When it comes to Spanish high-speed railway, there is one train that stands out not only due to its peculiar nickname, but also due to its significant contribution to innovation in railway transport: the Renfe Series 443, lovingly known as “El Platanito”. This train, which began in a historic agreement between Umberto Agnelli, CEO of FIAT, and RENFE, has left an indelible mark on Spain’s railway history.
A Visionary Agreement (1972-1976)
28th September 1972 marked the beginning of a visionary collaboration between FIAT and RENFE. Umberto Agnelli arrived in Madrid to sign an agreement that would give life to a tilting train prototype, designed to reduce travel times on Spanish railway lines, especially on sinuous routes. The project resulted in two prototypes: one for testing on Italian railway lines and another for Spain, baptised with the distinctive orange-yellow colour and the nickname “El Platanito.”
Innovation in Movement
This revolutionary prototype had notable advances in railway technology of the time. It had a complex active tilt system, allowing an inclination of up to 8 degrees of the coaches in curves to compensate for centrifugal force, ensuring total comfort on tight curves at 120 km/h. In addition, it introduced innovative features such as cabs with the driver’s seat in the centre and static converters, reducing the frequency of breakdowns.
From Promotion to Challenges (1976-1987)
Despite being prepared to operate commercially at 180 km/h and having exceeded 200 km/h in experimental tests, “El Platanito” faced various challenges, mainly due to the advanced technology of its systems. In 1977, RENFE opted for the Talgo Pendular, a passive pendulation system with a simpler construction. Although several Pendolinos based on the ETR-401 (El Platanito’s Italian twin) were built in Italy, the Series 443 remains the only one of its kind in Spain.
New Horizons and Farewell (1987-Present)
Over the years, “El Platanito” was gradually relegated from commercial service, limiting its use to the creation of tourist trains in the 1980s. In 1987, it achieved an electric traction speed record by reaching 206 km/h during tests on the Madrid-Alicante line. However, multiple breakdowns and the final withdrawal of service at the Fuencarral Depot marked the end of its operational career.
In July 1995, the Spanish Railway Foundation gave “El Platanito” to the ACAF (Castejón Association of Railway Friends), where it was exhibited in Castejón de Ebro. Since 2013, the AAFEP (El Platanito Association of Railway Friends) resumed restoration and preservation work on the iconic train.
A Future of Preservation (Present and Future)
Today, “El Platanito” remains on the same Castejón de Ebro line and is subject to annual restoration campaigns by the AAFEP. This train, which paved the way for future innovations in high-speed trains, represents not only a historic chapter in the Spanish railway sector, but is also a testament to the dedication of those who strive to preserve its legacy.
From its ground-breaking design to its technological advances, “El Platanito” continues to be a milestone in Spain’s railway history, a tangible reminder of the audacity and vision that drives the continued evolution of railway transportation in the country. At the heart of every bolt and rail of this Series 443 lies the narrative of an era of innovation that has paved the way for future generations.
