The Water Supply System
The central water supply reservoir is situated beneath the underframe, and comprises an UlC-conform intake, 1,400 l reservoir tank, and 200 l hot water tank. There are also filters and pumps - three pumps for cold water, one for hot water. For reasons of hygiene, hot and cold water are channelled through separate circular cross-section pipes, with expansion tanks. Cold water passes through an ultra-violet lamp sterilisation unit, to make it potable. Wash-basins and showers are furnished with mixer taps, these being fitted with a protector against scalding, and with a timer - ten seconds in the wash-basins, 20 seconds in the showers.
The Fire Protection System
Passive protection involves the types of materials used in the sleeping car interior. Active protection relates to the fire detectors and alarm systems employed. All types of material used in the interior and sleeper construction are self-extinguishing.
The fire detection system comprises smoke detectors mounted at ceiling level within each compartment. These incorporate both acoustic and visual alarms. Similar detectors are fitted at each end of the carriage, in the air ducts, and in equipment cupboards in the entrance vestibule. In the service compartment there is a detector which is activated by heat, as well as by smoke. There are two manual actuators fitted in the corridor. Within the service compartment there is a central control unit for the entire fire detection system.
Thirty seconds after the initial fire detection, two general alarm sirens, fitted in the corridor at roof level, are activated, signalling the evacuation of all passengers.
The
Air Conditioning Plant
A so-called „one channel" system is provided for both heating and cooling the air within the sleeper.
Fresh air enters the system via an intake grille in the side wall of the carriage, while internal air is drawn in through an intake situated in the corridor.
Stale air is sucked out of the compartments by two ventilators situated in the roof space at each end of the vehicle. Both the service compartment and the WC cubicles have their own individual air ducts.
The Power Supply Unit
This has an installed power of around 90 kVA, and is situated beneath the underframe, midway along the vehicle. It is fed by the power line which runs the length of the train, and has connectors and wiring in compliance with UIC norm 552, for four voltages.
Interior Fittings
On account of the fact that the sleeper has a total of thirteen compartments plus two WC cubicles, there is only sufficient space for an entrance vestibule at one end (referred to as end 2). This is where all operational equipment is housed - such as the handbrake, control cupboard, and manometers. One advantage of this configuration is that passengers are not disturbed during the night by train crew performing coupling, uncoupling and brake test activities during the night.
All roof and side wall panels in the vestibule area, and at the other end of the car, are made of chipboard panels covered with HPL (high pressure laminate) sheets. The end walls of the car are of painted steel sheet. The wooden floor plate in the vestibule is covered by a large, fixed doormat. Illumination of the entrance area is by means of energy-saving lights, with small step lights mounted below the entrance doors.
From the vestibule there is access to the corridor. The latter is of unusual design, since it is of varying width, with rounded corners to the compartment partitions, enabling passengers with luggage to pass one another with greater ease. Both compartment and corridor walls as well as compartment doors and roofs are covered in HPL sheets, in warm colours. Painted steel panels are employed for the ceiling, and for the pouches in which tables are stored. Information panels, pictograms, mirrors, and handrails in the compartments are all affixed to the outer side wall.
Lighting in the corridor is sensitively employed, a mixture of conventional lights and spotlights, mounted at ceiling level.
Each compartment contains three fold-up berths which convert into comfortable seats for daytime travel. Adjacent compartments can be combined, to form up to six-berth suites. All locking devices are easy to operate, though childproof. Each berth has a reading light, alarm clock, pouch for books or newspapers, and a holder for cups or glasses.
The seats are equipped with adjustable headrests and armrests. Ample space is available below the seats for items of luggage up to about 26 cm in height, while further luggage space is provided at ceiling level, this being protected by safety straps. A moveable ladder, which can be hooked onto rails, provides access to the two upper berths. There is an intercom connection to the service compartment. Compartments are accessed using key cards, similar to those found in many hotels.
Standard fittings in each compartment are a wardrobe, and a washbasin unit, comprising basin, mirror, shelves, soap dispenser, towel holders, lights, and 230 V AC shaver socket. The floors in the WC cubicles are specially designed to cope with wet conditions and consist of a glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) manufactured floor plate, which is affixed both to the floor of the bodyshell and to the HPL wall panels. Illuminated signs in the corridor indicate when the cubicles are „vacant" or „engaged".