>>1245641Interestingly, in the earliest days of the 450 they were also locomotive hauled push-pull compositions. This lasted only for a few years. The type of locomotive wasn't meant for those kinds of commuter services, so fitting power cars were bought. Let's see if I can get the whole QRD on these units:
>initial order of 60 cars forming 12 branches with 4 cars plus one cab car. Entered service in 1990>in 1991 order of 30 power cars and 15 complete 6-car trainsets, each with a powered cab at each end (entered service in 1994)>18 power cars added to 9 of the older branches (minus the cab car) formed 9 more six-car units>this leaves 3 complete branches (each 4 cars + cab) and 9 extra cab cars, so 12 cars and 12 cabs>remaining 12 power cars, 3 branches and 9 cabs form 12 three-car units with one power car and one cab car>total of 24 six-car units with two power cars, and 12 three-car units with one power carThe 80s and 90s were the only really good period for Renfe (formerly RENFE). The economy was doing ok, so railways got some proper investment for the first time since the 50s. And it was before the HSR madness took over, so you'd really notice the improvement: new commuter units (446/447 and 450/451), older 440 commuter units converted for regional service and renumbered 470 (many still in service, built 1975-79, a whopping 40+ years of service).
New regional express units were procured, like the 448 capable of 160 kmh. The general speed limit on Spanish railways was increased from 140 to 160 in the late 70s thanks to the ASFA signalling system, still in use, a tad inefficient for todays standards but extremely safe.
The first tilting Talgo trainsets entered service in the late 70s, night-train service saw its heyday with the improved and a/c'd "Estrella" trains, and a great electrification plan was carried out.
Man those were the days...
