OREANDA-NEWS. June 25, 2010. A high-speed Allegro (Pendolino Sm6) train produced by the French company Alstom has arrived at the VNIIZhT test loop (owned by Russian Railways) at the Shcherbinka station (Moscow Region) for preliminary and certification tests, reported the press-centre of Russian Railways.

Over the coming month at the test loop, adjustments will be made to the electrical system, undercarriage, and breaking system of the electric train, running at speeds of up to 120 km/h. Test runs will also be carried out on the October Railway, gradually increasing the speed to 200 km/h. Before the start of certification trials, 2,500 km of test runs will be conducted.

Calibration, preliminary, and certification tests will be conducted from July to November 2010 on the St Petersburg – Vyborg and Vyborg – Helsinki lines, and at the VNIIZhT test loop.
 
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The introduction of Allegro trains will reduce the journey time between Helsinki and St Petersburg from the current time of almost 6 hours down to 3.5 hours. A unique feature of the Allegro service will be that all border and customs procedures will be conducted while the train is in motion.

The Allegro trains are designed to be dual-system, i.e. they are intended for use on tracks with both direct and alternating current. The trains will be equipped with radio communications for use on the rail networks of both Finland and Russia. The train can achieve body tilt of up to 8 degrees, which allows it to navigate turns without reducing its speed, and to cancel out the effect of the centrifugal force, ensuring maximum comfort for passengers. The train’s maximum speed is 220 km/h.

Each Allegro train has seven carriages, and total capacity of 344 passengers. Passengers will have a choice of first or second class. The trains will include seats for physically impaired passengers, a children’s play area, and places for passengers with pets. Each train will have a special zone for border and customs officials.