X 2000

File:X2000.jpg in September 2005|left]]The X2 was developed to address the challenges posed by Sweden's railway network, which features numerous sharp curves (like in almost all countries) due to the country's geography.{{Cite web |title=Sweden: Renewable wins the train race - Nordic Investment Bank |url=https://www.nib.int/cases/sweden-renewable-wins-the-train-race |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=www.nib.int |language=en}} At the same time, Sweden’s low population density made the construction of dedicated high-speed rail lines impractical before 1990.

To overcome these constraints, the X2 was designed as a tilting train, allowing it to maintain theoretically 15 % higher speeds while navigating curves. Tilting trains can comfortably travel through curves up to 15 % faster speeds than conventional non-tilting trains, without the need for significant infrastructure changes.{{Cite web |title=Train Tilting Systems {{!}} Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions |url=https://www.curtisswrightds.com/products/motion-control/industrial/train-tilting-systems |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=www.curtisswrightds.com |language=en}}

The X2 project began in 1969 as a collaboration between Kalmar Verkstad, Statens Järnvägar, and Asea. Testing started in the 1970s.{{cite news |access-date=2018-02-12 |title=Därför gick SJ:s miljardsatsning till gamla X2 |lang=sv |newspaper=Ny Teknik |url=https://www.nyteknik.se/fordon/darfor-gick-sj-s-miljardsatsning-till-gamla-x2-6400824}}

In the late 1960s, an X1 multiple unit was modified with a tilting carbody on new Asea bogies with pneumatic cylinders. Later, an X5 train was adapted for high-speed tests designated X15, featuring hydraulic tilt cylinders. X15 data informed X2 development, and an X2 prototype car (X15-4) was tested in the same trainset. In August 1986, SJ ordered the first X2 trainsets from Kalmar Verkstad and Asea.

Manufacturing introduced new welding and structural techniques, producing a rigid, collision-absorbing body with reduced corrosion and maintenance needs.{{cite web |title=Stainless steel in X2000 was a sustainable investment |url=http://www.svenskverkstad.se/rostfritt-stal-i-x2000-var-en-hallbar-satsning |accessdate=2018-06-14 |language=en-US}}

The X2 influenced later trains, including the C20 (Stockholm metro), Bombardier Regina, X31, the NSB Class 71 in Norway, and the Bombardier Movia series.[in what way?]

The X2 entered commercial service on 4 September 1990 between Stockholm and Gothenburg.[http://www.banverket.se/sv/Sveriges-jarnvagsmuseum/Huvudrubriker/Om-Sveriges-jarnvagsmuseum/Historia.aspx Sveriges järnvägsmuseum] Production ended in March–April 1998.

According to Swedish State Railways’s classification system, electric multiple units ({{Langx|sv|Elmotorvagn}}) were assigned designations starting with "X". This convention has applied to various SJ train types, such as the X5 and X40 units, and has also been used by other companies, such as SL's X10 commuter trains and X15p local trains.{{Cite web |title=Elmotorvagn - järnväg.net |url=https://www.jarnvag.net/elmotorvagn |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=www.jarnvag.net}}

The X2 tractive unit is a heavy locomotive with four axles, an axle load of 18,5 tonnes and a maximum continuous power of 3 260 kW (Rc-locomotive 3 600 kW).

The official designation of the X 2000 is X2.{{Cite web |title=Korglutningssystemet håller dig bekvämare på spåret |url=https://www.aktuellhallbarhet.se/alla-nyheter/nyheter/korglutningssystemet-haller-dig-bekvamare-pa-sparet/ |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=www.aktuellhallbarhet.se |language=sv}}{{Cite web |date=2024-11-11 |title=”X2000 är fortfarande ett guldägg – oöverträffat i många avseenden” |url=https://www.nyteknik.se/debatt/x2000-ar-fortfarande-ett-guldagg-oovertraffat-i-manga-avseenden/4305123 |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=www.nyteknik.se |language=sv-SE}} The name started as X 2000 a marketing concept for their service introduced when the trains entered service in 1990, and has since been used by SJ to refer to the train type itself.{{Cite web |title=SJ |url=https://www.sj.se/allt-om-resan/vara-tag |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=SJ |language=sv}} The trains were also used by Linx, a joint venture with NSB, without the X2000 name.{{Cite web |title=Vagnguide - Motorvagn X2 Linx - järnväg.net |url=https://www.jarnvag.net/vagnguide/x2-linx |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=www.jarnvag.net}}

Since December 2011, SJ services using X2 or X55 (also known as SJ 3000) trains are referred to SJ High-Speed Train ({{Langx|sv|SJ Snabbtåg}}).{{Cite news |last=Forslund |first=Petter |date=2011-10-17 |title=SJ lanserar nytt snabbtåg |url=https://www.svd.se/a/37283bea-82df-3e45-abe6-a3dd5daf8cc4/sj-lanserar-nytt-snabbtag#:~:text=SJ%20har%20best%C3%A4llt%2020%20nya,svenska%20j%C3%A4rnv%C3%A4gar%20enligt%20Trafikverkets%20best%C3%A4mmelser. |access-date=2025-02-10 |work=Svenska Dagbladet |language=sv |issn=1101-2412}} The train has also been labelled as SJ X2,{{Cite web |title=Lokman.se {{!}} Svenska persontåg {{!}} SJ AB |url=https://www.lokman.se/Tagbilder/Svenska_tag/Svenska_persontag/SJAB.htm |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=www.lokman.se}} and SJ2000.{{Cite web |date=2014-01-16 |title=SJ satsar miljarder på trotjänaren SJ2000 |url=https://www.etc.se/inrikes/sj-upprustar-trotjanaren-sj2000-35-miljarder |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=Dagens ETC |language=sv}}

File:SJ X2 in snow Jonsered 2007-01.jpg in January 2007|left]]

The train's designated top speed is {{convert|210|km/h|0|abbr=on}}. It reached {{convert|276|km/h|0|abbr=on}} during a trial run with double power car units in 1993. The maximum speed allowed in regular traffic is {{convert|200|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} for safety reasons – the signalling system (and systems like the catenary) are not built for higher speeds, and it shares the track with regular trains (like in most countries); also, most of the lines it uses were built in the mid-to-late 19th century. The 19th century railways Stockholm–Gothenburg/Malmö are relatively straight, since they were planned the shortest way without taking intermediate cities into account, and the landscape is relatively flat. Other 19th-century railways are generally curvier.

In comparison to other high-speed trains, the X 2000 is not particularly fast; but compared to regular train services, it cuts journey time by about 10–15% – enough to make it competitive with airlines on many routes. It typically averages about {{convert|150|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}}. The fastest part is Katrineholm–Skövde, a distance of {{convert|180|km|mi|abbr=on}} that is covered in 1 hour and 2 minutes, resulting in an average speed of {{convert|174.2|km/h|0|abbr=on}}.

SJ considered configuring the trainset with a sixth trailing car and creating a set of 12 trailer cars using a second locomotive. The trainset can stop in {{convert|1.1|km|mi|abbr=off}} from a top speed of {{convert|200|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}}.{{Cite web|url=https://railroads.dot.gov/sites/fra.dot.gov/files/fra_net/16313/1990_SAFETY%20RELEVANT%20OBSERVATIONS%20ON%20THE%20X2000%20TRAIN%20AS.PDF|title=Safety relevant observations on the X2000 train as developed for the Swedish National Railways|publisher=U.S. Department of Transportation. Federal Railroad Administration|date=1990|access-date=2022-05-20}}

{{Unreferenced section|date=October 2023}}

File:X2 Graverfors.jpg in June 2011]]

• In 2000–2004, seven trains were operated by Linx on the transeuropean route Oslo–Gothenburg–Malmö–Copenhagen and Oslo–Stockholm. Linx was a joint venture between SJ and its Norwegian counterpart NSB. It was wound up when SJ wanted to move the trains to more profitable lines in Sweden. Low-fares airlines also played a part in siphoning off passengers from the comparatively slow Linx services, the main ones taking well in excess of three hours.
• Briefly in 2010–2011 X 2000 trains ran once daily between Stockholm and Odense.
• In 2012–2013, when SJ received its X55 trains, X 2000 services were suspended on a number of routes and reduced on others.
• One example is Stockholm–Sundsvall, with one daily departure, calling at Arlanda, Uppsala, Gävle, Söderhamn, Hudiksvall and Sundsvall. This route formerly used a single X 2000 trainset until it was replaced with X55. This is because there is since 2012 a continuation to Umeå which requires installation of ERTMS, which X 2000 does not have (as of 2025 at least).

• Stockholm–Gothenburg, calling at Södertälje Syd, Katrineholm, Hallsberg, Skövde, Herrljunga, Alingsås and Gothenburg. Not all trains call at all stations. Since 2015 VR Snabbtåg Sverige (formerly MTRX) has competed with SJ on this route (previously FlixTrain as well from 2019 until 2024).
• Stockholm–Oslo, calling at Södertälje Syd, Katrineholm, Hallsberg, Degerfors, Kristinehamn, Karlstad and Arvika before crossing the border to Norway, calling at Kongsvinger and finally Oslo S. From December 2018 onward, the X 2000 trains to Oslo have been temporarily replaced with loco-hauled stock and X55 Bombardier Regina express electric multiple units due to track work in Norway. A few X 2000 trains are used in services towards Karlstad.
• Stockholm–Malmö, with many trains continuing to Copenhagen, calling at Södertälje Syd, Norrköping, Linköping, Mjölby (occasionally), Nässjö, Alvesta, Älmhult (occasionally), Hässleholm, Lund and Malmö. Services to Copenhagen also call at {{rws|Copenhagen Airport}}, Copenhagen Central Station and {{rws|Østerport}} (usually). For a short period during 2010–2011, there was one daily train to/from Odense.
• Gothenburg–Malmö, where one of the daily round trips uses the X 2000.

In 2008 SJ ordered 20 X55 Bombardier Regina trains with four coaches to replace the X 2000 on lines with lower demand and where its performance cannot be fully utilised (especially on lines north of Stockholm such as the Botniabanan).

When these trains were delivered in 2012 and 2013 the X 2000 trains could be concentrated to fewer lines with bigger demands such as Stockholm–Malmö/Copenhagen and Stockholm–Gothenburg, using double-length X 2000 between Stockholm and Gothenburg during rush hours and weekends.

There is a bistro on board that serves snack bar-style dishes. From 1995 second class was introduced. All trains are equipped with Wi-Fi for passenger access to the Internet. The trains also have electric power supply sockets at all seats in both first and second class. The trains have been fitted with repeaters to improve mobile phone reception.

In its original appearance, the X 2000's carriages, constructed from stainless steel, were partially painted with blue and dark grey stripes. The rounded fronts, made from fiberglass-reinforced plastic, were painted white.{{Cite web |title=Vagnguide - Motorvagn X2 / SJ X2000 - järnväg.net |url=https://www.jarnvag.net/vagnguide/x2 |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=www.jarnvag.net}}

File:X2000 i originalfärg.jpg

File:Inside X2000.jpg

File:Nykvarns järnvägsstation, SJ X2000-tåg vid invigningen av Svealandsbanan den 9 juni 1997. se ab tthf 4030.jpg

Around 2005, the X 2000 underwent its first major renovation. During this update, electrical outlets were added to each seat, the upholstery was replaced, and the trains were equipped with Wi-Fi. The exterior was also repainted in grey , which became the standard look for most SJ trains.{{Cite web |date=2022-02-22 |title=TESTAT {{!}} Nya X 2000 och 1 klass i SJ:s återvunna trotjänare |url=https://www.upplevelsebloggen.se/2022/02/sj-nya-x-2000-resa-1-klass/ |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=www.upplevelsebloggen.se |language=sv-SE}}

File:X2000, Malmö (P1090553).jpg

File:SJ X2000, Göteborg, 20241104 - 21.jpg

File:X2000 2nd.JPG

File:X2000 at København H 02.jpg

In January 2014, SJ announced that it was to invest 3.5 billion SEK in the modernisation and repowering of its X 2000 fleet, in order to extend the life of the trains by 20–25 years.{{Cite web |date=2021-11-05 |title=SJ to reintroduce first refurbished X2000 EMU |url=https://www.railjournal.com/fleet/sj-to-reintroduce-first-refurbished-x2000-emu/ |access-date=2022-03-23 |website=International Railway Journal |language=en-GB}} SJ stated that the refurbishment of the trains would cost one third of the price of replacing them with new trains, whilst also having a reduced environmental impact.{{Cite web |last=AndyBrabin |date=2020-06-24 |title=Swedish Railways X2000 Refurbishment |url=https://www.andybtravels.com/country/sweden/swedish-railways-x2000-refurbishment |access-date=2022-03-23 |website=AndyBTravels |language=en-US}}

ABB, whose predecessor ASEA designed and built the trains, were awarded the contract to replace the trains' traction converters, transformers, battery chargers, train control systems, and passenger information and entertainment equipment.{{Cite web |date=2014-01-16 |title=SJ awards ABB contract to replace electrics on X2000 fleet |url=https://www.railjournal.com/rolling-stock/sj-awards-abb-contract-to-replace-electrics-on-x2000-fleet/ |access-date=2022-03-23 |website=International Railway Journal |language=en-GB}}

Additionally to the technical improvements, the new refurbished X 2000s feature a new livery with a dark grey front, as well as a rebuilt interior with new seats allowing for 15% higher seating capacity, new walls, ceilings, floors and lighting, and a rebuilt bistro. The new interiors were awarded a Red Dot Design Award in 2020, with the jury stating:

"With its perfectly harmonised colours and materials, the interior for the SJ X2000 [sic] high-speed train creates a particularly pleasant atmosphere. The elaboration in detail and the lighting concept create a peaceful ambience in the train compartment."{{Cite web |title=Train Coach Interior SJ X2000 |url=https://www.red-dot.org/project/sj-x2000-46007}}

File:SJ nya X 2000 10.jpg

File:SJ nya X 2000 13.jpg

File:SJ nya X 2000 02.jpg

File:SJ nya X 2000 11.jpg

File:SJ nya X 2000 05.jpg

The train has had a major effect on SJ and the country's railway. More passengers, together with the lower operating costs associated with operating trains faster and more efficiently, helped SJ become profitable.

It also proved to Swedes that rail is a viable solution not just in exotic densely populated foreign countries, but also at home in Sweden. In 1991, the Swedish government started a massive investment program, spending 5–10 billion kronor annually on improvements to the rail network. The program continues today. A milestone was reached in the late 1990s when the number of trips taken by train in Sweden exceeded the 1940s level for the first time.

New links built since 1990 include the Øresund Bridge, the Arlanda Airport link, Södertälje–Huddinge, Söderhamn–Enånger, Varberg–Kungsbacka and Helsingborg–Lund. The X 2000 train contributed to building public support for these large projects.

However, between 2000–2008, the Stockholm–Malmö routing became increasingly congested due to an increase in traffic on that routing - a mix of fast express trains, slower stopping trains and freight trains - to the point that the fastest 2008 services averaged 21min longer than the fastest 2000 services.

File:Xinshisu.jpg X 2000 in China in 2006]]

File:ASEA X2 China version.JPG cab car 110986 at the Swedish Railway Museum in September 2012]]

The manufacturer of the X 2000 had tried to sell the train to countries other than Sweden, but with little success. In connection with the sales attempts the train was tested and demonstrated in some countries. Norway, Finland, Germany, Austria, France, China, Australia, Portugal and the US were mentioned as candidates.

An X 2000 toured the United States in 1992–1993 on lease to Amtrak.X-2000 on NEC Modern Railways issue 530 November 1992 page 619 It was tested by Amtrak from October 1992 until January 1993. It was used in revenue service on the Northeast Corridor between New Haven, CT and Washington DC, via New York City, for about five months, from February until May and from August until September 1993.USA tests Euro trains Rail issue 193 3 February 1993 page 34{{Cite web |title=On Tour with the X2000 in America — Amtrak: History of America’s Railroad |url=https://history.amtrak.com/blogs/blog/on-tour-with-the-x2000-in-america |access-date=2023-12-13 |website=history.amtrak.com}} From May until July it was taken on a national tour around the 48 continental states for demonstration stops at significant stations. It also toured parts of Canada.{{cite magazine|author=Vantuono, William C. |url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1215/is_n6_v194/ai_13982108 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060215070700/http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1215/is_n6_v194/ai_13982108 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2006-02-15 |title=Touring the Empire Corridor with the X 2000 - high-speed train starts cross-country tour in New York State |magazine=Railway Age|date=June 1993 |access-date=2006-07-31 }}

In 1995, three X 2000 cars (SJ2819, SJ2620 and SJ2520) were hired by Australian operator CountryLink for evaluation purposes, being one driving trailer, one bistro car and one first class car. The trains were towed in a push/pull mode by modified XPT power cars XP2000 and XP2009. After conducting a statewide tour of New South Wales in March 1995, they were used on Sydney to Canberra services from April to June 1995.X2000 heads south Railway Gazette International December 1994 page 777"So why do you call it a tilt train?" Railway Digest July 1995{{citation | title=The X2 Tilt Train | last=Beckhaus | first=John | work=Australian Railway Historical Society Bulletin | date=January 1995 | pages=15–17}} The X2 was also tested in Norway and Germany. There were competitors which had lower prices, including Pendolino and ICE T.

The Guangshen Railway Company in China leased and later purchased outright an X 2000 train which it named Xinshisu (New Speed). The train served as Guangzhou–Kowloon through train from 1998 until 2007 when it was replaced by the Regina-based CRH1.World Update Railway Age June 1998 page 24 The train was initially supposed to have been given the number 2044, but due to the fact that the number "4" sounds similar to the word for "death" in the Chinese language, it was renumbered as 2088, of which the number "8" symbolises luck in Chinese culture.{{Cite web|url=http://www.jarnvag.net/vagnguide/x2|title = Vagnguide - Motorvagn X2 - järnväg.net}} It was delivered to Sichuan Province in August 2007. Due to the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, Chengdu Railway Bureau needed to rebuild the railway networks in Sichuan Province. Also, the authority could not carry the maintenance costs of the train. It was therefore returned to the Guangshen Railway Company in late December 2008. In 2012 the train was purchased by SJ and repatriated back to Sweden.X2 2088 arrives from China Today's Railways Europe issue 202 October 2012 page 53Chinese X2000 in Sweden Today's Railways Europe issue 203 November 2012 page 56 The train had some serious damage and deferred maintenance. The cab car (110986 CUB2XFK) has been cosmetically restored and repainted, losing its Chinese livery, and will be displayed at the Swedish Railway Museum when it reopens. The power car (2088 CX2) is currently used as a testbed for the ongoing refurbishment program, and the five intermediate trailers were repaired and re-entered service in 2020.SJ2000 sets to be refurbished Today's Railways Europe issue 219 March 2014 page 54

The X2 was designed for old main lines with tight curves and with continuously welded rails (the train has a maximum axle load of {{convert|17|t|1}}, which causes large forces on the track). However, since 1990 a lot of new high speed lines have been constructed in Sweden, both upgraded lines and new lines. These upgraded or new lines always have ATC, continuously welded rails on concrete sleepers and no crossings with road and rail at the same level. The tilting function is not used on these lines.

The max power continuous output of the power car is {{convert|3260|kW|hp|abbr=on}}, which is comparatively low for a fast train. It also enabled SJ to say that it does not consume more power at {{convert|200|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} than older Rc-locomotive hauled trains at {{convert|130|km/h|abbr=on|round=10}}.

The X2 trains have mostly run at the X 2000 service level, but have periodically been used for Linx traffic (2000–2004) as well as regional services, for which fewer coaches were used to improve acceleration. All X2 trains are maintained at Hagalund depot in Stockholm and Olskroken depot located just before Gothenburg Central Station.

Technical data X2 power car

Technical data X2 passenger coaches[http://documents.epfl.ch/users/a/al/allenbac/www/documents/Fich0316.pdf Spec Sheet]

Each train also has a UB2X coach with a driver's place, and a URB2 coach with a simple restaurant.

In the beginning there were many more UA2 first class coaches than UB2 second class coaches. But after a decision that state employees should normally use second class for train journeys in their works instead of first class, something many companies followed, many UA2 have been rebuilt into UB2.

• Rail transport in Europe
• High-speed rail in Europe

{{Reflist}}

• {{Commons category-inline}}
• [http://documents.epfl.ch/users/a/al/allenbac/www/documents/Fich0316.pdf Spec Sheet; French]

{{high-speed rail}}

{{High-speed rail in China}}

{{Higher-speed rail}}

{{Swedish railway stock}}

{{Multiple units of China Railway}}

Category:Adtranz multiple units

Category:High-speed trains of China

Category:High-speed trains of Sweden

Category:Passenger trains running at least at 200 km/h in commercial operations

X2

Category:Electric multiple units of China

Category:Tilting trains

Category:Train-related introductions in 1989

Category:Electric multiple units with locomotive-like power cars

Category:25 kV AC multiple units

Category:15 kV AC multiple units