ドイツの科学力は…中身にあり！ ICEの新車両『ICE3neo』後編【迷列車で行こう海外編】現地突撃取材

ドイツの科学力は…中身にあり！ ICEの新車両『ICE3neo』後編【迷列車で行こう海外編】現地突撃取材

Hello everyone. I am Luka. And I’m a British gentleman, British rail Class43, also known as HST! Hey! Well, might as well, Hacchan, go ahead and introduce yourself too. Um, then… Hello, everyone. I am also from the UK, the LNER Class 800, nicknamed Hacchan. We are on Germany’s high-speed train, the ICE,

Heading from Germany to Brussels, Belgium. So far, we are running entirely on schedule. However, it seems rare for the ICE heading to Brussels not to encounter any problems… Really, it’s unnervingly smooth. The usual issues remain: the information system inside the carriage and the destination display outside are malfunctioning from the start,

The dining car is not in service due to a malfunction in the cooking equipment, and then there are the broken toilets. Oh, but unusually, the doors aren’t broken. And this is considered normal… It’s standard for ICE trains to be delayed or have some equipment failure.

After all, even brand-new trains straight from the factory have malfunctions. It’s nice. The manufacturing quality of a world’s top 3 GDP nation is so brilliant! We will soon arrive at Aachen, a German city near the border with Belgium. At this border, the railway jurisdiction changes from Germany to Belgium.

Germany and Belgium have different electrical systems and signal types for their railways. Accordingly, at Aachen Central Station, the ICE undergoes a system switch operation for the driving controls. This operation often fails to switch correctly, and if an error occurs, it can prevent the train from departing…

But most passengers hardly notice any change. The switch in the train’s power source means that the air conditioning and power sockets at the seats will be off for a few minutes. The city of Aachen, with Belgium’s border to the southwest and the Netherlands to the west and north,

So many trains from three countries converge at Aachen Central Station. Recently, there has been an increase in the latest models from German manufacturer Siemens and Switzerland’s Stadler, but Belgium brings old-design local trains that, despite their short formations, have a strong presence. Leaving the border city of Aachen, the train soon enters Belgium.

Apart from a stop in the steel-producing city of Liège, it’s practically non-stop to the final destination, Brussels. The line from Aachen through Liège to Brussels has a long history, opening in 1843. However, the ICE now travels on a high-speed line that opened in 2009.

With the track straightened, allowing speeds of up to 260 km/h, travel time has been significantly reduced. What used to take about 50 minutes from Aachen to Liège has been cut by more than half. But as a consequence, sections surrounded by noise barriers have increased, along with more tunnels.

Since the scenery has become less enjoyable, let’s continue with the introduction of the train. We’ve been introducing Germany’s new high-speed train, the ICE 3 neo, since our last video. This train is the latest model (?) of the ICE, having started operations in December 2022. Ecchan,Don’t say ‘latest model’ with a question mark.

I’m also a bit perplexed about how to handle this train. The “ICE 3 neo” is the third generation of the ‘ICE 3’ series, capable of reaching speeds of 300 km/h.

Yet, despite being the newest model, this train’s design has hardly changed from the second-generation ICE 3 “Baureihe407” model, which has been running for about ten years. The major evolution of this train is not in its exterior but in its inside.

So, this time again, I, the British express train ‘HST’, and my junior, Class 800 ‘Hacchan’, will continue to lead the discussion. Moving on from our last video, the ICE 3neo looks very similar to its older sister model, the “Baureihe407,” but there’s a significant change on the exterior.

The doors of the intermediate cars, car number 2 and 4, which house the second-class seats (in actual operation, these are cars 22 and 24), have been increased to two at both the front and rear. This is, of course, aimed at reducing boarding times.

Additionally, like the ICE 4, bicycle storage spaces have been added to the front carriage, and more luggage storage areas have been introduced in each carriage. Despite these new facilities, the ICE 3neo has almost the same capacity as the second-generation ICE 3 it’s based on.

Compared to the previous generation of ICE 3, only five seats have been lost. This is because the layout of the facilities was redesigned, and the ratio of second-class seats was increased to prevent a significant reduction in capacity.

The most significant change in seat arrangement is in the dining car, linked to the sixth car. In the second-generation ICE 3, the “Baureihe407” model, the dining car and first-class seats were arranged together, but in the new ICE 3neo, the restaurant and second-class seats have changed places.

However, this change has led to a strange anomaly. Normally, dining cars on express trains are connected between first and second-class seats. However, in the ICE 3neo, coach number 6, which is a second-class coach, has an onboard restaurant on the side of coach number 5, a second-class carriage.

And for some reason, a small second-class seating area is again placed between it and the adjacent first-class carriage. Just looking at the layout, you might think it would make more sense to switch the restaurant and standard seats, right?

However, the design of the second-generation ICE 3, the BR407 model, has influenced this. The second-generation ICE 3 had a configuration of five second-class coaches, a half-car dining car, and the remaining two and a half cars as first-class in an eight-car formation.

Therefore, the restaurant section was located on the side of the second-class seats, adopting a logical method of grouping seat classes. The new ICE 3neo was created using this design, so the structure of the car body couldn’t be significantly changed.

Moreover, because the dining car has many special elements such as counters, galleys, and water piping, changing the interior layout would require a redesign of the basic design. To shorten the design time and promote standardization,

The third-generation ICE 3neo was completed with almost no change in the structure of the car body from the second generation. This has resulted in the odd arrangement of the second-class seating section. Incidentally, the first-generation ICE 3 (BR403/406 model) also had second-class coachers arranged around the dining car.

Although the circumstances are different, the ICE 3neo could be said to inherit a peculiar tradition from the original ICE 3 in a sense. Since it’s a good opportunity, let’s also correct something our colleagues mentioned before.

The new model “ICE 3neo” we’re featuring in this video was mentioned in a video published in December 2022. At that time, we talked that “the latest ICE model is equipped with the same seats as the ICE 4.” However, it was later discovered that the shape was slightly different.

German highspeed trains are equipped with electronic reservation displays for each seat. These displays indicate whether a seat is reserved, available, or will become a reserved seat in a future section. This device has always been located near the overhead luggage racks in previous generations of ICE trains,

But in the ICE 4, introduced in 2017, it was moved to the shoulder area of the seats. However, the ICE 3neo, which debuted after that, did not equip the same seats, and the location of the seat number and reservation display device returned to the upper racks.

The new model features LED lamps added to the reservation display device,making it easier to intuitively understand the reservation status. Deutsche Bahn highlights this feature on a special website dedicated to the ICE 3neo. Seats with a yellow light or no light are available seats,

Where passengers who have not made a prior reservation can sit. Displaying reservation status with LED colors is a common feature introduced in the UK since 2017, not particularly novel anymore! It was equipped starting with the Class800 generation. Pretty impressive for my junior, Hacchan, right?

The ICE 3neo, in terms of its cabin functions and design, feels like what one might call an “ICE 3.5”. It retains the basic structure of the cabins and decks common to the second-generation ICE 3 while incorporating features introduced with the ICE 4 from 2017.

One of the most noticeable features onboard is the cabin lighting. The ICE 4, which debuted in 2017, was the first German high-speed train to adopt LED lighting, allowing for changing light colors within the cabin.

During the day, a crisp, active white color is set, while in the mornings and evenings, a relaxing orange color is used, hanging the cabin atmosphere depending on the time of day. Currently, only these two colors are used, though the system is capable of setting many more colors like red or blue also green.

However, the timing of these lighting changes is set to remain the same throughout the year, leading to discrepancies between the cabin lighting and the external scenery. This is particularly noticeable in summer when the long daylight hours contrast with the indoor lighting,

Creating a strange gap where the cabin turns into a beautiful sunset color while the sky outside is still blue. From this, the ICE 3neo has slightly moderated the lighting changes. In the mornings and evenings, the lighting still shifts to a relaxing color in the ICE 3neo,

But the color has been changed from a clear orange to a lighter pink, reducing the sense of incongruity with the outside scenery and weather. Additionally, new to the seats is a tablet holder, allowing passengers to prop up their tablets.

Another subtle change is in the LCD displays that show the next station and other information. ICE’s information monitors, located in the ceiling above the aisle facing the seats in a V-shape, display the next stop, current location and speed, and commercials, among other things.

These screens have been updated to a sleeker design with thinner bezels, similar to the latest smartphones and LCD TVs. This design is not borrowed from the ICE 4 but was introduced with the ICE 3neo, marking an original aspect of this model.

Comparing the monitors of the three types of trains – the second-generation ICE 3 completed in 2009, the ICE 4 introduced in 2017, and the ICE 3neo that started running in 2022 – you can see differences in the thickness, aspect ratio, and bezel width of the displays with each generation.

Displays showing the next station and expected arrival time are also installed in the decks, where previous vehicles used horizontally long screens, the ICE 3neo has shifted to vertically long displays, allowing for more information to be shown. Thus, while the new model features several new functions and changes in detail,

The seating and overall atmosphere inside the cabin have not changed much from the first-generation ICE 3 introduced around the year 2000. Maintaining the same concept for over 20 years reflects the German tradition of preserving heritage,

though one could argue it also indicates a lack of innovation over a long period. The ICE 3neo sought to refresh this image, leading to significant changes in the interior during its production. Both first and second-class seats have shifted from blue to grey fabric,

And wood accents have been increased around tables and storage areas. This adds a sense of luxury and warmth while also making scratches and stains less noticeable. Especially notable is the change in first-class seats from leather to fabric, a significant shift.

ICE trains often carry passengers on long journeys, and while durable leather was chosen for its longevity, its slipperiness could cause passengers to shift out of position. The switch to fabric has enhanced comfort. I tried sitting for about 5 hours, and indeed, the comfort has improved.

Additionally, the position of the new tablet holders has been reconsidered for a more natural viewing angle, and the dining car seats have shifted from a bright red to a more subdued wine red. The new dining car initially featured counter seats for single passengers facing the window,

In addition to the standard face-to-face seating. However, as of now, the seating arrangement is being produced in the traditional layout, though this may evolve as manufacturing progresses, offering something to look forward to. Trains equipped with the new interior are from the 17th series of the ICE 3neo onward.

At the time of this video’s release, only about six trains had this configuration, making it difficult to experience without carefully checking the schedule. However, with 90 sets of the ICE 3neo ordered and a new train with the updated seats being delivered to Deutsche Bahn every two weeks,

It’s likely to become much easier to board one of these trains within a year. ..And so, we’ve talked about the good aspects of the new vehicles, but of course, there’s more to it. I’d like to introduce a few concerning points about the ICE 3neo. First and foremost… ‘It sways a lot.’

As the speed increases, the rolling phenomenon, where the body tilts from side to side, becomes noticeable. Indeed, looking at the connections, you can see each car swaying significantly. This has been a common issue with the ICE 3 series for about 20 years.

Basically, the structure of the bogies and springs hasn’t changed since the first-generation ICE 3. Moreover, the ICE 3neo is equipped with heavy electrical components under the floor and on the roof to accommodate different types of electricity and voltages for direct service to several countries.

The combination of these heavy components and soft springs means once the body starts swaying, it doesn’t settle down easily. Another drawback I noticed upon riding is the windows. The passenger windows on this train have been specially treated to allow mobile signals to pass through more easily.

Traditionally, communication signals struggle to penetrate the metal box that is a train body, barely managing to reach inside through the windows. However, the windows on high-speed ICE trains are made thicker and more robust, making it harder for signals to get through. Moreover, with the advent of high-capacity, high-speed 5G networks,

whose signals are more easily attenuated by glass than 4G, specialized windows became necessary. However, this treatment involves embedding a special mesh, acting as an antenna, within the glass.

As a result, regardless of whether you’re on the sunny side or in the shade, you always see the mesh with the naked eye, which may bother those who enjoy the view. Personally, what I think could be improved is the restroom sink. The ICE 3neo was ordered in 2020

When actions to avoid touching surfaces were recommended due to that regrettable pandemic (Covid-19). Consequently, the sinks were changed to a type where liquid soap is dispensed automatically by simply holding your hand under the sensor. However, the soap dispenser’s sensor is overly sensitive and too close to the faucet,

So it keeps dispensing soap while you’re washing your hands, which is a bit of a nuisance. Additionally, the water sensor at the sink is somewhat less sensitive, so while it’s eager to dispense soap, it’s not as generous with water.

Moreover, the toilet flush button has also adopted a new non-contact method. For years, German trains have used physical buttons and conventional structures, but the ICE 3neo, appearing in the 2020s, is loaded with electronic components, marking a generational step forward. But as a consequence… It’s still prone to malfunctions.

Indeed, less than a month after starting operation, new interior configurations already had a toilet malfunction. As for the entrance doors, there have been instances where doors couldn’t operate due to malfunctions even before the train carried any passengers after being handed over from the manufacturer to the Deutsche Bahn.

However, the toilet malfunction display sometimes just indicates that the tank for used water is full… Fantastic! Truly befitting of the world’s third-largest economic powerhouse! In my active days, I had no such troubles with the drainage tank. That’s because HST doesn’t have a drainage tank in its body at all.

That’s not right. The vast lands and tracks of Great Britain itself served as a giant drainage tank. I’m also free from such malfunctions. So, the restrooms in Frecciabianca’s coaches are just built like those in HST! By the way, the new model’s doors are designed to continuously glow red when malfunctioning,

Indicating they cannot be used. The new ICE 3neo showcases German seriousness and a somewhat quirky approach, typical of German new-generation trains. This vehicle has been confined to domestic operations within Germany in 2022 and 2023.

However, to expand its operational range, test runs are being conducted in neighboring countries like the Netherlands. If all goes well, new vehicles are scheduled to be introduced on routes connecting Germany with Amsterdam in the Netherlands and Brussels in Belgium as early as within 2024.

And with that, we conclude, leading into our journey to England. Ah, Ecchan, you’re wrapping up this video. Then, let’s meet next in the land of sweets. Thank you for joining us, British gentlemen and ladies, for this ICE discussion. See you next time! Goodbye!

ゆっくり歌激団の動画をご覧いただき、ありがとうございます。
ドイツからベルギーへ向かう旅の途中ですが、今回も引き続き新車両「ICE3neo」のご紹介をメインにしてまいります。
この列車は2022年末に登場したICEの新モデルです。
車内はいろいろと進化したポイントが多数ありますが、ベースとなる車体自体は10年以上前に開発された第2世代のICE3、BR407型(ななみん)とほとんど変わりません。
ですが一部の車両でドアが増設されたり、客室に大型荷物置き場が増えたりと、利便性が向上しています。
ICE3neoは、限られた空間に様々な設備が増えた一方、客席は従来型とあまり変わらない数を配置することが条件でした。
しかしそのせいで、客席レイアウトに奇妙な点が出現してしまいます。
ある意味、初代ICE3へ先祖返りしたとも言えますが…。
そしてこの新型車両は、ICEでは相変わらずのポンコツな伝統も受け継いでいました。

この列車は現在、ドイツ国内のみの運転ですが、試験が順調に進めば2024年からベルギー/オランダ線に投入予定だそうです。

0:00 ドイツ西部の国境近くから旅を再開
1:22 ベルギー、オランダと接している国境の街「アーヘン」
2:30 アーヘンから列車はベルギーへ。高速列車用の線路を走行。
3:20 前回の続き。ドイツの新高速列車『ICE3neo』
4:20 ベースになったBR407型と外観の違いはドアの数
5:22 座席数を維持するために奇妙な配置になった普通席。その理由。
7:40 ICE3neoの座席と新機能
9:21 客室の照明にもひと工夫が。
11:19 最新デザインの液晶ディスプレイ
12:36 製造中から内装がチェンジ。さらに快適に。
15:13 ICE3neoの欠点その1、よく揺れる。
16:12 携帯端末の電波を通しやすくした窓にも欠点が…
17:17 お手洗いにも難点がある？
18:13 ドイツ鉄道伝統の…故障癖
19:38 ICE3neoは2024年から近隣国への国際路線にも投入予定

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#germany #ice #deutschebahn #highspeedtrain #railwayjourney #railways