MTR Metro Cammell EMU (AC)
| Company type | Public corporation |
|---|---|
| Industry | Railway transportation |
| Founded | 1980 |
| Defunct | May 6, 2022 |
| Fate | Decommissioned; replaced by Hyundai Rotem EMUs |
| Successor | Hyundai Rotem EMUs |
| Headquarters | Hong Kong , Hong Kong |
Area served | Hong Kong (East Rail line) |
| Products | Electric multiple units (Metro Cammell EMU) |
| Owner | Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (1980–2007), MTR Corporation (2007–2022) |
East Rail line Metro Cammell EMU
The East Rail line Metro Cammell EMU—also referred to as the Mid-Life Refurbishment Train or MLR Train ()—is an electric multiple unit constructed between 1980 and 1990 by Metro-Cammell for the original Kowloon–Canton Railway (currently the East Rail line) in Hong Kong. A total of 29 trainsets were initially owned and operated by the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC) before transferring to MTR Corporation (MTRC) following the 2007 MTR–KCR merger. Despite sharing the manufacturer, these trains are distinct from another Metro-Cammell EMU model running on MTR lines, known as the M-Train.
Delivered in multiple phases, this series comprises the 3094 stock, K01 stock, K03 stock, and K05 stock, all visually identical. After the merger, original KCR insignias were replaced with MTR branding, interiors received updated route maps, and skirts were fitted to most carriages except for pantograph cars, where skirts were removed due to heating issues. The interior flooring was redesigned with darker blue shades complemented by red and brighter blue accents.
Post-merger, these MLR trains became the second oldest electric multiple units operating on the MTR network, following the 1979 M-Train sets. They notably lacked regenerative braking systems, which was evident from their silent motors and exclusive reliance on air brakes. All units were decommissioned on 6 May 2022, coinciding with four decades since electrification of the East Rail Line. Their replacement came in the form of Hyundai Rotem EMUs, introduced ahead of the East Rail line's extension to Admiralty station.
History
These trains were procured during the 1978 electrification project of the British section of KCR, now known as the MTR East Rail line. Two batches comprising sets E1-E45 and E46-E61 arrived between 1982 and 1983, aligning with the completion of electrification from Hung Hom to Sha Tin in May 1982, followed by extensions to Tai Po Market and ultimately Lo Wu by August 1983. Subsequent orders were placed in 1986 (E62-E86) and again in 1990 (E87-E118). Early operational challenges included temporary power interruptions near University Station caused by neutral sections and absence of onboard batteries.
Initially characterized by a red stripe and yellow driving cabs—earning them the nickname "Yellow Head" ()—these trains began as three-car formations but were progressively lengthened to twelve cars by 1992 to accommodate increasing passenger volumes.
Refurbishment
Between 1996 and 1999, Alstom (formerly GEC-Alsthom) undertook extensive refurbishment of the KCR Metro Cammell EMUs, prolonging their operational lifespan and leading to their new moniker “Fly Head” (). This modernization reflected the changing role of the KCR British section amid development in the New Territories. The first refurbished train entered service in 1996; meanwhile, original yellow-cab units were retired following a commemorative "Farewell Ride" on 31 October 1999.
Refurbished units standardized into fixed twelve-car sets featuring a fresh blue and silver livery with red door accents. The train formations included either 3+3+6 or 3+3+3+3 car arrangements. Driving trailers received redesigned fronts without emergency escape doors, while intermediate driving cabs were replaced with standard ends. Doors per side increased from three to five by removing windows—except in First Class cars which retained two doors per side—and pneumatic doors were replaced with electric mechanisms.
Interior layouts shifted from transverse seating to longitudinal bench seats to boost standing capacity, except within First Class compartments where transverse seating was preserved. Freight compartments were eliminated and substituted with gangway connections; toilets and gangway doors were removed except for those in First Class cars. Passenger information systems were upgraded to multi-color LED displays presenting destination details, upcoming stops, safety messages, current time, and temperature. Additional enhancements included teal and red interior color schemes, fire-retardant flooring, emergency trackside stairs, and overhead LCD screens broadcasting daily news via Cable TV Hong Kong alongside advertisements.
Safety technology evolved from AWS to TBL paired with improved ATP in 1998, then advanced further to ATC/ATO systems by 2002. Prior to integration into MTR operations, windows on middle cabs were obscured.
Unit E44 (144–244–444) remained unmodernized as the final non-twelve-car set. In 2024, it was moved to platform 5 at Hung Hom station, formerly the southern terminus of the East Rail line, as part of the “Station Rail Voyage” exhibition commemorating MTR’s 45th anniversary.
Fleet
| Metro Cammell train cars on the East Rail line | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| car classification | driver's cab | motor presence | battery equipped | pantograph installed | first class section | length (mm) |
seating capacity | standing room capacity |
total units |
| 1xx | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | 23750 | 42 | 287 | 29 |
| 2xx | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | 23750 | 52 | 280 | 116 |
| 3xx | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | 23750 | 47 | 275 | 29 |
| 4xx | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | 23750 | 72 | - | 29 |
| 5xx | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | 23750 | 51/52 | 280/281 | 58 |
| 6xx | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | 23750 | 51/52 | 280/281 | 87 |
The formation for an East Rail line Metro Cammell EMU is as follows: (southbound) 1xx-2xx-5xx+6xx-2xx-5xx+6xx-2xx-4xx+6xx-2xx-3xx (northbound), or alternatively (southbound) 1xx-2xx-5xx-5xx-2xx-6xx+6xx-2xx-4xx+6xx-2xx-3xx (northbound).
1984 Sheung Shui derailment
On 25 November 1984, an East Rail Metro Cammell EMU experienced a derailment between Sheung Shui and Lo Wu. While the driver was preparing to reverse toward Sheung Shui, he disregarded a speed and stop signal and exceeded the permitted speed. The train collided with a boulder buffer stop, causing the first two carriages to stack and sustain extensive damage beyond repair. Passengers had been evacuated prior to the collision, and the driver incurred only minor injuries. This event caused a full suspension of train operations for the day and raised public concerns regarding railway safety. To compensate for the damaged vehicles, set E45 (cars 233–234–235) was introduced.
In a separate incident in 1987 at a depot, coach no. 233 from set E45 and coach no. 272 from set E58 were involved. Coach 233 replaced the damaged coach 272 on set E58, forming set 458, which remained in service until its withdrawal in April 2022. Following this, set E45 was dismantled during the 1990s, with a one-to-one scale yellow head model constructed until it was ultimately succeeded by retired locomotive number 51.
East Rail Line Derailment in 2019
On 17 September 2019, a 12-car Metro Cammell EMU train (E81/E21) operating on the East Rail line derailed close to Hung Hom station. This incident led to suspension of services between Hung Hom station and Mong Kok East station, as well as disruption to the Intercity Through Train for several days. Eight passengers were injured in the event. The derailment was caused by degraded sleepers that resulted in an expanded track gauge. Four cars, including those in First Class, were decommissioned, while another four cars from set E92/E70 were repaired and integrated back into the affected train.
Cracking of Underframe
On 21 December 2005, an East Rail Metro Cammell EMU encountered a mechanical failure during service. KCRC personnel identified small cracks in the welded mounting brackets of certain underframe components. A review committee analyzed four key aspects:
- train acceleration and braking forces
- welding standards of mounting brackets
- profiles of tracks and wheels
- suspension mechanisms
Following the full implementation of Automatic train operation (ATO) on East Rail in 2002, increased stresses from acceleration and deceleration under ATO contributed to the underframe cracking. To address this, ATO was suspended on 15 January 2006, returning control to drivers with the Automatic Train Protection system active. This change reduced service frequency from 24 to 23 trains per hour and added approximately 90 seconds to journey times. Additionally, KCRC reassigned maintenance staff from West Rail to assist with inspections.
The Environment, Transport and Works Bureau criticized KCRC for not reporting the issue promptly. Secretary Dr Sarah Liao mandated thorough inspections and did not rule out suspending services if safety risks remained. Chairman Michael Tien accepted accountability for inadequate communication.
By 21 January 2006, Tien confirmed that safety concerns had been managed effectively and that normal operations would continue, including during the Chinese New Year period. After investigations cleared ATO as a direct cause of the cracks, it was reinstated on 6 August 2006.
Replacement
Starting in 2021, all 29 MLR train sets were progressively withdrawn from service (with E92/E70 scrapped in 2020) and replaced alongside newer SP1900 EMU units by 43 new nine-car Hyundai Rotem "R-Train" sets ordered in December 2012. These new trains were manufactured by the same company responsible for the K-Train used on the Tung Chung line and Tseung Kwan O line. The MLR fleet officially concluded its operations on 6 May 2022 when its final set, E112-E71, departed Hung Hom at 13:00, marking the end of four decades of service.
Preserved Units
A full-scale replica of a refurbished Metro Cammell EMU, constructed using carriage 272 from set E58, was formerly exhibited at the Hong Kong Railway Museum, but was later removed to make way for Locomotive 51. A portion of a retired refurbished MLR carriage (numbered 361, northbound) has been converted into a classroom at Ying Wa College and Primary School. Furthermore, two carriages (196 and 377) were donated for recreational use at Wan Chai Promenade Harbourfront phase 4.
In celebration of MTR's 45th anniversary, the final revenue-earning train set E112-E71 was showcased at Hung Hom station opposite an unrefurbished unit E44 during the Station Rail Voyage event.
Decommissioned units and excess carriages
The set originally numbered 233–234–235, known as E45, was planned to be reclassified as 145–245–445. Following an accident, only carriage 233 survived and took the place of the damaged coach 272 in the E58 formation; this unit was later renumbered first to 272 and then to 458. Coaches 234 and 235 were lost in a siding collision in 1984. Presently, the sole preserved historic trains from this series are E44 (comprising 144–244–444) and unit 445, both maintained at Hung Hom Station. Had these mishaps not occurred, units 144 and 145 would have received new numbers, becoming 644 and 645 respectively.
External links
- East Rail Rolling Stock – Hong Kong Railway Information Centre (fan site)
- 1980s Metro-Cammell Products – Metcam.co.uk (dedicated site)
- [1] – Acceleration study