Class390 pendolino

[1across]

When are each of yhe three pantographs used?

[New Judge]

As far as I am aware Pendolino sets have only two pantographs. On the standard nine car set one is mounted on coach 3 (the buffet/shop car) and one on coach seven (which I think is a first class car).

In normal operation only the leading pantograph would be raised and this is done automatically when the driver activates the controls in the cab. Although I'm not sure, I imagine a manual override is available should the leading pantograph be unserviceable.

It would not normally be advisable to run at high speed with boths pantographs raised. The leading pantograph sets up a "wave" motion in the contact wire and this would not subside in time for the trailing one to encounter a "stable" wire. This could lead to the possibility of pantograph and/or overhead line damage.

[1across]

Many thanks,New judge,there are only two,one on the third coach(1st class) ,and one on thethird from the other end.(standard class shop buffet)