IC3

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For other meanings, see IC3 (disambiguation)

Bombardier IC3 train set

The InterCity 3 (IC3 or class MF) is a Danish-built high-comfort medium/long distance diesel multiple-unit train. The sets were built by ABB Scandia (which was later purchased by Adtranz, which itself was subsequently acquired by Bombardier Transportation). This train model has been operating in Europe since 1989. The number three in Inter City means that each trainset consists of three carriages.

The IC3 is a wide, articulated train (with bogies shared between carriages) made of aluminium. There are two 400 hp engines in each end of the front and rear carriages, while the central car has none, giving a total of 1600 bhp.

The efficient mechanical transmissions. with multiple gear ratios and high power for the 97t tare weight. give the IC3 excellent acceleration capabilities. The short distances between stations on inter-city routes in Denmark makes acceleration more important than speed, and so the IC3 units are geared for a top service speed of 180 km/h (112mph).

When two or more units are coupled together in a single train, the entire front windscreen and driver’s seat folds away to give a wide passage, andhe characteristic large rubber diaphragms at the ends form a flush aerodynamic seal. The IC3 can also couple and run in tandem with the electrical version, the IR4 and ET-FT-ET. Up to five trainsets can be coupled together.

Danske Statsbaner, the Danish State Railways, runs IC3 sets. Their IC3 units are to undergo refurbishment, including engine and transmission upgrades to prepare them for regional service, when the inter-city services are taken over by their successor, the IC4.

Another large operator of the IC3 trains is Israel Railways, who operate about 50 IC3 sets. Some of those sets were assembled in Israel by RAMTA, a division of IAI.

In 1997, it was tested by Amtrak on the Hiawatha, San Diegan, and between Eugene and Portland, Oregon and by VIA Rail Canada on the Windsor–Québec corridor.