Broad gauge diesel train TRD 594 # 004 of the Renfe for "medias distancia" in Zaragoza-Delicias station, ready for departure as train 18517 to Teruel. Renfe's 594 Series or TRD (Tren Regional Diésel) is a series of diesel trains specially designed to offer a regional service called TRD. This series came into operation in the late 1990s, improving regional services on non-electrified railway lines as these units have a maximum speed of 160 km/h and a much more modern equipment than the old 592 and 593 series and the successor of the old 597 series that were withdrawn since 1995, which is very similar in number of cars and seats.
The 594 series is based on the Danish IC3 train, developed by ABB Scandia, a company later acquired by Adtranz. There are IC3 type trains running in Denmark (since 1990), Israel and Sweden. The main difference with these is that the originals are built as Motor-Remolque-Motor (M-R-M) and that it is articulated (they share the bogie at the junction of the cars).
The Spanish version was manufactured in Spain under license by CAF. Its main feature is that it has a pneumatic front that allows the trains to be coupled in a simple way. The cab can be folded down, allowing complete communication between the coupled trains, as if they formed a single train. The seats, unlike in previous regional trains, are fixed, half facing in each direction. Refurbishment:
Between 2007 and 2008, the 23 units underwent a series of refurbishments to improve their comfort. The air production compressors were replaced and moved, placing them under the head end box. The interior of the train and its front end were also refurbished, eliminating the front rubber known as zodiac, which created a passageway for passengers, and replacing it with a more aerodynamic fairing. Also being added are an area of self-sale machines, a service adapted for PRM and a special elevator in a door that allows wheelchairs to be raised and lowered.
