MTR Adtranz–CAF EMU
The Adtranz-CAF EMU is an electric multiple unit train that operates on the MTR rapid transit railway system in Hong Kong. There are two variants, one used on the conventional Tung Chung line, and a more luxurious version used on the Airport Express. The vehicle interiors were designed for MTR by Jones Garrard and Design Triangle, while the vehicle exterior and driver's cab interior were designed in the UK by Design Triangle. These two variations are built jointly by Adtranz and Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles and manufactured in Spain in 1996-1997. These trains have been in service for over 30 years now. MTR has ordered new Q-Trains to replace the A-trains. These trains are different from the Urban Lines Q-train. The A-trains will be retired by 2030.
History
On 21 November 1994, the joint venture of AEG Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH and Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles was awarded the contract to build the rolling stock for the Lantau Airport Railway under Contract 551.Details
The Adtranz–CAF trains initially were formed as 7-car sets up until 2003 and 2005 when the 8th car was added due to the opening of Nam Cheong Station and AsiaWorld-Expo Station respectively. They were built and assembled by CAF in Spain while Adtranz contributed control and traction equipment. Their maximum speed is but with service limits to, with maximum acceleration of, maximum service brake deceleration of and emergency brake of. These trains are equipped with the AEG DASU 6.1 3-level GTO–VVVF inverter.Motor sound
The A-trains' traction motor sound while accelerating and braking is very musical and unique. During accelerating, the motor starts off with an electric buzz, which turns into a melodic "whine". When braking, the whine "sways", creating a musical melody.Unique Features
The Tung Chung Line A-trains have a . Airport express A-trains also have a as well as a .Both A-trains have a
Tung Chung line stock
Trains of the Tung Chung line were made up of 7 cars up until 2003, and were increased to 8 cars with the 'W7XX' car added in 2003 when the West Rail line and Nam Cheong station was opened. The total number of cars ordered was 96.The configuration of a TCL train is V6XX-W6XX-X6XX-Y7XX-W7XX-X7XX-Z8XX-V8XX.
Airport Express stock
Trains of Airport Express were made up of 7 cars up until 2005. The total number of cars ordered was 88. To cope with the extra traffic demand derived from the opening of AsiaWorld–Expo station, an additional 'F2XX' car was added to each train to form a total of 8 cars. However, the 'K4XX' cars function as baggage container cars for bulky baggage checked in via the in-town check-in services at Hong Kong and Kowloon stations.The configuration of an AEL train is E1XX-F1XX-G1XX-H2XX-F2XX-G2XX-J4XX-K4XX. Except for 'K4XX' cars that have 5 doors on each side, all other cars in AEL have 2 doors on each side and 1 wheelchair space. Each passenger car is mounted with 2 LCD monitors at each end for broadcasting entertainment or tourist television programmes and train announcements, such as next-station broadcasts.