Linea Alta Velocidad

The new high-speed standard gauge line from Madrid to Valencia

A construction base has been established between Utiel and Requena, adjacent to the broad gauge Madrid to Valencia line at the point where the two lines cross. It is linked to the standard gauge line at the eastern end and the broad gauge line at the western end. Construction materials are delivered by both road and broad gauge rail to the base where standard gauge construction trains are assembled. All the broad gauge trains seen have been hauled by the newly rebuilt 333.3xx series while the standard gauge motive power consists of ex EWS class 58s now owned by Continental Rail and ex-Romanian diesels now owned by Comsa. When the class 58s arrived in 2008 they were in Continental Rail colours and carried the EWS numbers 58015, 58027, 58047 and 58050. Some started to receive L numbers but photographs have proved that these were sometimes changed! I have yet to see any number on 58015, 58027 has carried both L52 and L54, 58047 is L51 and 58050 is L53. These four were seen regularly in the first half of 2009 but as their work has spread further afield sightings have fallen to almost nil. In May 2010 I saw 58029 with no other markings and 58031 also numbered L45 and named Caballero Ferroviario. Since then I have only seen the occasional one at a distance while the 'Rumanas' have been in evidence on ballast duties both at Requena and in the Valencia suburbs where a cut and cover tunnel is under construction. Trains were photographed on the following dates and sometimes I made prolonged visits while at other times I simply called in at the base while passing.

9th December 2008    A visit to various places between Siete Aguas and Utiel    31 pictures

15th December 2008    A visit to the Requena base near Utiel    51 pictures

21st December 2008    A visit to the Requena base near Utiel    15 pictures

12th April 2009    A passing visit to Requena base    3 pictures

17th May 2009    A passing visit to Requena base    1 picture

21st June 2009    A passing visit to Requena base    7 pictures

28th August 2009    A passing visit to Requena base and the bridge over the Embalse de Contreras    7 pictures

13th March 2010    A passing visit to Requena base    1 picture

16th May 2010    A passing visit to Requena base    4 pictures

24th May 2010    A passing visit to Requena base    1 picture

16th July 2010    A visit to Valencia (San Marcelino Obispo) to see the progress there    22 pictures

1st August 2010    A passing visit to Requena base    10 pictures

Testing began in late 2010

11th November 2010     A quick visit to a location near Cheste   1 picture

Scheduled services began on 18th December 2010 but increasing health problems prevented any visits until after a much-delayed operation and recovery.

2nd February 2011    A visit to the new station at Valencia Joaquin Sorolla    8 pictures

Page created 7th August 2010

Last update 4th February 2011