Talgo_I_corte_tb.jpg (85995 bytes)

An uncoupled car of the Talgo I. This interesting photo allows to see the suspension of the wheels with relatively small springs on both sides and the semi-circular structure of the carbodies, made of sheet metal supported by steel tubes and profiles. You can see that the framework is visible from the inside, with some simple fluorescent lights and six double-seat benches per car. The whole train formed a mostly undivided space, the floor height was less than 30 cm. Photo © Patentes Talgo, used with permission. Text for these photos by tobias b köhler. Thanks to Toma Bacic who helped getting these photos and permission to use them.

Talgo_I_por_cola_tb.jpg (65146 bytes)

Talgo I on a demonstration tour in Guadalajara, watched by the curious public. The train had a very nice observation car at the end - an idea that was carried on in the Talgo II, though with a different design. I don't know what the purpose of the end door between the characteristic wheel casings was - as the train had no coupler, there was no way to get from it to another train ... You can see that the second car from the end had bigger windows than the rest of the train as well. Photo © Patentes Talgo, used with permission.

Talgo_I_vista_lateral.jpg (70616 bytes)

Talgo I, the first test unit of Talgo, designed by Alejandro Goicoechea and built in 1942 by "Hijos de Juan Garay" and M.Z.A. The power car was built by the Valladolid works of the Compaqia del Norte using a diesel-mechanic motor bogie of a Ganz DMU (200 HP). The train had six very short and low articulated trailers made of steel, including an observation car at the end of the train. The experiments started in October 1942. In 1944 the Talgo I reached 135 km/h. It was never used for regular passenger service, but the results of the experiments influenced the Talgo II, built by acf in aluminium and delivered in 1950. Station of Guadalajara, date unknown. Photo © Patentes Talgo, used with permission.