The ‘Europe Train’ test train composed of freight wagons equipped with LL-brake blocks is successfully continuing its test campaign according to schedule.

Recently the test train completed its fifth run. After the train had entered Switzerland on 16 May, it shuttled 23 times between Basel and Brig via the slopes of Lötschberg and twice from Basel to Bellinzona via the impressive slopes of Saint-Gotthard where SBB Cargo organised some special braking tests. On 1st June the train returned to Minden again via the Rhine Valley after 18 days and approximately 12,000 km of intensive operation on the Swiss Alps transits without any problem. Directly after the return, the measurements of wheels and brake blocks were taken as usual. The Europe Train’s International Analysis Team (IAT) discussed the results before defining activities for the following run.

After two weeks of intense activity in the DB Systemtechnik test centre in Minden, the Europe Train re-started on 17 June for the first Italian Loop with a mixture of operations on the Moncenisio (Modane) transalpine line and a shuttle down to Bari to operate the brakes under extreme hot weather conditions. On its way to Italy, the train ran down the Rhine Valley, passed through Switzerland via Saint Gotthard and reached Chiasso on the border to Italy on 17 June. From here the train ran down to Milan on Saturday 18 from where it will shuttle to the Moncenisio (Modane) transalpine line (already one run on Saturday 19 June) and down to Bari. The return again via Switzerland and Rhine Valley is planned for mid-July.