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ICE 3
ICE 3 (standing for Intercity-Express) is a family of high-speed electric multiple unit trains operated by Deutsche Bahn. It currently includes classes 403, 407 and 408 which are additionally specified as ICE 3, New ICE 3 and ICE 3neo respectively and formerly the retired class 406 or ICE 3M. ICE 3 trains have a maximum speed of 300 km/h (186 mph) in Germany, 320 km/h (200 mph) when travelling on the French high-speed rail lines. Class 403 are theoretically permitted to go up to a maximum speed of 330 km/h (210 mph) when travelling on the high-speed route between Frankfurt and Cologne.
Based on the ICE 3M/F, Siemens developed its Siemens Velaro train family with versions used in Germany, Belgium, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Spain, China, Russia and Turkey.
The design goal of the ICE 3 (Class 403) was to create a higher-powered, lighter train than its predecessors such as the ICE 2 and the ICE 1. This was achieved by distributing its 16 traction motors underneath the whole train, thus ICE 3 trains are Electric multiple units (EMUs). The train is certified for 330 km/h (210 mph) and has reached 368 km/h (229 mph) on trial runs. On regular Intercity-Express services they run at up to 300 km/h (190 mph), the maximum design speed of German high-speed lines.
Because the train does not have power cars, the whole length of the train is available for passenger seats, including the first car. The lounge seats are located directly behind the driver, separated only by a glass wall.
The 50 sets were ordered in 1994 and specifically designed for the new high-speed line between Frankfurt and Cologne. They were built by a consortium led by Siemens and Adtranz (which became Bombardier Transportation).
For the EXPO 2000 in Hanover, Deutsche Bahn provided 120 additional train services. Some of these special services were operated by ICE trains and labelled "ExpoExpress" (EXE). These services also constituted the first widespread use of the then-new ICE 3 train sets, presenting them to the domestic and international general public.
On 11 April 2017, Deutsche Bahn announced the modernisation programme called ICE 3 Redesign for its 66-unit ICE 3 fleet to be completed by the end of 2020. The renovation involves replacing the seats, tables, and floor coverings. The six-seat compartment rooms are eliminated from the second class section to increase the number of seats and add more luggage compartments. In addition, the number of disability seating has been increased to two; however, no integrated wheelchair lift has been installed, and no disability seating is offered in the first-class section. The seats in some Bordrestaurant have been converted to the red bench seating while Bordbistro receives the new stand tables. The cabin illumination is provided by LED lamps, providing more illumination, while the reading lamps are eliminated. The seat reservation panels are moved from the walls above the windows to the seat headrests per EU directive on accessibilities: the new panel has bigger and more visible white lettering and Braille. The yellow LCD information monitors in the antechambers are replaced with larger full-colour LED displays, showing the map, train number, speed, and other pertinent information. The new smaller displays are attached to the ceiling above the aisle throughout the cabins.
The ICE 3M (Class 406; M for multisystem), which has been retired in April 2025, was developed to operate international services under the four different railway electrification systems in use on Europe's main lines and with support for various train protection systems. The Deutsche Bahn (DB) ordered 13 of these units in 1994, the NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) four, making sure that the demands of the Dutch rail network are taken care of. Though these trains carried NS logos, the DB and NS trains together formed a pool and therefore, the NS trains operated DB services as well. In 2007 the train was licensed for operation in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. On the French LGV Est, some trains reached a regular top speed of 320 km/h (200 mph). The 17 class 406 sets were built by the same consortium as the Class 403.[citation needed]
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ICE 3 AI simulator
(@ICE 3_simulator)
ICE 3
ICE 3 (standing for Intercity-Express) is a family of high-speed electric multiple unit trains operated by Deutsche Bahn. It currently includes classes 403, 407 and 408 which are additionally specified as ICE 3, New ICE 3 and ICE 3neo respectively and formerly the retired class 406 or ICE 3M. ICE 3 trains have a maximum speed of 300 km/h (186 mph) in Germany, 320 km/h (200 mph) when travelling on the French high-speed rail lines. Class 403 are theoretically permitted to go up to a maximum speed of 330 km/h (210 mph) when travelling on the high-speed route between Frankfurt and Cologne.
Based on the ICE 3M/F, Siemens developed its Siemens Velaro train family with versions used in Germany, Belgium, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Spain, China, Russia and Turkey.
The design goal of the ICE 3 (Class 403) was to create a higher-powered, lighter train than its predecessors such as the ICE 2 and the ICE 1. This was achieved by distributing its 16 traction motors underneath the whole train, thus ICE 3 trains are Electric multiple units (EMUs). The train is certified for 330 km/h (210 mph) and has reached 368 km/h (229 mph) on trial runs. On regular Intercity-Express services they run at up to 300 km/h (190 mph), the maximum design speed of German high-speed lines.
Because the train does not have power cars, the whole length of the train is available for passenger seats, including the first car. The lounge seats are located directly behind the driver, separated only by a glass wall.
The 50 sets were ordered in 1994 and specifically designed for the new high-speed line between Frankfurt and Cologne. They were built by a consortium led by Siemens and Adtranz (which became Bombardier Transportation).
For the EXPO 2000 in Hanover, Deutsche Bahn provided 120 additional train services. Some of these special services were operated by ICE trains and labelled "ExpoExpress" (EXE). These services also constituted the first widespread use of the then-new ICE 3 train sets, presenting them to the domestic and international general public.
On 11 April 2017, Deutsche Bahn announced the modernisation programme called ICE 3 Redesign for its 66-unit ICE 3 fleet to be completed by the end of 2020. The renovation involves replacing the seats, tables, and floor coverings. The six-seat compartment rooms are eliminated from the second class section to increase the number of seats and add more luggage compartments. In addition, the number of disability seating has been increased to two; however, no integrated wheelchair lift has been installed, and no disability seating is offered in the first-class section. The seats in some Bordrestaurant have been converted to the red bench seating while Bordbistro receives the new stand tables. The cabin illumination is provided by LED lamps, providing more illumination, while the reading lamps are eliminated. The seat reservation panels are moved from the walls above the windows to the seat headrests per EU directive on accessibilities: the new panel has bigger and more visible white lettering and Braille. The yellow LCD information monitors in the antechambers are replaced with larger full-colour LED displays, showing the map, train number, speed, and other pertinent information. The new smaller displays are attached to the ceiling above the aisle throughout the cabins.
The ICE 3M (Class 406; M for multisystem), which has been retired in April 2025, was developed to operate international services under the four different railway electrification systems in use on Europe's main lines and with support for various train protection systems. The Deutsche Bahn (DB) ordered 13 of these units in 1994, the NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) four, making sure that the demands of the Dutch rail network are taken care of. Though these trains carried NS logos, the DB and NS trains together formed a pool and therefore, the NS trains operated DB services as well. In 2007 the train was licensed for operation in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. On the French LGV Est, some trains reached a regular top speed of 320 km/h (200 mph). The 17 class 406 sets were built by the same consortium as the Class 403.[citation needed]