DB Intercity 2 Review - The Controversial New German InterCity Train (Bombardier TWINDEXX)

Hello, and welcome back to another video on my channel. For this week's train trip report, I am travelling on the controversial new DB Intercity 2 (Bombardier TWINDEXX) train from Dresden to Halle(Saale).
The journey starts at Dresden-Neustadt, the second station of this city, and one with an impressive roof. Afterwards, due to a diversion for engineering works, we head to Elsterwerda, before reversing and heading to Riesa. Shortly the train arrives into Leipzig Hbf, where a lot of old DB locos and stock can be found in a yard. After a 30+ minute wait at this grand station, we head towards Halle(Saale) via the airport, the German city where the Ammendorf rolling stock factory is located, notable for creating 30,000+ coaches for 1520mm gauge railways during the Soviet days.
This train is a common subject of discussion for German long-distance rail passengers, thanks to its close similarities with Germany's regional trains, and lack of a restaurant/bistro. However, despite these qualms, I found it to be an overall pleasant experience, including the quite comfy seats.
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Journey Details:
Origin: Dresden-Neustadt
Destination: Halle(Saale)Hbf
Company: DB Fernverkehr
Train: DB 146.5 + Dosto 2010 'Intercity 2'
Accommodation: Second Class Seat (2nd)
Distance: 115 miles / 185 kilometres
Price: €37.50 / £33.65
Time: 2h31m
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/ superalbs

[@allons-y2425]

In germany we call these trains "Teppich-RE" which means it's basically a normal regional train but with a carpet

[@grinsi378]

No, its an real intercity, but you are right: Ist has been redesigned from a DB Regio double decker wagons

[@allons-y2425]

@@grinsi378 Never said it's not an IC

[@grinsi378]

@@allons-y2425 No. i live near spachingen where the ic2 stuttgart-constanz stops. I know the train, it's an Intercity, which consists of dostos with Intercity equipment and an e-locomotive of the br147 with a redesign. just don't be so stupid lol am also a railroad expert and not just you

[@allons-y2425]

@@grinsi378 dude, can't you read? I never said it's NOT an IC? I know it's the IC2. But yeah, you're for sure an expert. But probably not an expert in reading properly

[@grinsi378]

@@allons-y2425 you are just dumb lmao

[@christophernoble6810]

They are pretty good, a cross between IC and RE really. First Class has comfortable and adequate sized seats. I think Germans object to paying IC fares for what, to them, appears to be an RE but in white rather than red. I found them to be quiet with good ride and very smooth at 162 km/h.

[@robtyman4281]

Germans should try travelling on trains in the UK. Then they would really be shocked at the prices!! Some routes charge extortionate prices. Especially the long distance ones......at short notice. London to Edinburgh for example. The distance between the two cities is approx 534km. Journey time is 4 hours 40 minutes - with several stops. Inc. Peterborough, York, Darlington, and Newcastle upon Tyne. The train speed is 125mph (201kph). Ticket price for a return fare (London-Edinburgh-London) is £200.50 (235 Euros)!. But this is if you book at the last minute. If you books weeks in advance it would be considerably cheaper. Still, train travel in the UK is more expensive than anywhere else in Europe. Why?....who knows, but sadly it is. There are NO non-stop services running between the two cities, even the fastest trains stop twice (at York and Newcastle). So all this for a route that can't really be classified as 'High Speed'.

[@truedarklander]

So they're IRs?

[@markoobid2005]

Actually, there is nothing controversial about this train. It does good for the role given - the long distance IC train for the secondary lines, which do not allow more than 160 km/h speed. German railways already had something like that in the past: a train category named Inter Regio (IR). So the IC 2 is basically the new IR. It's only "controversial" because of never satisfied German passengers. The only "controversy" is the second generation of these trains push/pulled by the Class 147 Traxx 3 locomotives. That second generation does have a lot of technical problems. And what I really hate to hear is that it's just "upgraded regional train" - no, it's NOT. Just because it's the same type of coaches (the Görlitz 5th generation of double-deckers, now called the Twindexx), it does not mean that it's a regional train. Yes it does look like Class 445/446 - because it is the same type of train, nevertheless - but these classes have very high comfort level for a regional train. On this logic, all of the Stadler Kiss trainsets are upgraded S-Bahn trains - because Kiss was originally made for S-Bahn services and even has it mentioned in the name. But we all know this isn't the case.

[@grafvergeltung3372]

I have to agree on that, even though I'm certainly no train expert. I am actually frequently travelling on the line shown in the video between Magdeburg and Halle, and the difference in terms of time and stops between IC and regional train for that section is actually pretty significant (about 45 min and one stop in between on IC vs 67 min and about 15 stops on regional train). Whenever I'm able to board an IC for that trip, I see it as a major upgrade.

[@robineur]

The "cushion" that you refer to, Superalbs, is called an antimacassar - which is a piece of cloth put over a chair (in this case a railcar seat) to protect it from grease and dirt. They are removable for cleaning purposes and are an attempt to keep the seat hygienically clean. They are not put on the seats for cushioning purposes.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

This one does have a bit of cushioning when compared to a standard antimacassar, hence why I did not refer to it as such.

[@rahill-95]

Another great trip report and station interior looks beautiful. ✌️✌️

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Thanks a lot! Both Dresden and Leipzig were very nice to see!

[@jmsmilfajt]

Nice video! Yes, I definitely prefer the Kiss variant - much better seats, more relaxing ambience, hot drink machine stands and an overall better interior. Fun fact - there are DB Regio trains going 200 km/h between Munich and Nürnberg looking more intercity than this IC2. 😂 And this route is particularly interesting now as it will be finally served by the new controversial Škoda trains from the new timetable (mid December). So it will be an interesting comparison between the slowest IC train and the fastest Regio train, both push-pull double deckers with similar features...

[@anthonywarrener1881]

Thank you for an excellent video ! I have travelled on the IC2 trains several times, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The best comparison with a U.K journey is with Cross Country, and their routes. The Voyagers are cramped, ( not so bad in 1st Class), and noisy. The D.B IC2 does accomplish a high quality service on routes not appropriate for the ICE type units. I have not heard of them being called controversial, and the quality of the trains finish puts all trains in the U.K to shame, particularly the IETs ! I look forward to your next review.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Thanks, agree with the comparison, they seem to fill a similar purpose of running on secondary long-distance routes.

[@mstrmren]

Pretty weird since DB operates both Cross Country and (of course) these German IC trains. I don‘t get why they are even worse in some other countries.

[@lausimeyer6558]

Great video! 12:07 - the catering is not too bad as it has reasonable prices and a quite good coffee. I prefer those IC2 to the older IC trains. Specially in 1st Class, there are single seats available, what I prefer on a business trip in a fully booked train to the older compartments. In second class, the competition consists of low budget buses. Passengers prefer lower prices to comfort, so the IC2 is as it is. Most lines, where those trains are running, the max speed of 160 km/h is not an issue.

[@martinross5521]

Many thanks for sharing this journey, great to see around a twin level train. Looking forward to your ICE trip

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed.

[@drdewott9154]

Oh yeah Leipzig is a massive depot for second hand stock. DB actually has a huge sales platform for their retired vehicles, meaning if you're a new start up rail operater, they're quite the gold mine. Though I hear they tend to meddle with the vehicles so that they can't run in Germany or something so that DB still has a near monopoly on rail travel. And yeah it's sad that the only catering onboard is a guy with a basket of stuff. It seems to be the same tactic DSB is going for a bit further up north, even on routes close to 5 hours long. But hey it's better than nothing which has been the case for the past 5 years. And at least it seems like their new Talgo sets will have vending machines too.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

I had a nice light breakfast on a DSB train once.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Cool trip report 👍 ... but you never really explained why the train is controversial? 🤓🤔 Is it because people think it’s more like a regional than intercity train?

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Yeah, you got it!

[@trainsonthebrain]

Nice, some cracking station architecture over there!

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Yeah, some beautiful stations!

[@ronalddevine9587]

Another great and honest video. Your honesty is so very important. You call it like it is. Train looked clean(except for the apple core in the trash receptacle). It also looked like a very smooth ride.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Thank you, glad you like it.

[@agent6922]

I had a german trip planned on the ICE 3M from koln HBF to aachen HBF

[@SuperalbsTravels]

They're truly outstanding trains, got a video on a similar unit coming soon!

[@agent6922]

@@SuperalbsTravels ok

[@291281]

Awesome video ! Very nice train ride Thanks for share Greetings , Superalbs Travels

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Thanks for watching. :)

[@MasonHd]

Wow amazing video once again you are amazing at what you do keep you the good work!

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Thanks for watching, and your kind words.

[@transporttechnologykent5829]

I’ve been to Dresden Neudstadt! This is where I took the Stadler KISS unit to Berlin!

[@DanielsUKT]

I like that in ammendirf they made many thousands of train coaches for countries with Russian gauge tracks anyway I like the look of the twindexx especially at the front

[@SuperalbsTravels]

It's cool isn't it!

[@hfb_blaacc2591]

I've always liked our German double decker trains because they are usually very quiet and run extremely smooth. I do think a lot of criticism is unjust, because the train can't go any faster than the tracks allow anyways and it's not like these trains are used for services across very long distances, like ICE services, so they shouldn't be expected to require the same level of comfort either.

[@AndreiTupolev]

I think DB have worked a slight con here, using the standard Bombardier Dosto regional stock with just a different livery, in order to charge InterCity fares. Although 33 quid for a full flexibility ticket is by no means unreasonable.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Yeah, it's not too expensive, and it's normally much faster too!

[@Crm_Spotting]

Great trip pal, loving your reports lately

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Thank you very much! :)

[@MichaelDBahnverkehr]

Excellent video, very nice train catches!!!👍👌👍👌👏🥇

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Thanks friend. 😃

[@suomiphil]

I was wondering what the controversy actually was! Maybe I'm just not in the know enough about trains!

[@golledgestravels326]

I was wondering the same. Click bait?

[@gerdforster883]

The units are basically just subtly reworked versions of DB's standard regional trains. They run on secondary routes with a relativly high stop frequency. So people felt they were being ripped off, having to pay the higher IC fares for what felt to them like regional trains.

[@golledgestravels326]

@@gerdforster883 thank you

[@maxart3392]

2 and 1/2 hour for 185 km trip? Unless there was a noticeable delay it looks more like regional train timetable than IC. I think German railways are deteriorating.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

There was a pretty large diversion due to trackwords...

[@johnnyboy3949]

I wish I was in Germany now traveling around on the trains and visiting castles. Want to go so bad but can’t as we are now prisoners

[@nilshille1032]

Castles? In Germany there are not many castles just field and lots of countryside

[@ironmantrains]

The seats aren't as narrow as SBB's New Pendolino. Also can you do a review of the single decker DB Intercity coaches?

[@no-damn-alias]

The thing is paying IC fares for this train is what I mind. If it was in a cheaper category I wouldn't mind. This is simply a regional train that just doesn't stop as often. It's no quicker, no quieter, also not more comfortable and ride is also not the best. Sadly DB wants to upsell everybody now. Most classic IC lines will be ICE lines and former IR (Interregio) lines will be IC lines. Everything will be more expensive but not better. The Kiss has simply better seats, a way better ride, is more quiet and can drive faster. In my perfect world the the Kiss would be for IR services The ICE L was a IC or even better ÖBB 230km/h carriages with classic boggies for IC trains. The ICE 4 wouldn't exist or could at least drive 280km/h with better seats and more space for the passenger.

[@土浦乗り鉄]

very nice.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Thank you!

[@theobrattinga500]

Great video !!

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Thank you! :)

[@edmundcarew7235]

The small cloths over the headrest are called antimacassars. At 10:30 , you claimed that 1st class is similar to 2nd class. It isn't, as for a start, the seating in 1st is 2+1 versus 2+2 in 2nd. In Victoria, Australia (and nationally!) the maximum permitted speed is only 160kmh and then only on a few country lines, and often lower on curves. So let's not complain about DB speeds. I have been to Dresden and Leipzig and liked both, but the preserved Harz narrow gauge mountain railways were even better! What is wrong with a trolley service or vendor for a short 185km trip? In many developed nations such as Australia, a train trip of this length would never nowadays have any catering. The other extreme is places like India where I journeyed last year, where vendors travelling on board or station kiosks in multiple along each platform regularly supplant any offerings from the pantry car. Incorporating excellent (small) tables that are stable and even movable coat hooks is great design, but double deck cars tend to suffer from a lack of luggage space with perhaps not much if any space at the end of cars near the vestibule, and as you suggest, inadequate overhead storage. A very good video but I assume the poor patronage is due to the fear of COVID-19 and/or lockdowns/restricted economic activity in Germany?

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Bear in mind whilst my trip was only 2.5hr, the entire journey was over 8hr. At this point, I think a more substantial catering offer would be nice. German trains are normally well used, sometimes too well used. I'm sure this will continue in the future.

[@aoilpe]

I prefer the SBB/CFF/FFS IC2000/2020. Once you’re at the upper floor you can pass the whole train without descending. Also they are capable of 200km/h.... Aren’t these trains from the Austrian Westbahn ?

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Not these, the Westbahn ones are similar: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5LZfnWloK-in9U

[@Silvera-Avian]

My ADHD brain would have way too much fun sliding those coathooks LOL

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Lol! 😅

[@johnstonewall917]

I miss the old Inter Regio trains.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

I never got to use one of them sadly, what were they like?

[@vachankehr5403]

Dass war ganz nach meinem Geschmack das Video

[@nomissimon5587]

How does it take two and a half hours to Halle, as far as i know it takes about 1h and 10min to Leipzig and than again 30/40min to Halle...

[@SuperalbsTravels]

A very long diversion happened!

[@sonnenscheinspottingdeutsc5934]

This is actually not a Twindexx but a Dosto (Doppelstock) because the carriages cannot be changed by numbers+is getting pished by a loc

[@radoslavzhechev3639]

Such a beautiful train! In my country we still use coaches made by GDR and Locs by Czechoslovakia. German passengers are very spoiled.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Nice, where are you from my friend?

[@radoslavzhechev3639]

@@SuperalbsTravels Bulgaria buddy

[@silenthunteruk]

See DB's provision of real-time passenger information hasn't improved since 2016...

[@5mnz7fg]

I don't understand why DB isn't developping a double decker ICE, similar to the French TGV Douplex.

[@flierfy]

Because double deckers create more problems than they solve.

[@aoilpe]

@@flierfy But less Voyagers would have to stand for hours... The SBB IC2000/2020 don’t have a lot of problems and go for 200km/h...

[@flierfy]

@@aoilpe Neither does DB seem to have any problems with double deckers. It's the travellers though who struggle to stow their luggage on these trains.

[@mikeblatzheim2797]

@@aoilpe The new SBB ICs do have had quite a number of problems, considering that originally they were supposed to enter service in 2010 and have deliveries completed in 2014 (though this is more an issue with Bombardier). As for the IC 2000, they'd have to be delivered as permanently coupled sets hauled by a loco, and DB has bad past experience with such operations (chiefly the Metropolitan). Besides the loading gauge, as shown in this video, does mean a reduction of the space inside. DB is pursuing a different strategy, with important IC routes being upgraded to the 250kph ICE4 (with 7, 12 and 13 carriages replacing trains with formerly 5, 8, 10 or 12 carriages), and slower routes as well as services that were discontinued are serviced by the IC2. The IC2 is essentially a revival of the old Interregio network, minus the ability to travel using regional fares.

[@aoilpe]

@@mikeblatzheim2797 This is a different train ! You are speaking about the Bombardier RABDe 502, I’m speaking about the Schindler Bt+B+BR+A+AD cars built 1997 onwards... These trains are very reliable... With the passage doors upstairs they have a lot of space and an easy access to the clutch.

[@DrivermanO]

Interesting video. But small point of correction. The german word Stadt is a city. Burg is a town. So Neustadt is Newcity, strictly speaking. Well, at least thats what I remember from German O'level from the late 60s! And I did check Google before I said something stupid!

[@alfiedoolan1808]

Class Vid

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Thanks! :)

[@uncinarynin]

9:44 "Liebe Reisende, wer seine Fahrt in diesem Zug fortsetzt, Hannover." Was für eine seltsame Ansage.

[@hanswurst6712]

Da war ja ein Schnitt dazwischen. Es fehlt also offensichtlich ein Teil.

[@uncinarynin]

@@hanswurst6712 sieht so aus, ja, nur was wurde da wohl angesagt?

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Sorry, it was cut.

[@stevecooksley]

Yeah, this is a regional train and doesn't deserve the DB InterCity livery.

[@edystvumdb]

Lmao these carriagies are identical in features to the Vivalto carriagies in Italy, used on medium distance regional trains. They are identical, can't believe DB actually thought putting this on IC was a nice idea.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Not sure they're quite the same! :)

[@edystvumdb]

@@SuperalbsTravels I'm not saying they're the same because they share the same technical platform whatsoever, I'm saying they're the same in what they offer, the seats, the legroom, the space, the armrest in between the seats and so on. Only thing missing are luggage racks in the vestibules and wifi. Anyway my point is, while they're comfortable coaches, you can't deny it's not really what you'd expect from a DB intercity.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

True, the old DB InterCity was a world-class service.

[@LWR1]

Funny how you nearly missed the train XD

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Nah, I had plenty of time.

[@physiocrat7143]

"Could be reserved" is an idiotic idea. It effectively puts the seat out of use to anyone who wants an undisturbed journey. I can imagine some passengers being reluctant to move if asked. There is the same stupid "kunde vara reserverad" system on the Öresundståg. A bit of a turn off.

[@burgerpommes2001]

These trains should be red

[@mrv736]

Great video!

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Thank you! :)