What Is 2nd generation S-train

Overview

The 2nd generation S-train marked a significant modernization of Copenhagen’s suburban rail network, replacing the original 1934 rolling stock. These trains were introduced in 1967 and served as the backbone of the S-train system for four decades, offering greater reliability and comfort.

Designed for high-frequency urban service, the second-generation units featured innovations such as air brakes, improved traction motors, and updated passenger cabins. They played a crucial role in supporting Copenhagen’s growing commuter population through the late 20th century.

• 1967 marked the debut year for the 2nd generation S-train, replacing aging first-generation models from the 1930s.
• Manufactured by Asea and Scandia, a total of 128 units were produced between 1967 and 1972.
• These trains operated on a 1,500 V DC overhead power supply, consistent with Copenhagen’s existing S-tog electrification standard.
• With a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph), they offered faster acceleration and reduced station dwell times compared to predecessors.
• The fleet was gradually retired starting in the early 2000s, with full phase-out completed by 2007.

How It Works

The 2nd generation S-train incorporated several technical upgrades that enhanced safety, efficiency, and passenger experience. These improvements were essential for handling increased ridership and tighter schedules.

• Electric Traction: Utilized 1,500 V DC overhead lines to power four traction motors per trainset, enabling rapid acceleration from stops.
• Braking System: Introduced air brakes alongside dynamic braking, significantly improving stopping performance over older mechanical systems.
• Train Configuration: Operated in fixed four-car formations, with two motor cars and two trailers, providing balanced weight and power distribution.
• Passenger Capacity: Each train accommodated approximately 600 passengers, with longitudinal seating and multiple wide doors for quick boarding.
• Control Systems: Featured centralized cab controls and improved signaling compatibility with Copenhagen’s automatic train protection (ATP) system.
• Maintenance Design: Built with modular components to reduce downtime, allowing faster turnaround during peak service hours.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation S-trains based on key technical and operational metrics.

The 2nd generation S-train represented a major leap from the 1st generation, particularly in performance and safety. While later models introduced digital systems and accessibility features, the 2nd generation laid the foundation for modern S-train operations, bridging the gap between early 20th-century design and contemporary standards.

Why It Matters

Understanding the 2nd generation S-train is essential for appreciating the evolution of urban rail in Denmark. It set new benchmarks for reliability and efficiency that influenced future designs.

• Enabled higher frequency service with faster acceleration, supporting Copenhagen’s expanding urban footprint in the 1970s–1990s.
• Introduced air brakes, a critical safety upgrade that reduced stopping distances by up to 25% compared to mechanical systems.
• Provided the template for future S-train generations, influencing design choices through the 3rd and 4th models.
• Supported peak-hour ridership of over 300,000 passengers daily by the 1990s, demonstrating scalability.
• Facilitated smoother integration with Copenhagen’s growing public transit network, including buses and metro lines.
• Set a precedent for long-term fleet durability, with an average service life of 40 years.

The 2nd generation S-train was more than a replacement—it was a transformation that helped modernize Copenhagen’s transit infrastructure and remains a benchmark in Scandinavian rail history.