CxK

CxK (train)
A Class 3000 at Belfast Central.
In service	2002 - present
Manufacturer	CAF
Number built	DMU 72 units EMU 57 units
Operator(s)	NI Railways Iarnród Éireann Transdev Auckland
Specifications
Maximum speed	DMU 75–90 mph (121–145 km/h) EMU 110 km/h
Electric system(s)	EMU 25 kV AC
Track gauge	DMU 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in) EMU 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

CxK is an unofficial name given to a family of multiple units produced by CAF for Ireland and Auckland. There are four types in operation or under construction, and they are the main suburban and commuter trains in Ireland. The name derives from NI Railways "C3K" and "C4K" classes.

Northern Ireland

A C4K unit at Coleraine, with a C3K unit in the background

NI Railways, the state-owned rail operator in Northern Ireland, has almost totally 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 are intended to replace 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 57 Auckland three-car AM class EMUs will carry 373 passengers, and are being delivered from 2013.

Gallery

• 

  Class 3000 at Lisburn

• 

  Class 4000 approaching Magheramorne

• 

  29000 Class arriving at Drumcondra

• 

  AM class at Wiri Depot in 2013

References

External links

• Eiretrains - Irish Railcars & DART units
• CAF 2900 Class