ICE from InterCity Experimental to InterCityExpress
Challenged by the success of the French TGV, German rail builders have taken their already fine system to unprecedented levels of success in the creation of the ICE - Inter City Express. This great film presents an intimate view of technicians checking and perfecting this sleek new train. From the birth of the test prototype in the summer of 1985 with a top speed of 196 mph, we share in the subsequent developments of the fleet. Today these trains serve more lines as rights-of-way are upgraded.
Especially inspiring are the long stretches of new track, spun gracefully on beautiful new bridges across richly verdant valleys and through new tunnels in hilly countrysides.
High on the list of milestones is the achievement of 251.5 mph in early, a new world record. Be board a year later to celebrate the trainâs success with such dignitaries as Mikail Gorbachev and Edward Shevardnaze amidst a blaze of press attention.
Our resourceful Desti film team inspects the trains from top to bottom, on the road and in the shops. Most impressive is the ICE maintenance facility in Hamburg-Eidelstedt which literally swallows the entire 14 car train, and in one hour completes a comprehensive servicing, interior cleaning, restocking, and exterior washing. So sophisticated is the center that even complete wheelsets can be changed out in minutes.
Americans will be thrilled to see these developments first hand. This magnificent transportation achievement shows what could be possible in North America.