SNCF TGV Iris 320

Iris 320 is a modified TGV train operated by SNCF International as a dedicated track recording train for high-speed railways.[1] The train can run at 320 kilometres per hour (200 mph) and consists of two power cars and eight trailer coaches, providing a 160-metre long laboratory.[1] It was converted from former SNCF TGV Réseau passenger train number 4530.

Iris 320 with pantograph monitoring dome on top.

The train is primarily used for monitoring the whole of the French high-speed LGV network every 15 days.[2] In addition it surveys other main lines in France operating at above 160 km/h[2] and the HSL 1 high-speed line in Belgium for Infrabel.

Once every two months, Iris 320 takes a survey of the Channel Tunnel for Eurotunnel (since December 2010) and of High Speed 1 for Network Rail (Channel Tunnel Rail Link) in the United Kingdom (since 4/5 May 2011).[3] The cross-channel trips are diesel-hauled by Eurotunnel Class 0001 locomotives and travel at 100 km/h (62 mph).[4][5]


See also

References
  1. Foeillet, Guillaume (2008-03-17). "The IRIS 320 High speed Measurement Train set" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-03-14. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
  2. University of Birmingham (2008-11-04). D4.4.1 – Rail Inspection Technologies (PDF) (Report). Innotrack. p. 20. Retrieved 2011-06-07. SNCF ... “IRIS 320” car that can achieve speeds up to 320 km/h. These inspections are performed every 15 days to check for visual surface defects over high speed lines as well as high standard main line (speed ≥ 160 km/h).
  3. Milner, Chris (2011-06-02). "TGV in secret visit to UK". The Railway Magazine. Archived from the original on 2011-06-06. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
  4. "United Kingdom: Track Geometry Checks". SNCF International. Archived from the original on 2011-08-12. Retrieved 2011-06-07. SNCF International … with Eurotunnel and .. Network-Rail (CTRL) are … carrying out Eurotunnel monitoring runs using the Iris 320 train and extending them as far as London St Pancras.
  5. "Maintenance" (PDF). Inspecting the infrastructure at 100 km/h. Annual Report (Report). Eurotunnel Group. 2010. p. 24. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-08-07. Retrieved 2011-06-07. IRIS 320 measuring train … since December 2010, … inspecting the Channel Tunnel, pulled by a Eurotunnel diesel locomotive at 100 km/h … every two months

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