In 1987 the color scheme of the Bundesbahn changed radically. In the set, this is modelled by the introduction of a new long-distance coach. It is based on a variety of real world coach types, which are described below. Most of these are still in use today, although most have been modernized and repainted.
Rheingold-Wagen (German wikipedia)
The iconic observation car was long gone by the 1980s, but the first class coaches were still essential. The were modernized and repainted.
In the 1970s Bundesbahn had ordered a series of first class coaches. Along with the Rheingold coaches these were the only ones with air condition that were available for Intercity trains.
The coaches that had been put into service for the introduction of the two-class IC '79 system were still in use, although the livery changed.
With the introduction of the two-class Eurocity as replacement for the TEE in 1987, the need for air conditioned second class coaches arose. As the first dedicated high-speed tracks were also being built, requiring pressure-tight coaches, new rolling stock had to be ordered. They were delivered in the late 1980 and came in the new livery from the start.
The ICE has nothing in common with the Intercity coaches, but in the game these are built by adding long-distance coaches to ICE trains. That is why these conversions are shown here as well.
Characteristics
|
|
passenger coach |
| available by | 1987 / 1996 |
|---|---|
| capacity | 56 |
| loading speed | 14 |
| speed limit | - |
|
|
mail coach |
| available by | 1987 / 1996 |
|---|---|
| capacity | 36 |
| loading speed | 12 |
| speed limit | - |
|
|
dining car |
| available by | 1987 / 1996 |
|---|---|
| capacity | 56 |
| loading speed | 8 |
| speed limit | - |
|
|
passenger coach / mail coach |
| available by | 1987 |
|---|---|
| capacity | 48 / 32 |
| loading speed | 16 |
| speed limit | - |
| remarks | Interregio |
|
|
passenger coach / mail coach |
| available by | 1990 |
|---|---|
| capacity | 56 / 36 |
| loading speed | 14 / 12 |
| speed limit | - |
| remarks | only ICE 1 |
|
|
dining car |
| available by | 1990 |
|---|---|
| capacity | 56 |
| loading speed | 8 |
| speed limit | - |
| remarks | only ICE 1 |
|
|
passenger coach / mail coach |
| available by | 1998 |
|---|---|
| capacity | 56 / 36 |
| loading speed | 28 / 12 |
| speed limit | - |
| remarks | only ICE TD, ICE 3 |
|
|
passenger coach |
| available by | 1998 |
|---|---|
| capacity | 56 |
| loading speed | 28 |
| speed limit | - |
| remarks | only ICE 3 |
Images and screenshots
A class 218 hauling an Interregio.
The class 103 is still in service with heavy Intercity trains, although the livery does not suit it at all.
A brand new class 101 takes over Intercity services in the late 1990s.
The ICE 1 starts the era of high-speed travel in Germany in 1991.
The ICE 3 is the fasted train on the German network.
Usage
These are the most modern long-distance coaches available in the set, so you cannot really do much wrong with them.