A 10% increase in passenger capacity,
25 % Of the compartments to have en-suite shower and wc - a survey of customer preferences determined the percentage,
A key card system for compartment door unlocking, as found in many hotels,
A modern communication system between compartment occupants and the sleeper attendant.
The sleepers realised their very first public run on 28 November 2003, as part of a Berlin to Paris overnight service. Having usual 26.4 m in length, they have 12 sleeping compartments, three of which have en-suite shower and vacuum WC, a service compartment, and two WC/washroom cubicles (one with shower) accessed from the corridor. Interior furnishings make much use of materials and colours which exude an ambience of warmth and comfort, with sensitively-positioned lighting. In addition to air conditioning, there is also an UV radiation operated sterilisation plant, which provides tap water of a suitable quality for drinking.
The sleeper is fitted with coupling-elements conforming to UIC norms and a power supply which can run off four different voltages. The electro-pneumatic brake system consists of three brake disks on each wheelset and all bogies have two magnetic rail brakes. The bogies are equipped with air suspension offering a smooth ride at a maximum speed of 200 km/h.
Structural and Mechanical Features
Bodyshell is constructed of steel and designed to maximise internal space as far as is possible within loading gauge restrictions. Separate rigs are used for the manufacture of the welded steel frames of the underframe, the side panels, and the roof, all these elements subsequently being welded together. The bare steel shell is first given a coating of anticorrosion paint, followed by an undercoat, and then two layers (60 urn) and (40 urn) of top coat paint in DB AutoZug livery. Finally, the vehicle is coated with anti-graffiti wax, made by Crous Chemicals. Installation of thermal insulation and noise insulation material is realised from inside the bodyshell, as stipulated in fire safety regulations. The roof area insulation material is aluminium-coated mineral wool affixed to the bodyshell by aluminium tapes.
A series of locator plates welded to the bodyshell interior facilitate the mounting of the fire resistant compartment dividing walls, water pipes, wiring ducts, pneumatic pipework, and other fittings. Beneath the underframe are housed the power generator, water reservoir, waste tanks, air conditioning plant, and much of the pipework arid wiring for the pneumatic and electrical circuits.
The sleeper has only two exterior doors. These doors are fireproof, and operate pneumatically.
All compartment windows, together with three of those in the corridor, have opening top lights, and provide suitable emergency escape routes, hammers for breaking the glass being located adjacent to them. All windows are surrounded by a rubber seal, and are mounted in aluminium frames riveted to the bodyshell.
Couplings (type 570, with an 850 kN maximum load), on-board power line connections, and buffers (capable of supporting an impact of 350 kN and retracting 110 mm) comply with UIC norms. Inter-car gangways have special supports to dampen vertical movement - a necessary requirement for operation on German high speed lines. This is necessary on account of the pressure waves set up when entering and leaving tunnels, and when high speed trains pass within the bores.
The bodyshell is supported by the secondary suspension system, made by pneumatic springs, and centred on the bogie pivots. The rolling damper, yaw damper, cross damper, and cross fetch limiter are all integrated.