Talgo prototype variable-gauge loco (253.001), christened "Virgen del Buen Camino".

This loco has just been designed by Talgo, in association with TEAM (from Bilbao).
It actually combines a BR101-style design with variable-gauge bogies of Talgo.
This is actually the very first variable-gauge, full-fledged loco ever built.

This dual-voltage loco has been tailored for 250km/h-155mph, with 3200kW, and 18.1t/axle.

Power cars of would-be AVE-121s will build on this prototype, yet with a more streamlined design, a lower weight per axle and a single cab.

Las Matas.

January 2005.

Photo by Mario Rodríguez Ruiz (luzero@wanadoo.es)(Acknowledgements).

Posting and comment by P.L.Guillemin (plguillemin@yahoo.fr).