In 2005 Czech Railways- CD began to look for ways to increase the speed of trains over their network, which was once amongst the slowest in Europe. European funds were being pumped in and the major corridors were being comprehensively modernised and fettled for 160kph, or higher, running. But the standard speed over the network was 120kph – new stock was required to take advantage of the modernised infrastructure over key routes – Alstom Pendolinos were selected. The first part of our run to Prague is a relatively short hop, 45 mins, to the Czech Republic’s second city Brno – it will be a revelation if you have not travelled on the CD before, or recently – it’s now a high speed, high tech railway! RT 47mins