DBAG Class 424
| Company type | Electric multiple unit train |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail transport |
| Founded | 2000 (introduced for Hanover S-Bahn Expo 2000) |
Area served | Hanover S-Bahn, Munich S-Bahn, Cologne S-Bahn |
| Products | Electric multiple units (EMUs) |
The Class 424 electric multiple units were initially introduced on the Hanover S-Bahn system. Subsequently, 16 of these units were transferred to the Munich S-Bahn, while 24 were allocated to the Cologne S-Bahn. These trains were specifically acquired to support the inauguration of the Hanover S-Bahn in preparation for Expo 2000.
Description
The design of the Class 424 closely resembles that of Deutsche Bahn’s Class 425 and Class 423 EMUs. Each Class 424 trainset consists of four cars linked by three jacobs bogies, making separation possible only during maintenance procedures. The two central cars are designated as Class 434. A typical configuration includes:
- 424 x
- 434 x
- 434 (x+500)
- 424 (x+500)
For example, a set might be formed as 424 037 + 434 037 + 434 537 + 424 537. Occasionally, parts from damaged vehicles are combined to maintain operational trainsets.
Although externally indistinguishable from the Class 425, the Class 424 has a reduced top speed of 140 km/h compared to the Class 425’s maximum of 160 km/h. It is equipped with adjustable steps and extendable platform bridges designed to reduce gaps at platforms—features absent on earlier Class 425 models.
In contrast with the Class 423, the Class 424 provides a lower floor height of , facilitating step-free access on standard-height platforms. However, it does not include a central third door per car.
Hanover S-Bahn
The Class 424 units were procured for the Hanover S-Bahn launch coinciding with Expo 2000 but encountered initial setbacks caused by transformer protection problems that interfered with signaling systems. During Expo operations, substitute services were provided by borrowing Class 423 trains from Munich and Stuttgart.
For large-scale events such as the Hannover Messe, the fleet was reinforced with additional Class 425 units from other regions. By 2008, more Class 425 trains had been incorporated to strengthen routes including the S5 line extending to Paderborn.
On June 12, 2022, Class 424 services in Hanover were discontinued following the transfer of Hanover S-Bahn operations to SBH - S-Bahn Hannover.
Naming
While active in Hanover, certain units were named after towns and cities served by the Hanover S-Bahn network, such as Burgdorf (424 001), Bückeburg (424 002), Lehrte (424 004), Wedemark (424 005), among others. It is noteworthy that units numbered 424 006 and 424 035 have been involved in accidents and are currently out of service.
Munich S-Bahn
To boost capacity, the Munich S-Bahn obtained sixteen Class 424 vehicles from Hanover. Although initially slated for deployment in autumn 2022, their entry into service was postponed due to necessary refurbishment work. The first units entered operation in autumn 2023.
Modernization efforts encompass new passenger information systems featuring eight double-sided interior screens, eight LED displays facing outward on side cars, and two additional screens at each end of the train. Seating arrangements were upgraded to align with those in refurbished Class 423 units operating in Munich. WiFi connectivity was installed, while onboard toilets were removed to create larger flexible-use spaces.
Because of an approximate floor height difference of around eighty centimeters compared to Class 423 trains—against which platform heights are standardized—the Class 424 units are restricted to running outside the Stammstrecke tunnel section. They serve as shuttle and peak-time trains on lines S20 (Dachau–Altomünster) and S4 (Geltendorf/Buchenau–main station). Additionally, these units lack the safety systems required for operation within the Stammstrecke tunnel.
Cologne S-Bahn
The Class 424 trains have been introduced to replace the older Class 420 models within the Cologne S-Bahn system. A total of twenty-four units were refurbished through a collaboration involving DB workshops located in Krefeld and Hanover, as well as Vossloh Rolling Stock in Kiel. This overhaul included a fresh exterior design influenced by the Cologne Stadtbahn, turquoise-colored seat upholstery, upgraded passenger information systems, external LED displays, WiFi connectivity, and power sockets—features comparable to those found in Munich's fleet but enhanced with additional conveniences.
In December 2023, this refurbishment initiative earned special distinction at the German Design Award 2024 under the "Aviation, Maritime and Railway" category.
The updated trains were officially presented in April 2024 and are designated for deployment on lines S11, S12, and S68. Platform heights along these routes range from 760 mm to 960 mm; while level boarding is possible at the lower platforms, passengers need to step up when boarding at the higher ones.