LNW-GW Joint
Veteran Member
I caught an interesting programme on National Geographic Channel last night, called "Megafactories: High Speed Train".
It dates from 2011, and shows the detailed stages of manufacturing, integration and testing of the Alstom AGV, specifically the ones bound for Italian open access operator Ital (NTV).
The documentary is American in origin but is narrated by Tony Hirst who also does the "How It's Made" documentaries.
I expected a superficial covering, but there are detailed sequences of the design and assembly of the main AGV components in their different specialist factories: traction systems (Ornans), bogies (Le Creusot) and body shells and final assembly (La Rochelle) - the emphasis is on "big metal".
That was preceded and followed by sequences of testing the AGV in Italy for certification in passenger service, showing the on-board team at work, mainly doing braking tests.
Apart from the impressive technology on show, there is plenty of human-interest stuff from the teams involved.
The sequence of trying to install the driver's desk into the AGV cab was quite amusing.
Interesting that all the components are transported by road between the various Alstom factories, in an operation not dissimilar to the manufacture of an Airbus jet.
I haven't worked out if it is available to view on catchup or on demand TV, but it's Series 5 Episode 22 of the Megafactories series (Ultimate Factories in the US).
Well worth watching when it comes round again (as it is bound to do).
There are also some Youtube versions of the programme online if you search for Megafactories: High Speed Train on the web.
It dates from 2011, and shows the detailed stages of manufacturing, integration and testing of the Alstom AGV, specifically the ones bound for Italian open access operator Ital (NTV).
The documentary is American in origin but is narrated by Tony Hirst who also does the "How It's Made" documentaries.
I expected a superficial covering, but there are detailed sequences of the design and assembly of the main AGV components in their different specialist factories: traction systems (Ornans), bogies (Le Creusot) and body shells and final assembly (La Rochelle) - the emphasis is on "big metal".
That was preceded and followed by sequences of testing the AGV in Italy for certification in passenger service, showing the on-board team at work, mainly doing braking tests.
Apart from the impressive technology on show, there is plenty of human-interest stuff from the teams involved.
The sequence of trying to install the driver's desk into the AGV cab was quite amusing.
Interesting that all the components are transported by road between the various Alstom factories, in an operation not dissimilar to the manufacture of an Airbus jet.
I haven't worked out if it is available to view on catchup or on demand TV, but it's Series 5 Episode 22 of the Megafactories series (Ultimate Factories in the US).
Well worth watching when it comes round again (as it is bound to do).
There are also some Youtube versions of the programme online if you search for Megafactories: High Speed Train on the web.
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