Electrotren HE2017 - RENFE, high-speed tilting train Rh. 443, factory version, Ep. IVa

Electrotren HE2017 - RENFE, high-speed tilting train Rh. 443, factory version, Ep. IVa

 

Prototype information

The Electrotrén Basculante 443, better known as the "Platanito", was Spain's first contact with high-speed rail. Its Italian prototype, designed to increase speed on curves, used what was known as Active Tilting, a pioneering technology that consisted of tilting the car bodies on curves to increase the speed of the trains as they passed without compromising passenger comfort. Amazed by the results of the Italian prototype, the RENFE management decided at the end of the 1970s to request a prototype adapted to the Spanish network, which was delivered in 1976. The "Platanito" reached a speed of 200 km/h in the first year of its testing and travelled a large part of our country, even being used commercially on several lines of the national network. For years it held the speed record in Spain of 206.8 km/h. Unfortunately, during these tests it suffered a breakdown from which it was never able to recover. The lack of spare parts and the cost involved in being a one-off model led to its demise. From then on, it remained in the Fuencarral depot with an uncertain fate and was even about to be scrapped. Fortunately, it was saved and since 1994 it has been on one of the tracks of the Castejón de Ebro station, where it is selflessly looked after by a group of volunteers.
A vehicle as popular as it is unique deserves to be reproduced and to roll through the models of enthusiasts. This is our way of paying tribute to this mythical railcar. The "Platanito" is, first and foremost and just like us, an electric train.

 

Model details

RENFE, high-speed tilting train Rh. 443, factory version, Ep. IV
 

Technical details

- Electrical connection couplings between cars
- 5-pole motor with flywheels
- Metal chassis for all cars
- Detailed interior fittings
- White or red lights depending on the direction of travel
- Interior lighting
- 21-pin MTC connection (NEM660)
- Digital versions with sound via ESU LokSound V5 decoder
- Noble and robust metal pantographs in different designs depending on the era
- Length between the ends: 1,220 mm
- Minimum radius: 356.5 mm


 

 

 

Characteristics:

Manufacturer:	Electrotren
Item number:	HE2017
number of pieces:	Set of 4 pieces
EAN:	5063129016401
Product Type:	Multiple unit
track:	H0
scale:	1:87
model series:	443
Railway company:	Renfe
country:	IT
epoch:	IV
Metal model:	partly made of metal
Electricity system:	DC
operation mode:	DC Analog
interface:	21 MTC (NEM660)
Digital decoder:	No
engine:	5-pole motor
Motor with flywheel:	Yes
Length over buffer:	1220mm
Minimum radius:	358mm
coupling:	Shaft NEM 362 with KK kinematics
digital coupling:	No
Interior design:	equipped with interior furnishings
Interior lighting:	digitally switchable
Driver's cab lighting:	digitally switchable
Headlight:	LED headlight
Sound:	No
Age recommendation:	14 years and older
WEEE No.:	DE47027570