The Stadler WINK (Wandelbarer Innovativer Nahverkehrs-Kurzzug [English translation: convertible, innovative short train for local transport]) is a hybrid multiple unit railcar designed and built by Stadler Rail of Switzerland that entered service in the Netherlands in 2021.

Stadler WINK
Stadler WINK at Zuidhorn in April 2021
In service2021–
ManufacturerStadler Rail
Entered service2021
Number under construction18
Capacity250
OperatorsArriva
DepotsLeeuwarden
Lines servedNoordelijke Nevenlijnen [nl]
Specifications
Car body constructionAluminium
Car length55.5 m (182 ft 1 in) (Arriva spec; customizable)[1]
Width2.82 m (9 ft 3 in)[1]
Height4.12 m (13 ft 6+14 in)[1]
Maximum speed160 km/h (99 mph)[1]
Prime mover(s)Deutz diesel engine
Electric system(s)Batteries
Safety system(s)ATB-NG
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge

Service history

edit

The WINK was unveiled in November 2017 when European operator Arriva announced an order for 18 trainsets, which it planned to place in service in the northern Netherlands beginning in 2020.[1]

Upon delivery, repair and maintenance of the trainsets will be performed by Stadler in Leeuwarden through 2035.[2] The first trainsets were put into service on 12 April 2021.

Current Operations

edit

The Stadler WINK is currently operating in the following services:

Series Train type Route Rolling stock Notes
37000

38000

Stoptrein/Sneltrein

RS3/RE3

Leeuwarden - Mantgum - Sneek Noord - Sneek Mostly WINK
37100 Stoptrein RS3 Leeuwarden - Mantgum - Sneek Noord - Sneek - IJlst - Workum - Hindeloopen - Koudum-Molkwerum - Stavoren WINK
37200 Stoptrein RS2 Leeuwarden - Deinum - Dronryp - Franeker - Harlingen - Harlingen Haven WINK
37300 Sneltrein RE1 Groningen - Zuidhorn - Buitenpost - Feanwâlden - Leeuwarden WINK in combination with GTW (exclusively GTW’s on weekends)
37400 Stoptrein RS1 Groningen - Zuidhorn - Grijpskerk - Buitenpost - De Westereen - Feanwâlden - Hurdegaryp - Leeuwarden Camminghaburen - Leeuwarden WINK in combination with GTW (exclusively GTW’s on weekends)

Design

edit

 

The WINK is a derivative design of Stadler's FLIRT railcars that is intended for service on lightly travelled lines.[1] It has an aluminium carbody that can be customized in length by the customer, and can be powered by either diesel or electric powertrains with supplemental on board batteries.[1] Arriva units were delivered with Deutz diesel engines, running on vegetable oil fuel, and batteries charged by regenerative braking; the engines are planned to be replaced by additional batteries once electrification is installed over part of their route.[1][2] Each trainset can carry about 275 passengers, with seating for 150, and has a top speed of up to 160 kilometres per hour (99 mph) depending on customer specification.[1]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Stadler launches Wink multiple-unit offering a range of traction options". Railway Gazette. 22 November 2017. Archived from the original on 22 November 2017. Retrieved 23 November 2017.
  2. ^ a b "Stadler signs 15-year maintenance contact with Arriva Netherlands". International Railway Journal. 11 July 2018. Retrieved 10 September 2018.