Editing Intercity Express (section)

== History ==
{{see also|InterCityExperimental}}
The [[Deutsche Bundesbahn]] started a series of trials in 1985 using the [[InterCityExperimental]] (also called ICE-V) test train. The IC Experimental was used as a showcase train and for high-speed trials, setting a new [[land speed record for railed vehicles|world speed record]] at 406.9&nbsp;km/h (253&nbsp;mph) on 1 May 1988.<ref name="transrapid-buch">{{cite book|title=Transrapid und Rad-Schiene-Hochgeschwindigkeitsbahn: Ein gesamtheitlicher Systemvergleich|author1=Peter Jehle |author2=René Naumann |author3=Rainer Schach |language=de|year=2006|publisher=Springer|page=20|isbn=3-540-28334-X}}</ref>
The train was retired in 1996 and replaced with a new trial unit, called the [[ICE S]].

After extensive discussion between the Bundesbahn and the Ministry of Transport regarding onboard equipment, length and width of the train and the number of trainsets required, a first batch of 41 units was ordered in 1988. The order was extended to 60 units in 1990, with [[German reunification]] in mind. However, not all trains could be delivered in time.

The ICE network was officially inaugurated on 29 May 1991 with several vehicles converging on the newly built station [[Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe station|Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe]] from different directions.<ref>{{cite web|language=de |url=http://www.caritas-stuttgart.de/19563.html |publisher=Caritasverband Stuttgart e. V. |title=Die neuen Wohlfahrtsmarken |access-date=12 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070204004024/http://www.caritas-stuttgart.de/19563.html |archive-date=4 February 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2007, a [[LGV Est|line between Paris and Frankfurt/Stuttgart]] opened, jointly operated by ICE and [[SNCF]]'s [[TGV]].<ref name="bahn.com">Deutsche Bahn. [http://www.bahn.com/i/view/GBR/en/about/overview/ice-in-london.shtml Planned highspeed service from London to Amsterdam and Frankfurt] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810041313/http://www.bahn.com/i/view/GBR/en/about/overview/ice-in-london.shtml |date=10 August 2011 }}</ref><ref name="london delay">{{cite news|title=Germany's Frankfurt-London high-speed rail link put on ice|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/germany-rail-idUSL6N0LN2QK20140218|access-date=22 July 2015|publisher=Reuters|date=18 February 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.db.de/site/bahn/de/unternehmen/konzern/im__blickpunkt/deutsch__franzoesische__hgv/deutsch__franzoesische__hgv.html |publisher=Deutsche Bahn |access-date=6 December 2007 |title=Premiernfahrt nach Paris |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070710050851/http://www.db.de/site/bahn/de/unternehmen/konzern/im__blickpunkt/deutsch__franzoesische__hgv/deutsch__franzoesische__hgv.html |archive-date=10 July 2007 |language=de |url-status=dead  }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Die Bahn am Ball |publisher=Deutsche Bahn |page=96 |year=2006|language=de}}</ref>