ALSTOM & SNCF TGV teams to receive Elmer A. Sperry
award in November 2001

The award, established in 1955, recognizes a distinguished
engineering contribution which, through application, proved in
actual service, has advanced the art of transportation whether by
land, sea or air. It will be presented to the SNCF and ALSTOM
teams during ASME Internationals (The American Society of
Mechanical Engineers) 2001 International Mechanical Engineering
Congress and Exposition, which is being held in New York, N.Y.,
Nov. 11 through 16.

Jean-Pierre Loubinoux, chairman and chief executive officer of
SNCF International, will accept the award for the SNCF TGV team,
represented by Jean-Marie Metzler. Michel Moreau, president and
chief executive officer of ALSTOM Transport, will accept the
award for the ALSTOM team, represented by Henri Rollet.

Between 1965 and 1981, SNCF and ALSTOM worked in different
capacities on the TGV rail, which opened a new era in passenger
train transportation in France and beyond. The SNCF team
conceived and created the initial system, while the ALSTOM team
played a leading role in constructing the initial TGV trains.

Among the technical options chosen for the system were a
high-speed line totally dedicated to passenger transport;
indivisible, articulated train sets; and infrastructure built
with tried and proven technology, including continuous welded
rail, concrete ties and 25,000 V overhead catenary line
equipment. The network was able to run through all parts of the
existing electrified railway system, obviating the enormous
environmental disturbance and cost of building new tracks and
stations in cities where existing conventional facilities could
be utilized.

Four basic design rules were set for the trainsa
maximum 17-ton axle load, fixed formation train sets, articulated
configuration for the passenger coaches and body rather than
bogie-mounted traction motors.

Articulation was chosen to permit low-slung bodies to be
carried on nine rather than 16 bogies, thereby saving weight,
minimizing energy consumption and enhancing passenger comfort by
obviating the need for seats to be installed over the bogies.
Low-slung bodies allowed for easier passenger access and, with
the vehicle ends mounted over the bogies, a spacious vestibule
area was designed and was tightly sealed to ensure the highest
standards of sound insulation and air conditioning.

The train sets consisted of two power cars enclosed by a rake
of eight trailers. To provide sufficient power for sustained high
speeds and to cope with 3.5 percent gradients, two power cars
were provided. The TGV locomotive was equipped with dual-voltage
operation.

In September of 1981, the first TGV train was placed in
service between Paris and the southeastern part of France. It
soon proved to be a business, economic and technical success.
After 10 months in operation, the TGV carried its 10 millionth
passenger. The 14 billion franc investment in the Paris-Lyon
system could be paid back well before the redemption dates
initially planned. Revenue operation of a rail system at the
speed of 270 km/h (168 mph) positioned the rail mode on a
remarkable level by comparison with its direct competitors,
private cars and the airlines, while at the same time bettering
its traditional advantages of safety, comfort and cost
effectiveness.

The later generations of TGVs have brought further strides.
Revenue speed has been raised to 300 km/h (186 mph) and there
have been substantial improvements in comfort. Other advancements
include a sophisticated signaling system called TVM 430 which
allows, among other things, an interval of three or four minutes
between trains. At the international level, TGV system
performance has inspired countries seeking to develop their rail
systems. A master plan of high speed European links has been
drawn up by the Community of European Railways and already
Frances neighbors have launched studies or construction
work for sections of this international network.

The Elmer A. Sperry board of award consists of representatives
of ASME, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers,
the Society of Automotive Engineers, the Society of Naval
Architects and Marine Engineers, the American Institute of
Aeronautics and Astronautics and the American Society of Civil
Engineers.

ASME International is a 125,000-member organization focused on
technical, educational and research issues. ASME conducts one of
the worlds largest technical publishing operations, holds
some 30 technical conferences and 200 professional development
courses each year, and sets internationally recognized industrial
and manufacturing standards.

Contact:
Mel Torre

(212) 591-8157

torrem@asme.org

• Click here
• Click here to visit the ASME website