Étendard (train)

The ''Étendard'' was an express train that linked Paris and Bordeaux in France. Introduced in 1968, it was operated by the ''Société Nationale des Chemins de fer français'' (SNCF), and was initially a '' Rapide''.

The train's name, ''L'Étendard'' (literally, "The Standard") is the French word for " banner", and commonly refers to military banners, as carried on parades and into battle.

From 1971 to 1984, the ''Étendard'' was a first-class-only Trans Europ Express (TEE), and between 1973 and 1975, the southbound service was an international train linking Paris with Spain. It reverted to being a two-class ''Rapide'' in June 1984"Summer services, 1984" (changes taking effect). ''Thomas Cook Continental Timetable'' (May 1–June 2, 1984 edition), p. 64; also pp. 132–133, 493–494. Peterborough, UK: Thomas Cook Publishing. and was discontinued entirely with the introduction of TGV service between Paris and Bordeaux, in 1990.

Route

Core route

The ''Étendard''s core route was the long Paris–Bordeaux railway. The train normally ran daily except Sundays southbound and daily except Saturdays northbound.

Variation

Starting in 1973, the ''Étendard''s southbound route was extended along the Bordeaux–Irun railway line to terminate in Irun, Spain, and its northbound route was extended to start in Hendaye, France, stations located on opposite sides of the French–Spanish border. During the summer timetable periods, these extensions were served on all operating days (six days a week), except certain holidays.''Thomas Cook Continental Timetable'' (March 29–April 25, 1974 edition), pp. 71, 467. Thomas Cook Publishing. During other seasons, the portion between Bordeaux and Irun or Hendaye usually operated only one day a week: southbound on Saturdays, northbound on Sundays. These extensions lasted until 1975.''Cooks Continental Timetable'', various issues.

Formation (consist)

The ''Étendard'' was usually hauled by one of SNCF's 1.5 kV DC, Class CC 6500 electric locomotives. A headboard bearing the name of the train was attached to the front of the locomotive, a practice also applied to those locomotives when they were hauling the '' Aquitaine'' and '' Le Capitole''. Nock, O.S. (1978). "The Aquitaine: pioneer of electric power", in ''World Atlas of Railways'', pp. 120–121. New York: Mayflower Books (original publisher: Artists House, London, UK). .

When the ''Étendard'' became a TEE in 1971, its formation of rolling stock was a rake of SNCF , being an A4Dtux, three A8tu, six A8u, one A3rtu and one Vru. The coaches were painted in a distinctive red, orange, light grey and slate grey livery.

On 3 June 1973, to enable the train to run at speeds of up to , the formation was shortened to ten coaches, namely one A4Dtux, two A8tu, five A8u, one A3rtu, and one Vru.

Throughout the ''Étendard''s existence, its dining car was staffed by the '' Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits'' (CIWL).

See also

* History of rail transport in France
* List of named passenger trains of Europe
* TGV Atlantique

References

Notes

Bibliography

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Etendard (train)
Named passenger trains of France
Named passenger trains of Spain
Trans Europ Express
Railway services introduced in 1968