TGV 001

The TGV 001 was an experimental turbotrain, put into service in 1972.

It was designed in collaboration by SNCF and Alsthom to explore the range of speeds between 250 and 300 km/h, with a view to creating a network of high-speed lines. Built by Alsthom, Brissonneau and Lotz, Turbomeca and M.T.E. , TGV 001 is listed as a "Historical Monument"

This train, which still holds the world rail speed record in autonomous traction (318 km/h on December 8, 1972), has never been used in commercial service. Its existence was mainly the result of a research program on high-speed rail, covering all technical aspects, in particular traction, the dynamic behavior of vehicles, braking, aerodynamics and signalling.

However, due to the oil crisis of 1974, the use of RTGs, far too fuel-intensive, became less and less profitable in the face of electric traction, and trains with electric traction were favored (will result in the TGV that we know today today).

Two examples are still visible: the TDu 001 is on display along the A4 motorway near Schiltigheim-Bischheim. The TDu 002 is on display at the edge of the A36 motorway, near Belfort-Glacis du Château