To work alongside the TGX, Trans Polar Rail (a ficticious passenger company operating in Scandinavia and Russia)
has taken delivery of several Orbis sets to run the high speed line between Vladivostok and Berlin, via Copenhagen,
the fact that each of the axles is powered means that these trains are able to get to the (restricted) 380km/h top
speed faster than the TGX and ICX units, (Orbis Express runs its sets at 420km/h).<br>
<br>
Having articulated axles sets means that the Orbis trains can cope with quite tight corners, despite having 5 axles
per wheel set, this is useful when traversing the Ural mountains in Russia, as the curves there are quite tight. 
Trans Polar Rail's Orbis sets are packed with technology, the two cockpits are fully electronic, CRT displays and 
Plasma screens form the displays, rather than old school dials. Passengers get reclining airliner style seats with 
headrest mounted TV screens.  <br>
<br>
Seen here is the Orbis R-300, (TPR class 422), the main features of the R-300 over other Orbis sets are the stretched 
power cars, and the 4 pick ups, 2 of which are located on the power cars, two on the coaches behind the power cars.  
The other notable feature are the longer windows. A hidden feature is the cars are made from light weight Titanium and 
Aluminium, rather than Aluminum on Steel, this means the class 422 is faster off the line.  the reason for stretching the 
power cars is to allow the weight of all the electrical systems and other heavy items to be moved further away from the 
transfer axleset between the power car and lead coaches, it also improves the ride quality.<br>
<br>
The Class 422 depicted here is in the new "Executive" livery, used on probably the longest route that Trans Polar Rail 
has, running from the Atlantic coast in Lisbon, Portugal to the Pacific Coast in Vladivostok, Russia.  This route, running 
through Siberia is one of the most scenic routes on the Trans Polar Schedule.  

Though the trains are open plan, privacy curtains are located by each row of seats, giving passengers some privacy on the 
marathon run that, even when travelling at 380km/h, takes a few days, with the only stops being at capital stations that 
the trains pass through en route. 
<br>
Mark Wilkes. e-mail: megazone23_uk@hotmail.com