Product Features and Details
Model: Complete Le Capitole Train of the SNCF from the period 1967-1969. Limit series of only 250 sets. It includes 1 x Electric locomotive BB 9281 with sound decoder and remote controlled pantographs. The decoder has 27 functions programmed. Also in the set are 5 coaches Type A9, one A7D coach with baggage compartment and one Vru restaurant coach. All coaches have interior LED lights and magnetic couplers.
The restaurant car has also a function decoder to control the lights:
F0 all lights on, F1 not used, F2 corridore and platforms, F3 not used, F4 kitchen light, F5 dining room light.
4- Electronics UIC Y A9 and A7D "Capitole" coaches are each equipped with a lighting strip with a function decoder programmed by default at address 4. In analog mode (CM-016 box) all the coaches is permanently illuminated. In digital mode (CM-016 S CM-016 SAC control units), the different parts of the cars are lit using the following functions. Key Function F0 Full lighting F1 Not used F2 Corridor lighting F3 Lighting in all compartments F4 Not used F5 Not used F6 End of convoy red lights lighting (A7D car) F7 Lighting in compartment 1 ( A9 and A7D cars)F8Compartment 2 lighting (A9 and A7D cars)F9Compartment 3 lighting (A9 and A7D cars)F10Compartment 4 lighting (A9 and A7D cars)F11Compartment 5 lighting (A9 and A7D cars)F12Compartment 6 lighting (A9 and A7D cars) F13Compartment 7 lighting (A9 and A7D cars)F14Compartment 8 lighting (A9 cars) and van (A7D)F15Compartment 9 lighting (A9 cars) and van (A7D)
Prototype:
Le Capitole (alternatively written Capitole) was an express train between Paris and Toulouse in France. Introduced in 1960, it was operated by the Société Nationale des Chemins de fer français ("French National Railway Corporation") (SNCF). It was also the SNCF’s first foray into high-speed commercial service above 160 km/h (99 mph).[1]
The train was named after the Capitole de Toulouse, a mainly 18th century building in Toulouse that houses the Hôtel de Ville, the Théâtre du Capitole (opera house), and the Donjon du Capitole (16th century).
Le Capitole (alternatively written Capitole) was an express train between Paris and Toulouse in France. Introduced in 1960, it was operated by the Société Nationale des Chemins de fer français ("French National Railway Corporation") (SNCF). It was also the SNCF’s first foray into high-speed commercial service above 160 km/h (99 mph).[1]
The train was named after the Capitole de Toulouse, a mainly 18th century building in Toulouse that houses the Hôtel de Ville, the Théâtre du Capitole (opera house), and the Donjon du Capitole (16th century).
Le Capitole began its existence as an evening first-class-only Rapide (express train) between Paris-Gare d'Austerlitz and Toulouse-Matabiau, departing in the late afternoon in both directions. In 1967, it became the first European train to be scheduled to run at 200 km/h (120 mph).
In autumn 1968, a second train carrying the same name was added, operating in the morning in both directions on the route.
In 1970, Le Capitole was integrated into the Trans Europ Express (TEE) system. The morning TEE departed from both Paris and Toulouse at 7:45 a.m. and operated daily except Sundays. The other departed in the late afternoon and ran seven days a week.[2] Both trains were TEEs and both were normally called simply Le Capitole,[2] although the morning train was sometimes referred to informally as "Le Capitole (du matin)" (the "morning Capitole"). Each train included a 48-seat restaurant car operated by the Wagon-Lits Company.[2]
Ex-TEE cars making up the first-class section of Le Capitole du Matin in 1988, pictured loading at Limoges
In 1982, the southbound morning train and northbound evening train were downgraded to a two-class Rapide, while the northbound morning train and southbound evening train remained a first-class-only Trans Europ Express. All four trains were still called Le Capitole. Also, the remaining TEE service now operated only six days a week: daily except Saturdays northbound and daily except Sundays southbound.[3]
In 1984, the remaining TEE trains on the route were downgraded to two-class Rapide. The two morning trains (74/75) became Le Capitole du Matin, and the two evening trains (76/77) became Le Capitole du Soir (the "evening Capitole").
Le Capitole was discontinued in 1991, one year after the introduction of through TGV service between Paris and Toulouse via Bordeaux, a portion of which followed a higher-speed line. The TGV route was longer, at 827 km compared with Le Capitole's 713 km route (via Limoges), but had a travel time that was one hour shorter: 5 hours, 10–13 minutes (depending on direction), compared with 6 hours, 2–20 minutes, on the more direct route.
