Copenhagen S-train Rolling Stock

Copenhagen S-train Rolling Stock

The S-train has seen four types of rolling stock. Currently, only fourth-generation trains operate, after the retirement of the second and third generation trains in 2007 and 2006 respectively.

Copenhagen S-train First Generation (1934-1978)

The first generation (DSB class MM-FM-MM) was introduced in 1934 at the opening of the network, and consisted of three carriages per train set (2 motor cars and 1 trailer car), manufactured from 1934 to 1962. Frichs A/S supplied the electric components while Scandia (now Bombardier Transportation Denmark) supplied the car bodies and non-electric components. They were retired in 1978, and one was used as a heritage train until 2003, when DSB decided to discontinue its use. They are the longest serving S-train rolling stock to date, in continuous service for 44 years.

Copenhagen S-train Second Generation (1967-2007)

The second generation (DSB class MM-FU-MU-FS) was built from 1967 to 1978 by Frichs A/S (motored cars) and Scandia (trailer cars). They saw the introduction of the signature red colour that was to characterize subsequent generations of rolling stock.

There have been three different formations: the first (2-car), had a motor car with first-class seating (could be converted to second class) and a second-class trailer, the second (2-car), had second-class seating only, and the third (4-car), a motor car with driver's cab, a trailer, a motored trailer and a driving trailer without motor.

They ran until 7 January 2007. All have been scrapped except for a few set aside for museum use. An official ceremony was held on 3 February 2007 with the last trip. One train is set to be restored by DJK in Danish Railroad Club, who are now the owners of the train, so it can eventually make its way back to the tracks on special occasions such as anniversaries.

Copenhagen S-train Third Generation (1986-2006)

The third generation (DSB class FC-MC-MC-FC) were built by the Swedish industrial firm ASEA from 1979 to 1986. Despite possessing a much improved level of passenger comfort as compared to the previous two generations of rolling stock, it suffered a much higher rate of mechanical failure as compared to its predecessors. Twelve trains in 4-car formation (48 cars) were built (a further 32 4-car trains were not realised), and it first entered service in 1986 on the Vestbane and the Nordbane (B service) between Holte and Høje Taastrup. They were the first S-train rolling stock to feature electronic chopper control. In 1995, 4 trains (16 cars) were scrapped and the remaining 8 trains (32 cars) were refurbished and reassigned to the Ringbane (F service), where they remained in service until an incident where a child was trapped between the doors forced their early retirement in June 2006. When attempts to sell them failed, they were transported to Holbæk harbour on 23 August 2007 in order to be scrapped.

Copenhagen S-train Fourth Generation (1996-present)

The fourth generation, in service since 1996, are distinguished by their plump appearance due to their curved sides.

Two variants are in use, one of eight cars referred to as Class SA (formed of vehicles SA-SB-SC-SD-SD-SC-SB-SA) and one of four cars referred to as Class SE (formed SE-SF-SG-SH)

These are articulated units supplied by Alstom-LHB and Siemens with prefabricated friction stir welded aluminium roof panels made by Marine Aluminium from Sapa extrusions, and were manufactured from 1996 to 2007. The cars are shorter than conventional railway cars, each has a single axle under one end, the other end being supported by the neighbouring car. (The end cars have two axles each). They have automatic Scharfenberg couplers at the ends, in peak hours most trains consist of two coupled units, giving a total train length of 168 meters. They have video surveillance to ensure passenger and staff security and to prevent acts of vandalism. These trains introduced air conditioning in the interior and regenerative braking to the network, increasing energy efficiency. At present, there are 105 8-car trains (840 cars).

An accident involving an 8-car fourth-generation train in 2002 caused it to be scrapped, necessitated the construction of 4-car sets to relieve the shortage of trains. These 4-car units (DSB class SE-SH, also known as Litra SE) can run solo in low-traffic intervals. At present, there are 31 4-car trains (124 cars) serving the S-train network.

The top speed of fourth-generation trains is 120 km/h (75 mph), although on many parts of the network their speed is limited to 90 km/h (55 mph) to 100 km/h (60 mph) due to the limitations of the signalling system, and on the Ringbane they travel at 80 km/h (50 mph).

Copenhagen S-train Fifth Generation (2030)

The fifth generation of S-trains will be fully automatic. It is planned to introduce them in around 2030, initially on the Ringbanen line. In September 2023, DSB published a shortlist of three prequalified bidders to manufacture the 226 new trains. In 2025 the contract will be awarded to either Alstom, CAF or a Siemens/Stadler consortium.

Copenhagen S-train Overview

Copenhagen S-train Locale: Copenhagen urban area
Copenhagen S-train Transit Type: Commuter rail
Copenhagen S-train Number of Lines: 7 with 7 services
Copenhagen S-train Number of Stations: 87
Copenhagen S-train Annual Ridership: 116 million (2016)
Copenhagen S-train Began Operation: 1934
Copenhagen S-train Operator(s): DSB S-tog
Copenhagen S-train System Length: 170 km
Copenhagen S-train Track Gauge: 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge
Copenhagen S-train Electrification: 1,650 V DC overhead lines
Copenhagen S-train Top Speed: 120 km/h (75 mph)