NSB BM73
The NSB BM73 is a four car electric multiple unit which are operated by Norges Statsbaner on long-haul and regional journeys. It is similar to the three-car BM71 EMUs operated by Flytoget. Formerly, these trains were branded as "Signatur" by the railway company and intended to run as high speed trains.
The BM73s were built between 1997 and 1998 by ADtranz and the first of the 16 A-series long-distance trains were put into service on Sørlandsbanen. Unfortunately the trains were plagued with troubles, the most serious being weak axles. On June 10 2000 and axle broke on a train at Nelaug, causing that train to derail, fortunately the train was moving slowly so there were no serious injuries, but the trains needed adjustments. The trains now run several of the express trains on Bergensbanen, Dovrebanen and Sørlandsbanen. Trains consist of either one or two 4-car units.
The B-series consists of another six BM73 trains which entered service in 2002. These trains feature a higher passenger density, with seats replacing some of the amenities such as the playroom for children. They are used for trains on the shorter Østfoldbanen.
Specifications
- Length: The forward and rear cars are 27.9 m long, the two middle cars are 26.32 m long.
- Weight: The forward and rear cars weigh 52 t, the two middle cars weigh 54 t.
- Capacity:
- A-series: 204 seats (54-36-78-32)
- B-series: 243 seats (50-74-78-44)
- Car designations: BM73-BFR73-BMU73-BFM73 (+B)
- Max speed: 210 km/h
