TFW’s new trains take shape
CONSTRUCTION WORK on two new train fleets for Transport for Wales, ordered in 2018, has begun in earnest. Spanish manufacturer CAF has started to produce the bodies of 51 two-car and 26 three-car Class 197 DMUs. These will be shipped to Newport for final assembly at the company’s facility there. The first are due to appear by the summer and will enter traffic in 2022. Meanwhile, Swiss manufacturer Stadler has begun production of a 36-strong order for threecar Class 398 Citylink trams, which will be used on Cardiff to Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr Tydfil routes. The trams will be able to run on both 25kV AC overhead and battery power. Stadler has also begun building 35 Class 231 Flirt units for use in South Wales. These are split between 11 EMUs and 24 tri-mode diesel, battery and electric units.
The orders were placed after Keolis Amey was awarded the contract to run the Wales & Borders franchise in October 2018, now in the hands of TFW.