On routes of relatively light traffic density, the European railways are finding the rail-car of real utility. A need, however, is felt for some form of train unit in between the rail-car and the standard heavy train—that is, a unit which will carry about 200 passengers at reasonably high speeds. Many experiments are being conducted with this object in view, and recently the Swiss Federal Railways have evolved a new type of threecoach electric train which promises to prove of good service. The train is made up of two motor cars—one at either end—with an ordinary coach in between. All the axles of the two outer coaches are motor driven, and the centre coach has no drive of its own. Speeds of up to about 90 m.p.h. are expected. Seats are provided for 214 passengers in each train. The overhead transmission system is employed, this being standard in Switzerland. The new three-coach electric trains are supplementing the famous “Red Arrow” light electric rail-cars which seat 70 passengers, and operate with success in the Lausanne, Basle, Zurich and Geneva areas.