ICE 1

DB Class 401 (ICE 1)
ICE 1 powerhead at Frankfurt Airport
Type and origin Power type electric Builder AEG, ABB, Henschel, Krauss-Maffei, Krupp, Siemens Build date 1989—1993 Total produced 120 powerheads (60 trains)
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC Bo'Bo' Length 20.56 m Electric system/s 15 kV 16.7 Hz AC Safety systems Sifa, PZB90, LZB
Performance figures Power output 4,800 kW Tractive effort 200 kN

The Class 401 EMUs, better known as ICE 1, were the first German high-speed trains in revenue service. They serve the InterCity Express network. While classified as electric multiple units, they are actually conventional trains with two locomotives (called powerheads in this case) and 10 to 14 carriages in between. The two powerheads' combined power output of 9,600 kW is sufficient to accellerate a full train to 280 km/h. Because the top speed is limited to 250 km/h inside tunnels on most high-speed lines, the top speed on those lines has been reduced to 250 km/h for economic reasons.

complete ICE 1 train

In mid-1988, Deutsche Bundesbahn ordered 82 powerheads to start InterCityExpress service in mid-1991. Becaues of the tight development schedule, the powerheads are closely derived from the Class 120 locomotive with a different gear ratio and more aerodynamic cover. In July 1990, another 38 powerheads were ordered for service into Switzerland. Those units are equipped with a second, narrower pantograph and Swiss train safety systems.

ICE 1 trains can be differentiated from the similar ICE 2 trains by the greater length of the train and the prominent, hunchback-shaped restaurant car.

One Class 401 powerhead was destroyed in the Eschede train disaster, while the second remained as a spare. Another powerhead was lost to a fire.