British Rail Class 398
Future electric multiple unit to work in South Wales
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Class 398 Citylink[8] is a fleet of 36 tram-train multiple units being built for Transport for Wales Rail by Swiss rolling stock manufacturer Stadler Rail.
| British Rail Class 398 Citylink | |
|---|---|
Class 398 on test at Abercynon in April 2025 | |
| In service | Planned for Spring 2026[1] |
| Manufacturer | Stadler Rail |
| Assembly | Stadler Rail Valencia SAU |
| Built at | Valencia, Spain |
| Family name | Citylink |
| Replaced | |
| Constructed | 2020–present[2] |
| Number under construction | 36 |
| Formation | 3 cars per unit |
| Fleet numbers | 398001–398036 |
| Capacity | 252 (126 seated, 126 standing) |
| Owners | SMBC Leasing[3] and Equitix[4] |
| Operators | Transport for Wales Rail |
| Depots | Taff's Well[5] |
| Specifications | |
| Car body construction | Stainless steel |
| Train length | 40.07 m (131 ft 6 in) |
| Width | 2.650 m (8 ft 8.3 in) |
| Floor height | 915 mm (36 in) at doors |
| Doors | Double-leaf sliding plug (1 per side per vehicle) |
| Wheel diameter | 740 mm (29 in) |
| Maximum speed | 62 mph (100 km/h) |
| Traction motors | 4 × TSA TMR 42-31-4, each of 150 kW (201 hp)[6] |
| Power output | 600 kW (805 hp) |
| Electric system(s) | 25 kV 50 Hz AC overhead |
| Current collection | Pantograph |
| UIC classification | Bo′+2′2′+Bo′ |
| Minimum turning radius | 25 m (82 ft) |
| Multiple working | Within class |
| Track gauge | 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge |
| Notes/references | |
| Sourced from [7] except where otherwise noted. | |
The units will be equipped with traction battery packages, allowing them to operate over non-electrified sections of track in addition to those with 25 kV 50 Hz AC overhead supplies.[2]
History
The Wales & Borders rail franchise was awarded to KeolisAmey Wales in May 2018 and commenced on 14 October 2018.[9] The franchise award included a requirement that the operator perform a full replacement of its fleets;[10] as part of which process an order was placed with Stadler for delivery by 2023 of 36 tram-train units that would be capable of running on existing lines and also under battery power on the streets of Cardiff.[11]
All units are three cars and are able to be coupled together to form a six car unit. Each three car unit has a maximum passenger capacity of 256, units will have level boarding, space for bikes, wheelchairs and pushchairs. All seats will have access to plug and USB-A style sockets.[12][13]
The first unit to arrive in the UK was 398001 in May 2022, delivered from the Valencia works to the Rail Innovation & Development Centre in Melton, Leicestershire[14] for testing on the Old Dalby Test Track.
The first unit was delivered to Taff's Well depot on 21 March 2023.[15] The Welsh Government have stated that entry into service is planned for spring 2026.[1]
Operator
Transport for Wales
Transport for Wales Rail Class 398 units will operate services on the Rhondda, Merthyr and Cardiff City lines,[15] and the Cardiff Bay Branch.
Fleet details
| Class | Operator | Qty. | Year built | Cars | Unit nos. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 398 | Transport for Wales Rail | 36 | 2020–pres. | 3 | 398001–398036 |
Named units
Unit 398028 is named Myddfai[16]
See also
- British Rail Class 399, related Vossloh Citylink tram-trains built in the mid-2010s for Sheffield Supertram