nora systems is exploring how a floor covering enhance regional train travel in the future.
The company has been presenting a range of products and innovative flooring solutions in a bilevel rail car with these dimensions since November. In collaboration with DB Regio AG, Südostbayernbahn, d.lab innovation lab for DB Personenverkehr, neomind design studio and numerous other development partners, the German flooring manufacturer is using the ‘Idea Train’ to investigate what passengers using local public transport will want in the future.
On the safe side
In this setting, safety requirements have the highest priority. All nora floor coverings on the Idea Train meet the European EN 45545 standard for fire protection on railway vehicles, comply with hazard level HL2 requirements for regional transport and are classified as safe in terms of fire toxicology. Thanks to state-of-the-art milling techniques, they can also have inlays added such as for escape route markings.
At speeds of up to 160km/h, with frequent braking and accelerating and some challenging curves, it is particularly important for passengers on regional trains to be able to walk and stand safely. For the Idea Train, nora systems has selected rubber floor coverings that meet the requirements of slip resistance class R9 or higher. For the bistro area, where there may be splashes and spills, the floor coverings are rated R11.
For comfort on board
“What’s special about the Idea Train is that we were able to be very creative with our floor design proposals,” says nora systems transportation sales manager Jürgen Karger. From power napping, lounging, and gaming, through to shopping, the specifications for the individual modules in the bilevel car inspired the nora project team to create specific colour and installation concepts that are totally new for trains.
For example, they decided to lay the noraplan valua floor covering in the ‘Family’ and ‘Parents / Children’ modules in an innovative plank-like pattern, in a rich dark brown color that looks warm and natural, making it feel both cozy and robust.
The floor coving creates an environment that meets the needs of parents and their children alike. One very clever feature here is that the joints between the individual planks are only milled on the surface, as an inlay. As a result, the entire floor surface remains sealed and is completely waterproof.
Giving free rein to creative ideas
A new product by nora systems was chosen for the ‘Lounge’ module: noraplan lona in a delicate green tone with a filigree design, which creates a relaxed atmosphere where passengers can sit and chat.
noraplan valua and lona and other nora rubber floor coverings were also laid in additional modules in the Idea Train, in a range of colours taken from the broad colour palette.
Karger says: “We’re looking forward to seeing how the public responds to our ideas and which ones will be used in trains in future or included in an overhaul of current rail cars. Many other solutions are possible and can be realized with nora systems now, not just in the future.”