Trans Polar Railways, a fictive operator operating in Scandinavia, Russia and Europe, for its City-link services has taken delivery of a large fleet of 3-car Electric Multiple Units, the M3E The M3E trains are equipped with a pasive tilting system for increased cornering speeds, with a top speed of around 170km/h, the 3-car sets operate on the commuter routes into and out of major European cities. The driving cabs of the E3D sets are very modern and shared with the M5D, (resulting in a shortenning of the design time), this factor of common design means that body pannels on each of the types are interchangable between the types. Each of the cabs incorporates many of the latest features and electronics. Passenger areas get ambient lighting, rather than harsh lighting of older type trains, giving a more relaxed environment for the passengers who occupy them.

Each of the 3 cars in the set are equipped with wheelset mounted traction motors, these motors are geared for torque rather than a high RPM, making for rapid accelleration from a standing start, though a lowly top speed of around 200km/h. EXtensive sound dampening systems have been installed, so even at full power, the noise levels in the passenger cabins is low and acceptable.

Mark Wilkes, e-mail: megazone23_uk@hotmail.com