An ICE with diesel? Why the ICE TD was ahead of its time—and yet failed, and how it can still be driven virtually!

Class 605, known as ICE TD, was a four-car diesel-electric tilting train designed for long-distance passenger services. The abbreviation “TD” stood for “Triebzug Diesel” or “tilting diesel.” On January 13, 2000, one unit reached 222 km/h during a test run, setting a German speed record for diesel multiple units. This made the ICE TD the fastest diesel train in Germany.

Twenty units were ordered in 1996 and entered regular service from 2001. However, technical issues led to their withdrawal as early as 2003. After years in storage, the trains returned to service from 2006 onward. From 2007, most units operated between Hamburg and Denmark. Service was gradually reduced in 2016 and finally ended on October 2, 2017. By the end of 2016, only four units remained operational, while 15 were offered for sale without finding buyers. According to Deutsche Bahn, continued operation beyond 2017 was not economically viable.

Two units were later taken over by DB Systemtechnik in 2018 and converted into test vehicles. Since late 2018, one unit has been operating as the “Advanced TrainLab,” with a second following in 2021.

Although no longer in passenger service, the ICE TD can still be experienced in Train Simulator. The BR 605 add-on includes German safety systems such as PZB, LZB, SIFA, and AFB, tilting technology, passenger view, and Quick Drive compatibility. It also comes with dedicated scenarios for the Hamburg–Hannover route.

Link: https://store.steampowered.com/app/277755/Tra…5_ICE_TD_AddOn/

While the ICE TD is part of railway history in reality, it continues to operate digitally – a reminder of a bold experiment in high-speed diesel rail travel.

Have you ever traveled on the ICE TD? Did you know that it held the German diesel speed record? Do you think a diesel ICE makes sense or is it contradictory? Would you have liked to see it remain in service for longer? Which ICE series is your favorite?