S-Bahn Berlin
Since 2019, the Berlin S-Bahn (urban railway) has been modernising all trains of the BR 481 series, which is scheduled to last several years and the continued operation is ensured by the project "Longevity BR 481".
The appearance of the modernised vehicles will be adapted to the new S-Bahn (urban railway) trains. Paint, upholstery, floor panels and floor coverings will therefore be renewed in the same design. However, the 481 series will also be technically optimised: For example, corrosion damage is being repaired, mechanical and electrical components are being replaced or reworked and new door leaves are being installed on the entrances. The retrofitting of additional horizontal grab rails, special markings for passengers with restricted mobility, tactile door opening buttons and the installation of a video surveillance system will thus increase safety and comfort in the vehicles. The sum of all measures can permanently prevent aging-related malfunctions and make the trains fit for the years to come.
The side window systems of the trains will also be modernised: This part of the 481 fleet renovation is significantly accompanied by the Cleff company: the scope of supply of the system includes the hinged windows and the pressure frames. These pressure frames are inserted into the window cut-outs of the carriage body structure, glued and serve to hold the clamping rubber frame and the keder profile, which are also part of our company's scope of delivery, as well as the windows.
Originally, the pressure frames consisted of a plastic profile frame that was supported on the vehicle body in precisely defined dimensions. In order to better accommodate possible tolerances of the car bodies in the future, an optimised solution, i. e. a coated subframe, was developed by the Cleff company.
However, this exemplary and extremely extensive refurbishment project is not only about improving the quality in all areas with a new design, better technology and more accessibility and making the trains technically fit for the future. Rather, the modernisation takes into account environmental aspects: the vehicles are given a "second life" as many people now have more reasons to switch to the railway again.
