd tunnel in Madrid between the two major stations, this in standard gauge
@@albe6253 Thank you!
You'll be VERY pleased to see all the videos I've filmed in the last few months Mark 😁 As Albe says, if the train starts at Charmatín is 'usually' on a standard gauge platform...
These trains are great except for the seats. They’re not terrible but on a long journey you certainly feel the lack of padding after about 3 hours. I also feel like simple beverages should be included in the ‘first class’ coaches, rather than a small mediocre cup of coffee costing over 3 euros.
Absolutely agree!
result free trip
Excellent eh 😁
Very good video!
Thanks Elias!
Awesome 👍👍👍👍
Thank you 🙏🏻
do you have any journeys on the east of Italy
I've done a few, but not edited the videos yet. Trieste-Venice, Bologna-Pescara and Pescara-Roma will be coming up in the next 6 months
I came to know first tym that same train can run on a variable gauge....that's really cool and an engineering masterpiece. Here, in India and Indian subcontinent, Indian gauge(1676mm) is the only one. Btw Great video buddy!
Thank you 🙏🏻 It is pretty cool, the gauge changing 😁
Spanish gauge is 1668 mm. A TALGO train make tests on indian tracks a few years ago...
Yeah, but the project of Talgo coming to India was cancelled due to many reasons such as small height of trains as compared to platforms of India, less people carrying capacity and most importantly the Talgo owners were not ready for Make in India initiative.
11:53 Valladolid is not the capital of Castilla y Leon. Just a puntualization :D
🙈🙈🙈
It IS CyL de facto capital (home to government and parliament). Not de Iure though as it is not explicitly defined as capital in the statute
Burgos y León, la misma mierda son.
Is there a difference between broad and standard gauge for passengers?
Not sure what you mean...
The oaris is going to the high speed line to leon in "2022"
We'll see I guess 🤣
@@NonstopEurotrip The date is probably not true, but we know where is it going.
JR Kyushu doesn't know Spain exists!
😂😂
Must say the 1st class seating looks disappointing. I thought for a moment it was standard class.
Yes, but the refurbishment should bring it right up to spec!
@@NonstopEurotrip Canfrancero
Lovely trip, though gauge changing during the running train is quite a riddle. If you could explain it.
ruclips.net/video/qwNl-g_91GE/видео.html
Exactly 🤣
@@ManuRu1z Thanks.
What is a European socket? French, German, Italian, Swiss.Especially for earthed plugs, I need different adapters.
Well seeing as we're in Spain...
The most commonly used socket in Europe is the Type F (which is also used in Spain and consequently on this train). Most earthed or high power double insulated appliances in Europe have plugs can use Type E & F sockets nowadays.
For double insulated low power devices (up to 240V/2.5A) there is the "Europlug" (Type C) which fits into Type C, E, F, H, K, L, and J sockets. Basically the only incompatible European countries are Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland with their Type G sockets...
@@stephanweinberger Italian sockets always seem to be a pain too 😂
@@NonstopEurotrip Yes, but the Europlug is compatible with those (Typ L) as well (at least the 10A variant).
Its wanderfull pleas take the line madrid soria pleas
I've got quite a few more videos from Spain, already filmed 🇪🇦
How do you hold your camera? Is it a phone camera? People don't seem to notice or care that you are filming them.
GoPro, and I just hold it normally 🤷🏻♂️
Can anyone Spanish or Portuguese tell us if there are talks about possibly regauging the whole network to standard gauge? How much would it cost and after how many decades would those costs be paid back thanks to the new ease of travel to and from the rest of Europe (goods and passenger)?
@Madrid city walks Not completelly accurate that IP (Portugal's infrastructure manager) hasn't a plan. All lines leading to the borders are being relaid with double fixation sleepers. But since our terrestial frontier is just with Spain and ADIF has currently no plans to bring the standard gauge closer...
@@ruipina5636 Portugal has plans in their major axle; Faro - Lisboa - Oporto. it woluld be natural to enlarge northener to Galicia in Spain.
Spain woluld prefer do first the Portugal connection by Badajoz (they would have to accelerate the hsl works in Extremadura)
Complete regauging was discarted; the network was constructed with 18th century standards (specially for mountanious lands where few tunnels were made and the primary option was follow a river / ladder of a mountain for less step gradient).
In flat sections, like Mediterranian Corridor, enginering works are on the way, and final result is a regauge.
There are to be 3 passes to France in standard gauge; International tunnel at La Jonquera in service, Irún - Hendaya in engineering works and the International tunnel at Canfranc tbd.
@@albe6253 the plan (not definitive) for the new Lisboa - Porto HS line is to construct in 2 phases using iberian gauge, allowing the immediate usage by the actual long distance trains (Alfa and ICs). The new Porto (Braga) - Vigo will be built in Iberian gauge because there isn't standard gauge on the spanish side of the border. Finnally, the new connection under construction between Évora and Badajoz, also keeps with the iberian gauge. There isn't any plan for a new line or gauge convertion between Lisboa and Faro.
@@ruipina5636 AVE will arrive next year in Ourense, Galicia. And then, Ourense / Vigo - Santiago - Coruña new line (opened in Iberian gauge and 25kV AC electrification) goes to regauging. The future is Standard gauge
👍
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Hey everybody. I'll be absent of subscribing to this channel for the next almost 3 months, but it doesn't means I need to stop commenting and watching this channel's videos.
I'll be back to be subscribed at the beggining of my Christmas' holiday (From 20th December 2021) to Nonstop Eurotrip, Superalbs Travels & Dylan's Travel Reports' channels
4:30 The Renfe S-130 trainstock isn't very old. It was introduced in late 2006, in the Madrid-Barcelona and vice-versa services, when the Madrid-Barcelona High Speed Line wasn't opened as a full route between the 2 cities
11:50 According to the Castille and León's "Estatuto de Autonomía" (An autonomical constitution that's under the power of the Spanish Constitution) says that autonomy hasn't a de facto capital city (Because Castille (it was named Castilla La Vieja (Old Castille in English) until it was joint with the region of León) and León were different regions until the late 1970s & beggining of the 1980s, when the current Spanish autonomies were born).
And due to that, the Autonomical Supreme Court and the Autonomical Government Palace and the Autonomical Parliament are in different cities (The Autonomical Supreme Court is in Burgos & the legislative and executive powers are in Valladolid)
20:52 Video's final score: 8.6
Thanks Pedro, see you back here soon!
With all due respect Alvia trains are not High speed at all . AVE is the major high speed train operator since 1992 , but now there are also low cost but high speed operators like AVRIL , or Ougo
They are compared to what we've got in the UK 😂
@@NonstopEurotrip ah ok I didn’t know , my bad then , Great vídeo BTW!
@@yusufmalik575 Thanks 🙏🏻 200kmh is high-speed here 🤗
No es alta velocidad, es un tren "rápido".
rediculous price!
What, free? 🤣
Xd
🇪🇦
The Preferente class interiors look so outdated !!! No comparison with the Italian Frecciargento or Frecciarossa
That train looks less outdated than many Italian trains of the same category ... I’ve seen them, I’ve traveled on those Italian trains, man! ...
@@rsnankivell1962 FS does not operate any EMU in the IC category, but operates ordinary loc+X UIC cars sets, older but nicer in terms of cabin interior and layout.
The FS Intercity seats are better than these tbh
@@lluispena5513 pobrecito.... se ha ofendido....🍼👶🏻
nice video, but a very poor and outdating interior of these trains! shame on Spanish railways!
Well they are being updated...
De que país eres amigo?? es solo para comparar
@@fernandodonaire desde Holanda
Wtf? Not too long ago I traveled by train in the Netherlands, (on two trains) and buff ... they left a lot to be desired ... shame on Dutch railways!
España tiene nada que envidiar a Holanda en este sentido ,como para decir que son un desastre, España es el segundo país con más kilómetros de alta velocidad en el mundo no creo que Holanda pueda decir lo mismo
I hope you'll be able to post a trip with a catering service available
I hope so too 😂