SBB IC 2000 Papercraft Train
I first created this papercraft train model for my own enjoyment, but decided to make it publicly available for free (Creative Commons BY-NC-SA License.) In this post, I will discuss why I made the model, the train which inspired it, and show example train configurations.
If you would rather download the model right away, please visit the papercraft model downloads page.
As part of travel research before a Switzerland trip, I came across a cool looking train curving through the Swiss countryside in Winter (photo by treinreizigernl on Flickr.) It was a double-decker with continuous black stripes and red accents. I also found a paper model of this train, called the IC 2000, but there were lots of problems with how the model was made — it sort of looked like the actual train, but many details were wrong. I thought about altering the model to make it more realistic, but in the end I decided to make my own from scratch. I did lots of research, made a paper model prototype, made lots of revisions, and produced the final model.
The IC 2000 is an electric train which travels between cities in Switzerland, and is operated by Swiss Federal Railways (SBB.) The train has two levels of passenger seating, a restaurant car in the middle, and is driven by the Re 460 engine. What's interesting about the IC 2000 is that it has several different types of rail carriages — some even have cosmetic variations.
The rail carriages are identified by letters:
AD - First Class with Baggage Carriage
This carriage has first class seating on both levels, a compartment for large luggage, and an elevator -- for official use only.
A - First Class Carriage
This carriage has first class seating on both levels -- the yellow stripe and the number one on the doors signify first class.
BR and WRB - Bistro and Dining Carriages
There are several variations of these carriages. The BR version is marked as "Bistro," and has a counter service on the bottom lefel. The WRB is marked "Restaurant / Bistro," has counter service on the bottom, and restaurant tables on the top.
There is also a version of the WRB with a Starbucks logo on the side, which has a Starbucks counter and seating. Only certain routes include this specific carriage right now. For more information, please visit the SBB Starbucks page and click the Timetable tab to see its operation schedule.
B - Second Class Carriage
This carriage has second class seating on both levels. The number two on the doors signify second class.
Bt - Driving Cab / Family Carriage
The front lets the driver operate the train without having to turn it around (it remotely controls the Re 460 engine,) and has two levels of second class seating. The upper deck has a play area for children which is decorated according to a theme: Jungle, Globi (a Swiss comic-book character,) Moon, and Dinosaurs.
For more information about this train, please see the IC 2000 Wikipedia page.
There are different configurations (called compositions, or consists) of the IC 2000. Each composition may include certain carriages, or a certain number of a carriage type — all this depends on the distance between city stops, that city's population, expected carriage occupancy, and either weekday or weekend travel.
In general, there are more A and B carriages for distant intercity service trains (noted by IC in the train schedule,) which most likely have a BR or WBR carriage. Regional service trains (noted by R in the train schedule,) are likely to have less A and B carriages — they may also have a BR instead of a WBR carriage. Weekend service is also likely to have less A and B carriages.
More example IC 2000 compositions are provided on the papercraft model downloads page (as a pdf file.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long did it take you to make this model? I first started on this in early 2013, then designed it on-and-off until late 2014. Most of 2015 was used to make corrections -- which were endless! I made photos of the model in October 2015, and the final files were released during the first few days of November 2015.
How long will it take me to build this? In terms of straight working days and time to let things dry, each carriage can be completed in about three days -- plus or minus a day or so.
How did you make this model? I first gathered lots of study materials: diagrams, photos, video stills, color palettes (FYI: it's RAL classic colors and not Pantone,) and took my own photos. I next used Adobe Illustrator to create the physical model: from the inner frame, to the outer shell with graphics, to the bogies, and to the bumpers. I next printed it all out, cut it up, glued it together, then revised the model countless times.
If you used Adobe Illustrator, how did you create multi-page pdf files? Yes, Illustrator is basically unusable for multi-page documents. In Illustrator, I created a layer for each page. I then saved each layer as its own pdf file, and merged the separate pdf files together.
What printer and paper did you use? The models you see in my IC 2000 photo gallery post were printed from the Adobe Acrobat Reader program to an HP Officejet Pro 8100. Originally, I printed my model on HP Everyday Photo Paper, Matte -- then HP discontinued it in late 2014. So, I then tried out both Canon Matte Photo Paper and Epson Premium Presentation Paper Matte paper. In the IC 2000 photo gallery, you can see both Canon and Epson papers for the models -- both were printed on the HP Officejet Pro 8100.
Dinosaurs! Why didn't you make the version of the driving cab with the dinosaurs?!? Sadly, I couldn't find a high enough resolution image to make that version. Maybe some day...
Your model is not bad, but where's the Re 460 engine? To get the IC 2000 out quickly, I saved the Re 460 for last -- I'm now in the planning stages to make it. There will be several variations, plus an uncolored model for those who want to create their own design.
>> For additional information on this papercraft model, please see:
If you would like to build the IC 2000 model, please visit the papercraft model downloads page.