Renfe Alvia is a division of the Spanish state railways Renfe which operates both conventional and high speed express trains up to speeds of 250 km/h. This train is a class 130 machine, also known as Talgo's model 250. It is a 250 km/h fast fixed composition which can run on 25 kV AC, 3 kV DC or without electricity with diesels. The coaches are modified from Talgo's famous hotel trains. This is a train which can change its gauge without stopping when it slowly runs over the Talgo RD variable gauge system regauging rails. The class 130 can run 250 km/h on standard gauge and 220 km/h on Iberian broad gauge lines. It can also operate without electric catenary power using its own diesels and then its top speed is 140 km/h. The train is a fixed 11 coach set and it can take up to 299 seated passengers.
Picture from Barcelona Franca station 8.11.2018 by Ilkka Siissalo.

Another view of the same class 130 Talgo train.
Picture from Barcelona Franca station 8.11.2018 by Ilkka Siissalo.

The front part of the first coach of a Talgo class 130 train contains the diesel generators needed when the train operates without catenary electric power. This is the smaller generator model. It takes up only half a coach.
Picture from Barcelona Franca station 8.11.2018 by Ilkka Siissalo.

There are two sizes of generator cars to allow these fast Talgo trains to run on tracks without overhead electricity available. This is the larger one. This is basically a large diesel locomotve in itself, without a driver's cab. With this generator wagon the Talgo can reach fast speeds over long distances as a diesel train.
Picture from Madrid 12.6.2024 by Markku Salo.

The same generator wagon as above but now seen from the other direction. Note how it has one powered full bogie and at the other end it just has in the typical Talgo style one individual axle placed right between the two wagons.
Picture from Madrid 12.6.2024 by Markku Salo.

A class 120 or 121 Renfe Alvia train. They are not easy to recognize. Both models are similar four coach electric multiple units and the only difference is that series 121 can operate on two diffrent electric systems. They were built since 2001 and there are 12+45 trains in use. Their top speed is 250 km/h. The bogies incorporate CAF's BRAVA (Bogie de Rodadura de Ancho Variable Autopropulsado) system which allows gauge-changing without stopping so that they can operate both on Iberian broad gauge and normal gauge lines.
Picture from Bilbao Abando station 4.5.2013 by Ilkka Siissalo.

Side view of the same class 120 or 121 Renfe Alvia train as seen above.
Picture from Bilbao Abando station 4.5.2013 by Ilkka Siissalo.

First coach of the same class 120 or 121 Renfe Alvia train as seen above.
Picture from Bilbao Abando station 4.5.2013 by Ilkka Siissalo.

Renfe Alvia's class 120 train no.58 waiting for its next departure time at Santander station.
Picture 1.5.2013 by Ilkka Siissalo.

A closer look at the front part of Renfe Alvia's class 120 train no.58.
Picture from Santander station 1.5.2013 by Ilkka Siissalo.

Still the same Renfe Alvia's class 120 train no.58, but now seen from the other side.
Picture from Santander station 1.5.2013 by Ilkka Siissalo.

Another Renfe Alvia's class 120 train ready to leave from Bilbao station
Picture from Bilbao 18.6.2014 by Ilkka Siissalo.

Another picture of the same series 120 train as above. A nice picture - or what do you think?
Picture from Bilbao 18.6.2014 by Ilkka Siissalo.

Still the same series 120 train as above but seen from the other side.
Picture from Bilbao 18.6.2014 by Ilkka Siissalo.

A traditional express train coach, one of the so called Eurofima coaches which were in use in several European countries.
Picture from Bilbao Abando station 4.5.2013 by Ilkka Siissalo.

Two other old Eurofima coaches, the first of which is still in the very old blue and white livery.
Picture from Bilbao Abando station 4.5.2013 by Ilkka Siissalo.