the Italian FS ETR470 Cisalpino

One of the 9 sets seen at Wassen in Switzerland, a much photographed location.

These pendalino (tilting) sets were built and are operated by the FS and SBB for long distance services between Switzerland and Italy, and services as far as Germany and Austria.  They were a development of the FS ETR460 sets, with dual-current capability and four safety systems. By distributing the traction power units on three pairs of cars, the axle load was confined to 13.5 tonnes. The car body tilt is controlled hydraulically, and reaches a maximum inclination angle of 8 degrees.

However, their reliability record in service has not been good with frequent glitches and they are very maintenance intensive.

Number built: 9
Builder: Alstom Ferroviaria S.p.A. Alstom Sesto S.p.A.
Years built: 1993–1996
Axle order:
(1A)'(A1)' + (1A)'(A1)' + 2'2' + 2'2' + (1A)'(A1)' + (1A)'(A1)' + 2'2' + (1A)'(A1)' + (1A)'(A1)'
Length: 236.6 metres
Weight empty: 451 tonnes
Top speed: 200 km/h
Traction motors: 12
Output - one hour rating: 12×500 kW = 6,000 kW
Output - continuous rating: 12×490 kW = 5,880 kW
Tractive effort: 260 kN
Current systems: 3 kV DC, 15 kV 16.7 Hz AC
Seating places: 151 1st class; 322 second class