TGV Sud-Est was the first generation of TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) trains, introduced for service on France’s LGV Sud-Est line between Paris and Lyon—Europe’s first high-speed rail line. When the LGV Sud-Est opened in 1981, the TGV Sud-Est trains began high-speed service with a maximum speed of 260 km/h.

In 1983, following the extension of the line, their top speed was increased to 270 km/h, surpassing the operating speed of Japan’s Shinkansen at the time. This milestone attracted global attention, positioning the TGV as the fastest scheduled train service in the world at that point.

Both the trains and the line were gradually upgraded, eventually supporting operating speeds of up to 300 km/h. The TGV Sud-Est sets remained in service for decades, becoming iconic symbols of French engineering. Although the trainsets have since been retired, the original orange livery of the first-generation TGV remains highly popular and nostalgic.

Composition of Trains

◆ Product Features

Features - Details

• Models Train 84 (2 power units) and Train 08.
• Newly tooled complex AC-type pantograph (rear side).
• Coupler cover w/ “SNCF” lettering, distinctive curved windshield-to-roof transition.
• Mid-1980s appearance before SNCF logo on the front was painted over, featuring air suspension bogies on intermediate cars, original orange color scheme, “DIEPPE” and “ROUEN” train names.
• Coupler cover on lead units can be removed and replaced with included drawbar to recreate full 20-car formation as on real trains.
• Special slipcase for 10-car edition.

Features - Specifications

Couplers: silver Arnold couplers (silver replacement knuckle couplers).

Other:

• Headlights lit, dummy board for turning off lights during coupled operation.
• GM-5 motor with flywheel.
• DCC-friendly (6-pin socket for M1 and M2 cars, decoder: CV29 settings must be reversed for M2 to align with light control.