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The new design for the 453 series is in Morse code

Although the new livery on the 453-602 seems a bit haphazard (or ‘random’, as the young people say), it does have a meaning. It spells out ‘Renfe’ in Morse code.

The new design for the 453 series is in Morse code
453-002 with its new livery, which spells out ‘Renfe’ in Morse code. © DCAMPET_ on Instagram. Morse code translation by MIGUEL BUSTOS.

Miguel Bustos | 28-08-2026.

Earlier today we published the first images of a new livery Renfe is trialling on its 453 series, part of a wider refresh of the Cercanías corporate image. Although it looks random, it spells Renfe in Morse.

While the pattern may appear arbitrary at first glance, each coach carries the red colour in a different arrangement, distributed between red circles and long sections. Railway and telecommunications expert Yago López has revealed the logic behind it: the side of the train spells RENFE in Morse code. This is a creative concept being trialled for the first time on Spain’s railways.

Morse code.
Morse code.
  • R, first and second car: · – ·
  • And, second car: ·
  • N, second and third cars: – ·
  • F, third and fourth cars: · · – ·
  • And, the fourth car: ·
453-002 with its new livery, which spells out ‘Renfe’ in Morse code. © DCAMPET_ on Instagram. Morse code translation by MIGUEL BUSTOS.
453-002 with its new livery, which spells out ‘Renfe’ in Morse code. © DCAMPET_ on Instagram. Morse code translation by MIGUEL BUSTOS.

In addition, the dots function as circles that could form the background of the “C” for Cercanías, occupying much of the train’s height.

Historically, Renfe has tested several liveries on its rolling stock that have either been short‑lived or never rolled out across the fleet. As such, this scheme could be provisional, incomplete, or it might become a standard that would need to be adapted to different train lengths.

Company: Renfe Viajeros.

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