TCDD has rented a special purpose test train from RFI of Italy in order to perform tests on the first high speed line being built in Turkey. The line extends from a district of the Capital Ankara called Esenkent to a neighboring city named Eskisehir. The line is yet 206 km. but will soon be extended to Istanbul reaching more than 400 km. Also other high speed lines are planned like Ankara-Konya, Ankara-Izmir and Istanbul-Izmir. For more info: http://www.tcdd.gov.tr/tcdding/index.htm

The rented unit ETR-500 Y2 shown here is resting at Haydarpasa main station after being introduced to public. It has three logos of respecting companies FS, RFI and TCDD. The unit was brought to Haydarpasa for two purposes: One was public demonstration and the real purpose was to test the conventional single and double tracks from Eskisehir to Haydarpasa for use with high speed trains operating at reduced speed. 

The unit consists of two powered end units (three current) middle car for stuff or passanger testing and two cars adjacent to the power units for testing equipments. The train is operated by Italian crew accompanied by Turkish members. 

Despite the line is being tested by Italian ETR-500 Y2, Spanish CAF trains will be operated on the line when finished.

Photo by Ali AKSIN (aliaksin@gmail.com)