GERMAN national operator DB introduced the first of its new ICE4 250km/h EMUs in October 2016 on a test passenger service basis.
Two sets from the seven now completed are assigned to two Hamburg to Munich (via Hannover/Würzburg) train pairs daily, although if unavailable the trains will be operated using earlier ICE1 Class 401s.
![](https://www.mortonsdirect.co.uk/railwaymagazine/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2017/05/RM-May-p107a.jpg)
The remaining five trains are in use for testing (e.g. approval type tests in Switzerland) and for training use for both onboard staff and maintenance personnel.
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DB ordered 85 10-car and 45 seven-car 250km/h trains in 2011 from Siemens; the trains then known as ICx were designed to replace older ICE1 and loco-operated Intercity services.
In 2013, it was announced that the 10-car trains would be delivered as 12-car trains and 170 extra vehicles were added to the order.
Read more in the May issue of The RM – on sale now!