The KISS, SMILE and PANDA train types

The KISS train, built by Stadler, is a modern train with two floors that is quite popular amongst train companies. The SMILE train is a more modern version with only one floor. The PANDA train is a modern chinese train with two floors.

The KISS train

The KISS train type has been in Austria since 2011, operated by the WESTBAHN. They can reach a speed of 200 km/h. The wagons are lightweight with an integral aluminium construction and have air sprung drive and running bogies. The wagons use pressure resistant entrance doors and the toilets are operated with enclosed toilet systems. The power converters are water cooled (for safety reasons).

The SMILE train

Length: 202 m

Number of cars: 11

Maximum speed: 250 km/h

Maximum acceleration: 0.77 m/s²

Track gauge: 1,435 mm

Drive: Electric- multi-system vehicle (15 kV AC, 25 kV AC, 3 kV DC)

Low-floor entry: For platform heights of 55 cm and 76 cm TSI approval with network access for Switzerland, Germany, Italy and Austria.

Air sprung driving and running bogies.

The PANDA train

Train length: 158 meters;

Train width: 2.8 meters;

Train height: 4.59 meters;

Maximum operating speed: 200 km/h;

Power at the wheel: 6,040 kW;

Vehicle weight: Approximately 312 tons;

Track gauge: 1,435 millimeters;

Power system: AC 25 kV / 50 Hz; AC 15 kV / 16.7 Hz;

Design lifespan: 30 years

Stadler is a Swiss railway equipment company and built the KISS and SMILE types. The PANDA train was built by CRRC, a Chinese railway equipment company. The operation of PANDA trains in Europe is seen as the first real intrusion of China into the European railway industry. Fun Fact- 17 older KISS trains were sold to the DB in 2019 (by the WESTBAHN*) and are now owned by the ÖBB. In 06 years, the trains changed operators thrice.

*The WESTBAHN bought new KISS trains to replace the older ones they sold.

Multi system trains are trains that are capable of operating under different voltage systems and infrastructure system.

Blast from the past

This is what the older KISS trains which have changed operators thrice look like (from the outside) now:

Little Note- The results were in German and I translated them myself, so a few technical terms (especially abbreviations) may not be fully accurate in English.