The TGV in figures
The TGV is an automotive frame designed by the SNCF and Alstom. In fact, in the 1970s, the two oil shocks convinced the French government to give priority to trains over planes, and to put into practice the idea of a high-speed train linking the main French cities. The concept was born in the 1960s, when Japan inaugurated the Sinkansen express train on the Tokyo-Osaka line. After years of research, the French TGV entered service in 1981. Powered by electric engines, it necessitated the construction of high-speed lines (LGV) equipped with catacombs to reach speeds of over 250 kph. By 2020, the French LGV network will comprise 2,600 km of track, on which the express train will regularly reach speeds of 320 km/h. This mainline train serves some 200 stations and carries around 100 million passengers every year.
Miniature TGV: which échelle to choose ?
Are you passionate about rail modelling? Running a TGV train on a miniature railroad requires a careful assessment of the size of the track infrastructure required. If this is your first train, it's a good idea to limit yourself to two power cars framing a two-car set. You can then have fun with a 3 by 1 metre oval. In reality, a TGV train is generally made up of two engines surrounding an articulated train made up of eight carriages. The longest of them all, the TGV Atlantique, is almost 237 metres long. When doubled, it approaches 500 metres in length - which requires an adapted platform. Therefore, in HO scale (1/87th), a single TGV train can be up to 2.7 metres long, and a double train up to 5.7 metres. In other words, putting a large TGV on this scale can take up a lot of space. Imagine a miniature station with 6-metre platforms! You could also opt for a miniature TGV in N scale (1/160). With this reduction coefficient, a single frame measures just 1.4 metres and a double frame 3.1 metres. The Japanese model railway brand Kato offers some very handsome TGV couplers on the N scale.
What's the best shape for a miniature iron bucket ?
Besides the question of scale, the shape of the bucket is also important. The TGV is a fast train that shows its full potential in a straight line. Ideally, your bucket should therefore contain long straight lines and at least one reversing loop so that you can go at top speed. The miniature railway bucket made from dog bone is particularly well suited to the exercise. In absolute terms, it is possible to run a Miniature TGV on a buckled bucket; but in this case, be careful à not to draw too tight turns, to avoid the risk of derailment. On an HO scale, the minimum radius of the curve is 60 cm - which, once again, requires a lot of space.
Our top 3 miniature TGVs
The TGV Atlantique
These TGV trainsets were put into service from 1989 à 1992, mainly in the West of France, on the Atlantic high-speed line. Made up of 10 trailers framed by two power cars, they stand out for their length. It is the longest TGV series to date (237 metres in length). Industrial designer Roger Tallon, who was responsible for the design of the Corail train, redesigned the interior and exterior of the new train. The colour blue soon became dominant, to symbolise a train heading towards the west. From Montparnasse station, it serves Massif, Le Mans, Les Sables-d'Olonne and Arachon. These were the first TGVs to reach a commercial speed of 300 kph. Check out this beautiful Mehano TGV Atlantique in HO scale.
The TGV Réseau
These single-level electric trains are the third generation of TGVs operated by SNCF. In service from 1992 to 1996, this version is made up of two locomotives driving eight trailers. This high-speed pantograph train comes in two versions:
1- dual-current, to run on lines in France that are supplied with 25 KV 50Hz (alternating voltage) or 1,500 V (direct voltage).
2- tricurrent, to run on lines in France that are supplied with 25 KV 50Hz (alternating voltage) or 1,500 V (direct voltage).
2- tricurrent, for use on foreign lines, particularly in Belgium, where the railway tracks are powered by a 3 kV direct current.
With a maximum capacity of 394 seats, this model serves the entire TGV network, principally the LGV Nord-Europe. It carries passengers from Brussels-Midi to Grenoble, Marseille and Bordeaux, without passing through Paris, and has a maximum speed of 320 kph. Find out more about this model of train from TGV Réseau Thalys à l'échelle N signed by Kato (analogue)
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The Ouigo TGV
This service was inaugurated in 2013 by SNCF. At the time, this commercial offer aimed to position itself in the low-cost transport segment, like car-sharing, bus and low-cost airlines. The rolling stock used for this service is mainly composed of duplex TGVs. These double-decker trains are hauled by Dasye power cars. The cars have been stripped of their luggage space, their first class and the bar car. This extra space means that 20% more passengers can be carried, making these routes more profitable. Check out this TGV Ouigo Duplex from Jouef reproduced with realism
In résumé
Whether with digital or analogue control, piloting a TGV always provides a special émotion. More than a toy, it's the symbol of French know-how. This train is to the railway world what Concorde is to aviation. For a gift or a miniature railway project, we offer a range of options to enable model rail enthusiasts to make this legendary train run. And check out our comprehensive range of accessories (miniature vehicles, stations, figurines, etc.) to recreate the whole world that revolves around the TGV.
