In the early 1980s, Cercanías services started gaining importance in cities like Madrid and existing units, essentially Renfe Class 440, began to become insufficient. For this reason, the design of a new train model began its development. This was materialized in a prototype, Renfe Class 445, built in 1984 and tested in Madrid and Barcelona's networks until year 1990. After this, Renfe Class 446 and 447 started their manufacture process in 1989 and 1992 respectively, the second of which added some improvements to the original model.
The only visually perceivable difference between 446 and 447 is that, in the first, letters "R" and "M" in the numbering system are displayed red and white respectively, while in 447, they're both yellow. This numbering is found in the top left corner of the front of the motor units, and on the sides of the Remolque units.
Technical details
Class 447 units use 3 kV DC overhead catenary line electric traction. The maximum speed of Class 447 units in service is 120 km/h. Both speed and acceleration were improved from its predecessor, Class 446. Due to the difference in performance between 447 and its counterpart, the older model is set for lines where the distance between stations is shorter (1-2 km), given its reduced maximum speed (100 km/h instead of 447's 120 km/h) didn't affect the time between stations.
Cities and routes
Class 447 units operate on the following networks:[2]
