The ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) has started to transport entire TGV trains in addition to traditional goods such as steel, timber, and grain. TGV is one of the world's best-known brands of high-speed trains, which can reach speeds of up to 350 km/h. The new trains will be manufactured by Alstom for the French state railway SNCF. However, the trains must undergo extensive testing before being put into service.
The trains are being tested at a test facility in the Czech Republic, where they are being transported from France. The first TGV was already transported from France to this test site at the end of last year. Several railway companies were involved in the project. RCG took over the transit via Austria. RCG handled the transit through Austria. The transport is carried out by placing empty wagons in front of and behind the TGVs. These are brake wagons attached to the locomotive, as the TGV cannot brake during transport. As the train is not yet licensed, it needed special permission as an emergency consignment. This is handled by a special transport unit in the RCG.
Now a second TGV will start its journey from France in February. The RCG will again be responsible for the Austrian part of the journey. Among other things, the TGV will be checked for temperature, wind, and humidity in the climatic wind tunnel in Vienna.
