ICE 1

ICE 1
ICE 1 trainset
Second class interior
ManufacturerAEG, ABB, Henschel, Krauss-Maffei, Krupp [de], Siemens Mobility
Constructed1989–1993
Refurbished2005–2008 (first time)
2019–present (second time)
Number built60
Formation2 power cars,
12 intermediate cars (up to 14 possible)
9 intermediate cars (after the second refurbishment)
Fleet numbersTz 01 to 20
Tz 51 to 90
Capacity743 seats (12 car trainset)
OperatorsDB Fernverkehr
DepotsHamburg-Eidelstedt
Specifications
Maximum speed280 km/h (175 mph)
Weight849 t (836 long tons; 936 short tons) (12 car trainset)
Traction systemAs built: Siemens GTO-VVVF
Current: ABB IGBT-VVVF
Power output9,600 kW (12,874 hp) (GTO power converters)
7,600 kW (10,192 hp) (IGBT power converters)
Electric system(s)Overhead catenary, 15 kV 16.7 Hz AC
Current collector(s)Pantograph
Safety system(s)Sifa, PZB90, LZB (all trainsets)
Integra-Signum and ETCS (trainsets for service in Switzerland)
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge

The ICE 1 is the first batch-produced German high-speed train and one of six in the Intercity Express family. Revenue service at speeds up to 250 km/h (155 mph) started in 1991. It was raised to 280 km/h (175 mph) in May 1995 and temporary reduced to 250 km/h (155 mph) again, as a result of the Eschede accident.

Trainsets consist of two power cars (Class 401) and up to 14 intermediate cars (Classes 801 to 804). Occasionally, power cars and intermediate cars of the ICE 2 are used as well (Classes 402, 805 to 808). Trainsets always operate as a whole train and cars cannot be coupled in regular service.

One of the 60 trainsets (trainset 51) was destroyed in the Eschede train disaster. The others were refurbished between 2005 and 2008 and will remain in service for ten to fifteen additional years. Another refurbishment program started in 2019, expanding their life-span to approx. 2030.