The class ETR200 (Elettro Treno Rapido = Fast Electric Train) was conceived in1934 and delivered in a first batch of 6 in 1936. A second batch of 8 was delivered in 1938 The train was meant to perform fast elite passenger services on the new FS lines electrified with 3000V DC. The design specifications were ambitious (commercial speed of 130km/h) but during the development of the train the fascist government required even higher performance. The expectations were met, thanks to the aerodynamic design (the so called 'viper head' was developed in the wind tunnel at Turin Polytechnic) and the use of light alloys ,the train was fast. On 20 July 1939 ETR212 established the world record for commercial speed running over the 315 km between Florence and Milan at the average speed of 164km/h with peak speed of 203 km/h. The fascist government was so proud of the achievement that one train (the ETR209) was shipped to the New York Expo of 1939, which took place at the Flushing Meadows park (where the tennis US Open are played nowadays) I have always admired the aesthetics of this train and I had intended to model it sooner or later. The occasion came with the creation of my third generation of bogies with 3 metres (in reals scale) axle distance. With these new bogies, I could realise the motor plant in the Jacobs bogies (previous generations did not allow that) So here is the result (still to be painted) of the modelling effort And here is the first test run Since the first run the model has improved Many details are still missing, but the beauty of the shape is now more visible. And also in Z scale ETR212 tries to break a speed record... Just kidding! Ciao G.
REALLY NICE! Hard to believe this was a 1934 design. Hah, the Viper Head description was very fitting. Excellent work on shells and great research and documentation on your part.
G, Excellent work! Nice modeling and paint job! It sure does look fast. I like the way it takes the curves. Being an Industrial Designer, I can appreciate the history and the styling. Scott
Thank you guys for the appreciation. The model is not finished yet, i will post advanced when I progress Just for further info, the class ETR200 underwent a number of major transformations that kept it in service for long, in fact the last commercial service was in 1993, with most trains being scrapped shortly after. The only train escaping the torch has been the ETR 232 i.e. the rebuilt ETR212. Looking a bit different (flashier livery and one extra coach), but pretty much the old world record holder. You can still ride on it in one of the historical trains organised by FS.
Although I know nothing of this train to speak of other than what you explained I’d say you really captured the look of it for sure. Very nicely done!
