Hitachi A-train

The Hitachi A-train is a family of rail rolling stock designed and built by Hitachi Rail around a common base and shared construction techniques. Its car bodies are made from double-skin extruded aluminium sections joined by friction stir welding, which gives a strong body with minimal distortion, and hollow extruded mounting rails on the body carry modular components. The design aims to ease manufacture, improve energy efficiency, allow recycling and make refurbishment faster. The family began as multiple units for Japanese commuter and limited express services, and the first A-train type to enter service was the 815 series for JR Kyushu. For export Hitachi gives the designs different designations, from the AT100 for dense urban trains and the AT200 for suburban and regional trains to the AT300 for intercity and long-distance trains and the AT400 for high-speed trains. Overseas examples include the Class 395, Class 800 and Class 385 in Britain, the TEMU1000 in Taiwan and the Dark Red and Light Red lines in Bangkok.