On 07.08.2014, Renfe locomotive no. .252-010-4 caught fire, while running on the Madrid - Barcelona high speed line (LAV). It was on its way with a Tren Hotel to Barcelona/Vigo. Images of the locomotive are here. - AT
2013-07-07
[ES] S/252 series locomotives with Renfe Integria logos
update 2013|07|07
[ES] S/252 series locomotives with Renfe Integria logos
Two new liveries were added to the Renfe S/252 page. The Renfe divisions for maintenance and spare parts now has its logos applied on three electrics: 252 013, 047 and 067, resulting in two new livery variations.
2013-05-14
[ES/FR] S252 series and Renfe Mercancias: update
update 2013|05|14
[ES/FR] S252 series and Renfe Mercancias: update
In 2010, four machines were modified for hauling trains over the high speed line (LAV) connecting Barcelona and Perpignan, continuing into France: S/252 017, 024, 025, 028. The second image shows locomotive 028 and 019, the latter one added to the Mercancias-fleet later on. According to listadotren.es the 019 was the first of its series that got ERTMS. - AG/listadotren.es
2012-08-22
[ES/FR] S252 with an AVE trainset heading for France
update 2012|08|22
[ES/FR] S252 with an AVE trainset heading for France
On the 22th of August, Renfe 252-007-0 brings AVE Series 100 no. 24 to Perpignan. Its final destination: Belfort, the Alstom factory where it will be fitted with the French KVB-TVM signalling system. Also the behavior of this type under 15kV catenary will be tested. In the near future, several serie 100 trainsets will be used for services between Barcelona/Madrid and Paris.
This picture is very special, as both Iberian and UIC gauge are available on this location. This train runs on UIC gauge. The locomotive will be uncoupled at Le Soler, a freight yard near Perpignan. - DM
2012-05-22
[ES] Gauge change in Granada
update 2012|05|22
[ES] Gauge change in Granada
Gauge change in Antequera-Santa Ana. 252-005-4 has brought a Talgo from Madrid. Now it leaves the train, moves to the side of the hall. The Talgo rolls downhill without an engine through the Cambiador hall. At the other side, broad gauge 334.011.4 picks up the train. It pulls the train at some 15 km/h until the last axle has switched to broad, then without stopping continues the journey to Granada. - HS
2012-03-06
[BE] history: Renfe S/252 001 in Belgium
update 2012|03|06
[BE] history: Renfe S/252 001 in Belgium
The normal gauge Renfe S/252 series travelled across Europe before they were delivered to Spain. Not only were locomotive used for trials in Italy and Luxembourg. Locomotive no. 001 also visited Belgium in June 1992 for three batches of test runs.
It started with some solo rides between Ath and Silly. Then it performed 200 kph test runs on the Gent St. Pieters - Kortrijk line with two I10-coaches and measure-car no. 13.
Further trials were performed on the Leuven, Ottignies and Libramont line. On 23.06.1992 a train consisting of 252 001-3 hauling SNCB/NMBS locomotive no. 2011 and ten loaded ore wagons completed two successful test runs. On 24.06.1992 the Renfe locomotive hauled two SNCB/NMBS 23 series locomotives with eleven loaded ore wagons, hauling over 1.000 tons.
The image shows locomotive S/252 001 in the workshop of Merelbeke, together with SNCB/NMBS 6205 and 5134. Together they form a nice, yellow ensamble.
In August 1992, the last EuroSprinter locomotive (of the batch of fifteen) built for the Spanish railways Renfe, arrived in Italy for a three week test period. The Italian railways (FS) were interested in new concepts that combined their own 3kV DC voltage system with an AC system. S/252-015 was stationed at Florence during the trial period and completed test runs on the Arezzo-Chiusi line, always accompagnied by FS locomotive E 402 003. The 015 also had the opportunity to show it full potential at the Direttissima Florence-Rome (also with 3kV voltage system!), in which it reached a top speed op 220 kph. On its way back from Italy, the locomotive hauled a 800 tonnes freight train over the Alps. - FdA/EuroSprinter KG Baur.
edit: Back in 1992, the Italian electrified network was still exclusively electrified with 3kV DC, including the 'Direttissima' Rome-Florence (that was the only line on which it was possible to reach 250 km/h). Today only the new high speed lines have the 25kV AC voltage system; the first was the Roma-Napoli, opened in 2005, followed by Torino-Novara-Milano, Bologna-Milano and Firenze-Bologna. Others will follow. Nowadays Rome-Florence is still a 3kV DC line. It used to be the fastest line in Italy, now it has become a bottleneck in the Italian high speed network. - GM
Railcolor: Also, the S/252 did not use its 25kV installation in Italy. Maybe the FS just a very long-term vision in how to use modern locomotives on both the normal and high speed network. Or it was just of interest to find a solution for border crossing services to the North.
2011-01-04
[ES/FR] Renfe S/252 and the BarceLyon-express [update]
update 2011|01|04
[ES/FR] Renfe S/252 and the BarceLyon-express [update]
In December we informed you about Renfe S/252 locomotive being used for a new freight service from Barcelona (ES) to Lyon (FR). In the mean time we have updated the S/252 section with some additional information about these services.
At this moment, locomotive S/252 017, 024, 025 and 028 got the 'Mercancias-package'. Their livery was slightly changed by adding Mercancias markings next to the Renfe logos. - LC
2010-12-23
[ES/FR] Renfe S/252 going to France
update 2010|12|23
[ES/FR] Renfe S/252 going to France
A first picture of two Renfe S/252 units hauling a freight train from Barcelona to France. Who thought these units would ever start a real international career? - DMO via Facebook