ESTACA engineers prepare the TGV of the future

08 February 2024 Bucket

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ESTACA engineers are currently working on the test phase of the new TGVM "Modular High Speed Train" designed by Alstom. This flexible modular train will be able to carry more passengers, offer greater comfort and consume less energy. Service scheduled for 2025!

TGV M: a new generation of TGVs

TGVM" stands for "Train à Grande Vitesse Modulaire". It is a version of the TGV with modular elements that offer the flexibility to adjust the length and capacity of carriages according to demand and specific needs on different routes. These modular trains can be assembled or disassembled according to rail service requirements.

This is a large-scale project that began in 2018 with the design of the train, followed by structural testing and a first production run in 2021. In 2022, the preparation phase for the test trains has begun, with the first runs at La Rochelle and then on a test ring in the Czech Republic.

Since June 2023, the TGVM has been undergoing trials on the Réseau Ferré National (RFN), climbing to 320km/h, which will be its commercial speed (brake, traction and rail dynamics tests), and fine-tuning safety equipment. Commissioning of the TGVM is scheduled for 2025.

ESTACA graduates on the front line of the TGV of the future's test phase

Several ESTACA graduates are working on the test phase of the TGVM. Two of them talk about their experience:

Arnaud Pourty, a 2015 ESTACA graduate, is TGVM train manager at Alstom in La Rochelle. As part of the TGVM trials, he is in charge of train operations and on-board crews. He took part in TGVM tests at Velim in the Czech Republic on the speed ring, as well as on the Alstom test track at La Rochelle. He is responsible for managing the train's configuration in the technical tube version, on-board fittings, personnel safety, preparation for running operations, driver training (driving if necessary), ensuring the train's availability and managing line breakdowns. His main mission is to successfully complete all runs to finalize the TGV and have it approved by the certifying bodies.

"To experience the commercial launch of a new generation of TGVs only happens every 10-15 years, and to be part of it is an incredible opportunity! Managing the on-board teams to bring the test campaign to a successful conclusion is a captivating human and technical challenge. Every day is a new adventure, littered with hazards that make the job all the more exhilarating. The high media profile of the project's progress also imposes a demanding and rigorous framework. But as enthusiasts (and sometimes former ESTACA students), we're always motivated to help shape the future of the rail industry. In 9 years, I've never really had the feeling of "going to work"! And this year, I was able to make a childhood dream come true by driving the new TGV for its first few laps around the track.

explains Arnaud Pourty

Romain Leguéré, an ESTACA 2021 graduate, is "Troubleshooter", TGVM validation engineer, accompanying the train and ensuring its smooth running during testing. His mission is to put the train in the configuration expected for testing, to maintain it there and to deal with the various bugs and numerous breakdowns during testing. His role is to fix or bypass them so that the train can resume testing as quickly as possible.

This is particularly important when testing on SNCF tracks, as it runs in the middle of passenger trains. Certain anomalies may force tests to stop on the line. The aim is to avoid causing major delays to passenger trains, hence the importance of troubleshooting as quickly as possible.

"I enjoy working as close to the train as possible. I could count on my fingers the number of days I wasn't on the test train. No two days are ever the same, and every day brings a new set of anomalies to investigate. The train is an ultra-complete system, so you can work on it for years, learning new things every day.

explains Romain Leguéré

A powerful network of ESTACA graduates

ESTACA graduates work in a wide variety of sectors and occupy a wide range of positions in the different transport sectors. Joining ESTACA also means benefiting from the experience and support of former students. For example, the 5th year railway students visited Alstom in La Rochelle in early January 2024, where they were welcomed by 7 ESTACA engineers now working for Alstom. It's not uncommon for alumni to meet up on common missions as part of their professional activities, as here on the TGVM tests.

"Going through ESTACA gives us a certain state of mind, one that teaches us to give ourselves the means to succeed and to seek autonomy at all times. We've acquired the technical foundations we need to understand the systems around us and make the right decisions at the right time, particularly in terms of safety. A network and passionate colleagues who help us move forward while living unique experiences with a railway family, that's also what ESTACA is all about!"

Arnaud Pourty

"On board, it's very important to stick together and work as a team. That's how I worked at ESTACA, and that's how I continue to work."

Romain Leguéré

Alongside engineers and experts, from design offices to assembly workshops, discover the new TGV-M, the train of the future, currently in its testing phase. ESTACA graduates in the picture!

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