CxK
| CxK (train) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| In service | 2003–present |
| Manufacturer | CAF |
| Number built |
|
| Operators | |
| Specifications | |
| Maximum speed |
|
| Electric system(s) | EMU: 25 kV 50 Hz AC |
| Track gauge | |
CxK is an unofficial name given to a family of multiple unit trains produced by CAF for Ireland and Auckland. There are four types in operation, and they are the main suburban and commuter trains in Ireland. The name derives from NI Railways "C3K" and "C4K" classes.
Northern Ireland
NI Railways, the state-owned rail operator in Northern Ireland, has fully replaced its fleet of DEMUs with CxK types.
Class 3000
The Class 3000 was the first new train type purchased by NIR for two decades, to replace the increasingly obsolete NIR Class 80 units that had been in service since the mid-1970s.[1] The £80m order, the largest in NIR's history at that point, was signed in 2002, with the first unit delivered in 2004. The 23 three-car units enabled NIR to withdraw most Class 80 units. It is the main passenger train type in Northern Ireland, and operates on most routes. The first six units have CAWS to allow operation in the Republic of Ireland.
Class 4000
The Class 4000 is a follow-on from the C3K. Purchased in 2009, with the first unit delivered in 2011, the 20 three-car units replaced the 13 remaining Class 80 and Class 450 sets, allowing for major service enhancements.[2] NI Railways has an option to purchase 20 trailers to lengthen the units to four cars.
Republic of Ireland
29000 Class
The 29000 Class is the primary commuter train type operated by Iarnród Éireann, the state rail operator in the Republic of Ireland. Originally Class 2900, they are four-car units primarily used on commuter services around Dublin. The first batch of 20 units was delivered in 2002–2003, a further nine in 2005.
New Zealand
AM class
The 72 Auckland three-car AM class EMUs carry 373 passengers, and were delivered in two batches, the first batch over 2013-2015 and the second batch 2019-2020. A third batch of 23 EMUs are currently being manufactured and delivered.
They often run as 3-car sets off-peak, and 6-car sets (2 3-car sets) off peak on the Auckland Metro Network. Currently, Auckland One Rail are testing ATO, as well as the possibility of running 9-car sets on the network.
The AM class are fitted with ETCS Level 1, and are currently the only rail vehicles in New Zealand with this system.
Gallery
Class 3000 at Lisburn
Class 4000 approaching Magheramorne
29000 Class departing Drumcondra
AM class at Wiri Depot in 2013
References
- ^ New trains to boost rail network BBC News
- ^ "Regional Development Minister welcomes draft Budget allocations". Northernireland.gov.uk. Archived from the original on 20 May 2011. Retrieved 13 September 2010.