In Pictures: Stadler Tram-Trains at Taff’s Well

The Cardiff Metro project is the second location in the UK which will see the introduction of a fleet of Stadler Tram-Trains. The class 398 units are similar to the 399s which operate on Sheffield’s Supertram network and deliveries have been ongoing since 2023, although entry into service has yet to start.

36 of the Citylink vehicles are on order for the Cardiff Metro service, which although will initially see conventional railway services in the longer-term there could also be further use on-street if plans for a tramway proceed.

The vehicles will be based at a new depot complex at Taff’s Well which has been built at the cost of £100 million. It will also be home to a control centre with 400 staff set to be based there.

A general view of the depot with at least six of the Citylink vehicles visible.

398 005 is seen in this photo with the vehicle outside the main depot building. (Both Photographs by Steven Hughes, 20th September 2024)

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2 Responses to In Pictures: Stadler Tram-Trains at Taff’s Well

  1. andy says:

    lets hope this operator manages to get a sensible wheel profile and track geometry that actually allows all the vehicles to run over all of the system without requiring axle swaps all the time.

    • Steve Hyde says:

      If you are referring to the current situation in Sheffield you have to remember that the Supertram system was never intended to cope with tram trains at the time of its inception. When the trial was put together it became obvious that the existing tram wheel/rail interface profile would not be suitable for use on national rail network infrastructure and therefore a different profile would be required for vehicles traversing the Tinsley to Parkgate section of route. The grooved rail sections between Cathedral and Tinsley have a rail section that is compatible with both the original and tram train wheel profiles. As I understand it the system is slowly being changed as track is relaid and eventually the need for two profiles will disappear. The South Wales system has been designed for tram train from the beginning.

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