Adif's new diagnostics FLIRT starts tests in Spain

In December 2019 Adif awarded a consortium of Stadler and MerMec a 74.4 million EUR contract for three diagnostics trains, two EDMUs for use on the 1,668 mm gauge network, and one 1,435 mm gauge EDMU for use on the 1,435 mm gauge high speed network. All three are capable of a top speed of 200 km/h on electrified lines, and 175 km/h using diesel power, the diesel prime mover being situated in a short, separate module. 

They are all fitted with ASFA Digital, on-board ETCS Level 2, GSM-R and WiFi. In addition to diagnostics activities (measuring track and catenary geometry), they are also equipped with means of sensing clearances at different speeds, and optic means of evaluating catenary, pointwork, and positioning of transponders.

The first train, 162-010, arrived at the VUZ Velim test centre in February 2023. In July, 162-011, arrived there, too, both being tested also in multiple. Both units returned to Poland on 31 August 2023. Unit 162-012 was noted passing through San Cristóbal, in the southern suburbs of Madrid, on 14 February 2024, hauled by electro-diesel Bitrac locomotive 601.001. This was part of a movement of the train to the Barcelona - València main line, where authorisation testing would soon start. 

On 27 February 2024 Adif and Stadler announced that they has started authorisation testing of 162-012. The test runs are taking place at night, between Alcalá de Chivert and L’Aldea on the central part of the València to Barcelona line (the future Mediterranean Corridor, currently being dual-gauged). The current focus is on braking and acceleration performance, and evaluation of other traction characteristics. Construction of the trains took place at Stadler's Polish works in Siedlce, where the other two are now being prepared for delivery to Spain.

Adif now already has a fleet of diagnostics trains for use on the conventional and high speed networks. In addition to these three new being delivered from Stadler, there are also two on order intended for the high speed network: one being built by Talgo (Avril-based 162-001), and a second, also for high speed use, being modified by CAF from its prototype Oaris EMU. In all, they represent an investment of 68.3 million EUR.

A further 300 million EUR is being invested in the acquisition of 43 new diesel locomotives from Stadler for rescue and maintenance activities, including the hauling of maintenance and construction freights with trailing loads of up to 600 tonnes. 28 of these Class 336 EUROLIGHT locomotives will be destined for the 1,435 mm high speed network, and capable of a top speed of 160 km/h. 

So far 22 have been delivered, and have been authorised for use. Driver training is currently taking place, and the EUROLIGHTs will be put in service this year. The remaining six are still being built.

The other 15 locomotives, of which 12 will be 1,668 mm gauge, with a maximum speed of 160 km/h, while three will be used on the 1,000 mm gauge networks; these will have a maximum speed of 70 km/h.