Settebello (train)

Settebello

Preserved ex-Settebello trainset in 2003
Overview
Service type	Rapido (1953–74) Trans Europ Express (TEE) (1974–84)
Status	Discontinued
Locale	Italy
First service	1953
Last service	2 June 1984 (1984-06-02)
Successor	TEE Colosseum
Former operator(s)	Ferrovie dello Stato (FS)
Route
Start	Milano Centrale
End	Roma Termini
Distance travelled	630 km (390 mi)
Service frequency	Daily
On-board services
Class(es)	First class only
Catering facilities	Restaurant car, operated by Wagons-Lits
Observation facilities	Lounges at front and rear
Technical
	ETR 300-type EMU trainsets
Track gauge	1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in)
Electrification	3,000 V DC

The Settebello was a famous Italian high-speed express train that linked Milano Centrale in Milan with Roma Termini station in Rome, via Bologna and Florence. Introduced in 1953, it was operated by the Italian State Railways (FS) and used the distinctive ETR 300-typeelectric multiple unit trainsets, featuring observation lounges at the front and rear of the train. When introduced, it "set a standard of speed and luxurious travelling accommodation previously unknown in Italy [and] rivalling anything else on European rails." It was a Trans Europ Express (TEE) from 1974 until its withdrawal, in 1984.

Introduced in 1953, the Settebello (Italian: Il Settebello) provided high-speed luxury train service between Milan and Rome. Its name translates as "the beautiful seven" (or alternatively and more loosely as "the lucky seven") and was based on a popular Italian card game known as "Scopone" (), in which the seven-of-diamonds card carries the highest value. A drawing of nine playing cards, with the seven-of-diamonds card shown larger than all of the others, was painted on the side of the train next to its name.

For its entire history Il Settebello was operated by electric multiple-unit trainsets of type ETR 300, and these sets consequently came to be known as "Settebello" type, as they were used exclusively on the Settebello during its period of operation. These trainsets featured rounded ends with passenger observation lounges, allowing passengers to sit at the very front and rear of the train. The operator's cab – or "command cabin" – was in a raised area behind and above the lounge compartment. The design made the train distinct from all other trains in Italy and all other high-speed trains of the time. Reservations were required for travel on the Settebello, but the seating in the observation areas was unreserved, allowing any passenger on the train to use it.