Modern European Trains Built Right in North America! | Stadler Factory Tour

[@antonczerwinske5910]

As someone living in Darmstadt (only 160k population), its extremly funny to see the new trams we'll be getting this year, mentioned and shown in a youtube video from a canadian

[@RMTransit]

Well, this Canadian does make videos on places around the world!

[@japanesetrainandtravel6168]

@@RMTransit some of the best videos!

[@Luzgar]

I saw them testing one of the new tram on the 8E line 2 days ago in Darmstadt. From a French student who likes trains and trams.

[@EpicThe112]

Well said for the Trams they need RMV decals RMV stands for Rhein-Main Verkehrsverbund since your Tramway Straßenbahn ticket can be used on RMV Regional Bahn S-Bahn Rhein-Main system

[@bontanamlack]

digga same wollte das grad kommentieren

[@alanthefisher]

Definitely not jealous at all of you getting to go there 😤 Also I desperately hope that SEPTA chooses the KISS for their next EMU purchase

[@LeZylox]

Kiss ftw. 10/10 train

[@williamerazo3921]

Yes Alan. We need more Dual platform railcars out in the NorthEast

[@IndustrialParrot2816]

Hello Alan

[@soldierdudegamer2690]

Kiss might be a little too large for the NEC. I think it’s more likely they will order electric FLIRTs.

[@hintmations]

I live in cali, and I can't wait to see them on the Caltrain Corridor

[@CristoffelBonorand]

As a designer working for Stadler and being personally involved in the design process of most trains you show here, I am extremely pleased about what you say about the design language and its consistency! Made my day 😀

[@SteamCheese1]

As a German Railroader I am wondering, can you guys give the trains more variation in the head section, make them look more distinct and character? I see Stadler Trains very often and I like how they drive and the ride quality. But they all look very similar, sterile and well... just purely functional. Is it possible to make some regional variations?

[@bim-okoje5770]

@@SteamCheese1 yes please! I love the design for the stadler greater anglia trains. They’re so s*xy.

[@jbc5877]

Can you also please correct the engineering error of the rearward facing cab cameras. I work for TEXRail and it’s an absolute pain opening the side mirrors and the rear cameras block a majority of my rearward visibility on platforms. Silverline has the same design issue and will thus cause their engineers to have the same visibility issues. Preferably to correct the issue would be to drop the rearward facing cab cameras about a foot down to drop them out of the view of the rearview mirrors. My coworkers and I would greatly appreciate it. I’ll even help redesign it haha cause I have yet to use my mechanical engineering degree yet.

[@CristoffelBonorand]

@@jbc5877 Ha, believe me, if I could decide things like this I would gladly help out! The reality is: when we design a train, it’s just a small part of the finished project. Engineers, third party manufacturers, government comities, and countless others have an influence on the final product. It’s even possible that everybody knows about this flaw, but there’s a rule that says that the camera needs to be exactly there. I don’t know if it’s like this in this case, but there’s plenty of examples where something has to be done in a less than ideal way just to be compliant. I hope your visibility problem will be solved, and when the next train for the US is on my drawing board, I will try to make some “deciders” aware of the problem.

[@catdemon922]

Oh that sounds amazing, I love stadlers trains due to their designs so great job

[@stuartdilts2729]

That note about the apprenticeship program is really exciting. We need more manufacturing like this in the US, and it's a perfect way to introduce new people to the idea.

[@GintaPPE1000]

Having an apprenticeship program isn’t enough. The institution and the work it supports needs to be attractive to get those people to stay. The US’s largest shipyard has continually run an apprentice school just like Stadler’s program for 135 years, but if I didn’t tell you the name, you probably wouldn’t know it’s Newport News Shipbuilding. The ultimate problem here is America has raised its 4 youngest generations on the idea that physically working for a living makes you “low-class” and unintelligent. The education system, especially higher education, has also actively pushed this idea out of its own self-interest. Stadler can meet its manpower requirements because they need dozens, not thousands, of new workers, but rebuilding US manufacturing will require a cultural shift more than company incentives, otherwise people will just move on once they’ve earned their degree.

[@seanpruitt6801]

@@GintaPPE1000 I know Newport News shipyard. It’s MASSIVE. The work they do there is extremely important. There are now laws in place to require infrastructure projects to be built with American materials which is why Alston and this train company have set up shop. Investing in STEM education is also important. But I truly belive Infrastructure is going to be a major political policy for the coming decade or so.

[@stuartdilts2729]

@@GintaPPE1000 I think part of the problem is that hardly anyone knows what good blue collar work looks like, and smaller efforts like this spread all over the country is a really good way to show it to people.

[@denzzlinga]

Its basically the same what we are doing in germany since "ancient times". Learn a craft, and become a master after a few years. Not going to university and then think to know everything but neve tightened a bolt with a spanner by yourself :D

[@Old.Man.Of.The.Mountain]

@@GintaPPE1000 Did you guys see that Stadler factory floor? The cleanliness, the neatness, the lack of harsh sounds, the brightness, the colors, the automation.. this is not my idea of manufacturing here in the US. But if this is the direction new manufacturing sites, in any industry, take here in North America, maybe these jobs will be rethought of as cream collar jobs and become much sought after.

[@sjokomelk]

Stadler have been gaining traction (pun intended) world wide the last couple of decades. From being a small niche player, to now doing big things in the major league. But still keeping their niche status. I went "Stadler who?" when the order for 150 Flirts here in Norway was announced in the mid 2000s. And now I see Stadler all over the place. They even won the tender for new long distance EMUs here in Norway just now.

[@GDIdoujinmediaworks]

It used to be Alstom, Siemens, Bombardier (RIP), now Stadler and CAF are the two rising manufacturers. Really wished Stadler won a recent tender for my metropolis, sadly CAF undercut them and if you read the news they are always plagued with welding issues. Whereas everybody is happy with Stadler, even the Brits who like to piss on their Hitachi trains.

[@RMTransit]

Those long distance emus look amazing honestly!

[@MrJimheeren]

@@GDIdoujinmediaworks CAF makes great trains. Nothing wrong with them. Stadler is just to expensive with those Swiss wages

[@joegrey9807]

Same in the UK, from nothing to nearly 1,000 vehicles across 5 different operators in a few years. And easily the best regional trains (from a passenger perspective at least) on the network

[@drdewott9154]

@@MrJimheeren Stadler actually has several of its facilities outside of Switzerland. Like the one in Pankow, Germany which is used for many of their tram and subway orders. Plus Stadler us usually quite reliable all around, whereas CAF is a bit of a wildcard. Some caf trains and trams work fine, while others have some pretty critical issues like the Oaris High speed trains for Norway's Flytoget or the Urboa trams for Lund in Sweden, or the Mk 5 coaches for Caledonian sleeper in the UK.

[@legoffour8466]

Small note as a mechanical engineer: what you're describing with liquid nitrogen to enable interfering components to slip past each other for assembly is often called a press fit, and isn't really a fusing process (such as, say, all the various forms of welding). Instead, it is literally just friction-based retention (sometimes also including an adhesive, but often not). Since the pressures generated are quite large, the frictional resistance can be significant, making this a reliable joining method.

[@NickBurman]

And is the inverse of the practice used with steam locomotives (and some diesels and electrics), where the tyres were heated then whacked into position over the wheel centres.

[@stefanschneider3681]

Does that mean if you cut it into slices and put it under a microscope you would still be able to see two separate pieces? Because I imagined the forces would really turn it into one piece.

[@NickBurman]

@@stefanschneider3681 yes, it would be two pieces, distinct and separate. Think of them as if they were an auto tyre and its wheel, with the exception that this tyre would be shrunk on the wheel, rather than just attached as in a car. And, like an auto tyre, you need to change out the rail tyre when it gets too worn out and too thin to be machined back into shape.

[@Brot-o-Typ]

I live currently close to the HQ of Stadler in Switzerland. Ironically, it is in one of the worst connected towns, with only every half hour a train (but with a very cute Thurbo GTW and a very nice scenery over a viaduct). Therefore, Stadler offers free Parking for its employees - something which is very uncommon, usually you have to pay upwards of (equivalent) USD 100 a month or more to park at your employer if they even offer parking. However, they have also other productions sites around which are better connected. But such a nice surprise that you got the chance to visit them! Thank you very much for the insight! Edit: There are also quite invested in education around here, they take it very seriously to get the best workforce possible.

[@RMTransit]

That’s great to hear about education! It’s so critical!

[@xerexon2k]

yes we are all very proud of Stadler, but it's not all sunshine, Mr. Brot. Have 2 friends, both worked for Stadler in Switzerland, both told me unasked about the low wages. Might be different story abroad. 100 CHF for parking, Zurich City yes indeed, if not more! Certainly not in the state of Thurgau, absolutely not countryside like their facilities..

[@alainterieur4837]

It's funny how a half hour train in eastern Switzerland is considered bad while in the western region of the country it would be considered pretty good. Because in this region most train lines are hourly only, and some are half-hourly. Some lines do overlap so some train stations have half-hourly service but a lot of them only have hourly service. Also the service is a lot less reliable here than in the rest of the country, since cancellations, delays and overcrowding are pretty common. Actually the vast majority of cancellations and delays happen in this region, despite it making up less than a quarter of the population of the country. This goes to that the quality of train travel is definitely not uniform throughout the country

[@Brot-o-Typ]

@@xerexon2k Indeed, it is not. It's the first time I hear something about low pay and that's something i do not like. Additionally, the corporate culture is very conservative, they do not care about diversity or even gender-gap. Also the connection to Belarus (and with that, including Russia) is very questionable. Unfortunately not a surprise for a company headed by a right wing politician. I still like the trains they build, but the culture is indeed very ambivalent. Regarding parking, I just compared it in my head with other large employers, which are usually not on the countryside, that's correct. But being in the countryside away from the center is also a partial choice from them.

[@Brot-o-Typ]

@@alainterieur4837 I only agree to a certain point. Yes, the train service in the west is absolutely in dire needs of expansion and investments. However, in Genève, there is the Léman Express which is quite good. Keep in mind, that no S-Bahn in Switzerland is running with a tighter schedule than every 30min to my knowledge, it is always done by servicing several lines on the station to achieve a tighter schedule. And connections like Montreux to Genève and similar city connections are pretty good. The east does not have such good connections between cities, but better regional connections. This S-Bahn network is however not cheap, the regional government pay a lot of subsidies and tickets for the S-Bahn in the east (Ostwind/Thurbo) are more expensive than for Zürich! A one year pass for all zones costs about 50% more than for all of Zürich. In the end, there are clear deficits in both, eastern (excl. Grisons) and western Switzerland. Which is also the reason, why St. Gallen and western cantons are working together to fight for a new concept at SBB. (And lets also not forget, that each region could improve service by their own, if they want. Appenzell with St.Gallen built by themselves* the network of AB and the with the SOB and its original infrastructure its the same. Also RhB is basically fully cantonal with limited federal support. Even more for BLS an Bern. And as already mentioned, the Léman Express)

[@heidirabenau511]

Congrats on being invited to the Stadler factory, Reece!

[@RMTransit]

Thanks! It was a lot of fun!

[@crytocc]

The FLIRT trains aren't just architecturally electric; perhaps more interesting about them is that the power cars are essentially swappable within the design, so they can be overhead electric, diesel-powered, battery-powered, even hydrogen-powered, or some combination thereof - without needing to overhaul the whole design. From what I've heard, it should even be possible to upgrade existing sets to use a different power car at a (relatively) low cost, which makes it a very interesting option for lines that should be electrified in the future, as that can then be done without throwing away the investment into new trains.

[@sjokomelk]

The Flirt "type 76" here in Norway are tri-mode DEMUs. Overhead power and hybrid diesel generators with batteries. So when they brake they store the energy in batteries, and use this to get back up to speed. Just like a Toyota Prius. That way they are more or less just as quick and nimble under diesel power as when under overhead power.

[@joegrey9807]

Indeed - using diesels to power electric motors is pretty standard on rail, but it's a game-changer when you have design from the outset that means that pretty much the same train can be built as either diesel, AC electric (and I assume DC), battery, hydrogen or any combination of these from the start or converted easily mid-life.

[@StefanWithTrains]

Stadler offers: FLIRT Overhead-Electric/Diesel-Electric/Battery-Electric/Hydrogen-Electric/Overhead-Battery-Electric/Overhead-Diesel-Electric.

[@MrAronymous]

@@sjokomelk As mentioned in the video though, Stadler diesel FLIRT trains use a diesel generator to generate electricity. The propulsion therefore is always electric. A battery pack is nice as it might save on energy but it wouldn't affect the performance.

[@sjokomelk]

@@MrAronymous It helps performance as the gen-sets can't deliver as much power as needed instantly for full acceleration. That is why the battery is used to boost/contribute with extra power at times.

[@transitcaptain]

Those KISS trains are so incredible, it shows that a) double decker trains DO work well on commuter services b) Other operators in the US should use them for commuter service! (I don't mean MTA, I mean VRE and Sounder.)

[@RMTransit]

It depends, sounder does not have OHLE so that’s tricky!

[@trainsandmodelshungary]

Just completed the KISS fleet here in Hungary with MÁV-Start’s 40th KISS entering service 😍

[@transitcaptain]

@@RMTransit It deserves electrification. maybe that wasn’t the best example, something that should be electrified is MBTA, which could also use these

[@jarjarbinks6018]

I think what would be great for Sounder is expanded service like Toronto’s go RER plans! Such plans to me show that better commuter rail service is possible if you commit to track swapping and buying out right of ways and the like

[@nenaddimitrijevikj5125]

why wouldnt double deckers work on commuter service? Netherlands mostly uses double deckers

[@stefanschneider3681]

Being Swiss living a dozen miles away from Stadler headquarters I watch this video with pleasure, of course! Mr. Spuhler started this company almost from scratch and really turned it into a light-train-powerhouse! Thanks for sharing!

[@baconmcbacon62]

I’m from Dallas, so being able to see the preview of the Silver Line trains is amazing. They’re actually building out part of it right outside my back window!!

[@alffred4021]

Stadler, simply the Best 🇨🇭😇

[@hintmations]

I'm really excited to see the new Stadler train sets zipping through the Caltrain corridor

[@jimdennis2451]

What I want to know, and it may be a stupid question, but how do they get electric train sets to their customers? Pull them like boxcars by a standard diesel-electric engine?

[@hintmations]

@@jimdennis2451 yeah pretty much, they attach it to freight trains and move it.

[@nathanstrain2158]

@@jimdennis2451 They put them on flatbed rail cars and moved with regular freight trains.

[@andrewclarkson3401]

I always find factory tours really interesting. I was lucky enough to tour a public transit bus facory, but never a train maker. Thanks for this video!

[@RMTransit]

And thank you for watching!

[@evo3s75]

I took a tour at Airbus in Toulouse, it was amazing. I will definitely also take a tour in Hamburg at Airbus when I'm there

[@anthonyt402]

YES SALT LAKE VIDEOS IM SO EXCITED

[@GojiMet86]

I can't wait to see the MARTA Stadler trains, they are going to be something completely different! And it's great to see those Silver Line trains, I remember how impressive the TexRail Stadlers are.

[@hoodboyzAtl]

The A&B CQ400 open gangway with the 4-8 cars only had a 100 order and the married part is a set of 2 6-8 cars 250 order

[@alexhaowenwong6122]

I met two Stadler Employees on the Glasgow Subway last July! SLC's Front Runner does seem to have better service and per mile ridership than even a lot of LA Metrolink lines.

[@Nerdherfer]

I just learned yesterday about MARTA's new trains, so this video was super timely! Thank you!

[@AGWittmann]

Oi! Stadler and Salt Lake City, wish you both the best for your future! Hope you will be a successful seed that finally puts the US back on the right path for a healthier and more beautiful world, for the sake of our offspring and nature.

[@japanesetrainandtravel6168]

I was wondering what your trip to Utah was all about. I regret that I was so close to this facility in January, but didn’t know it! These CalTrain sets are exactly the ones I’d love to see on GO transit. The green livery would looks so nice and the carriages function well with our low level platforms.

[@RMTransit]

Oh wow! Yeah they would be fantastic for Go!

[@cmmartti]

There's no need for high level doors though. How does that work for wheelchair users anyway? Is there an internal elevator to go from the lower level to the upper level?

[@DavidCiani]

​@@cmmartti The high level door openings are just getting plugs installed right now instead of actual doors. They are being built-in during manufacturing to support compatibility with the high-level platforms will be added to the corridor for the high speed rail project.

[@rotatorcuffs8140]

The trains look nice but I would be more concerned about their operating speed. Should have an at least 200km/h max speed imo for it to be a true upgrade to the current GO transit rolling stock. For some reason we're addicted to low speeds in this country and that needs to change to be on par with modern standards.

[@OtakuUpNorth]

Awesome as always

[@RMTransit]

Thank you so much 😀

[@pylotmedia565]

I work for this Company in the Engineering Department and it's really cool to see the projects we were working on in the US. Especially because I am really young and always thought my work makes no sense. I was thinking so because I have never seen something changing because of my work. But now I finally can see the results Edit: I also love to see, that the German "Ausbildung" which is the System people get trained for the job while getting paid and working for the company is being adapted to the US

[@robnamowicz8073]

We have engineering schools here in America that have been using the work/study program for many, many decades. These universities and colleges have job placement rates of nearly 100%. Not everyone wants a 'do nothing' degree. There is hope.

[@user-xsn5ozskwg]

Here's to hoping we get more rail manufacturing in North America. More jobs, more incentive to build good transit, more experience with maintaining these systems. What's not to love?

[@lesterfrancis8284]

Since the Governor of New York recently announced that LRTs will run on the Interborough Express here in New York City, Stadler LRTs will be perfect for the line. Something that will revitalized the sometimes dull look of the MTA subways and commuter rails. I hope Stadler is one of the bidders of the project.

[@TheRandCrews]

I hope it’s High floor, Stadler has the Tango series in both low and high floor, to have more capacity in a surely busy corridor

[@KyleClements]

As someone with a fine art background, when I saw "Stadler", my first thought was "Staedtler". "They make pencils *and* trains..." Nope, different companies.

[@RMTransit]

A mistake made by many!

[@jordanwarne911]

My Staedtler Noris Digital Jumbo Pen always reminds me of Stadler 😅

[@rotatorcuffs8140]

I was thinking the same thing :)

[@DC4260Productions]

Apparently the Stadler locomotives coming to New Zealand are to replace 50 year-old 'DX' class locomotives in the South Island. The DXs were built by General Electric between 1972 and 1976, and their eventual replacements are designated as the 'DM' class. I must say, even though I've never seen a Stadler train in person, I like the strong family resemblance between the different units. The design's adaptability is quite impressive, with examples including the UK's Class 231, 555, 745, 755, 756 and 777 units.

[@simonwood6932]

The KiwiRail locos are being built at Stadler’s plant in Valencia Spain, which Stadler purchased from Vossloh in 2015

[@marekvahle]

In switzerland stadler recently built trains that can change guage between montreux and interlaken

[@RMTransit]

Yep! They are epic! Floor height too!

[@aaxanimex]

funny to see a video about Stadler trains, Norway last week decided to buy at least 17 new long distance trains from Stadler (with possibility for 100 more)

[@RMTransit]

Yep! Those look amazing! I want them in Canada!

[@singapuu7643]

I walked past a couple of these KISS car bodies ready for shipment in Basel Auhafen about 2 weeks ago. Funny seeing dozens of them lined up at the factory considering how excited I was to see 2 of them.

[@joegrey9807]

Well done on getting that visit. I was lucky enough to go around a Bombardier site in the UK, what surprised me was how spotlessly clean it was - as a kid in the 80s I used to sneak into depots in the UK (a lot of people did then), and there was oil, broken windows, and a general state of semi-dereliction everywhere; largely because they were using old Victorian era sheds that had been converted to diesel sheds, and were also on sites much larger than needed.

[@bertnl530]

Depends on what kind of side you were. There is a big difference between a assembly line or say a wheel and bogie shop or foundaries

[@joegrey9807]

@@bertnl530 yeah I guess most of them aren't a huge amount more than flat pack assembly factories

[@velox__]

very cool story

[@kms1.62]

This was a great first step and a very cool video. Hey Stadler, send Reece to Switzerland for the next video please!

[@RMTransit]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@markusstudeli2997]

The apprenticeship program is one of the key elements of the success of the Swiss train builder. The training on the job combined with education at local community colleges guarantees a reliable but also affordable work force. I'm glad it's catching on in the US, too!

[@petouser]

Stadler trains are plainly amazing. In Germany, train infrastructure suffers from bad Bombardier trains that break down all the time. So I'm happy that we gradually switch to Stadler trains.

[@jbirzer]

When you were saying you were visiting a train manufacturer in the US, I thought it was going to be the Alstom factory in New York, where the new Acela is being built. Was surprised you went halfway across the nation for another manufacture. Alstom was also talking about building car bodies locally as well, so I think that aspect is growing. I'm hoping DC Metro sources their 8000 series in the US. Given all the problems they have with the 7000 series.

[@blowtorchhonor]

They went with Hitachi who is building a factory in Maryland

[@nathanstrain2158]

Lots of manufacturers are talking about making car bodies locally because that may be a requirement for the upcoming Amtrak LD fleet order.

[@Paul_inDC]

The 7000 series (Washington Metro) was built by Kawasaki (Japan) in Lincoln, Nebraska. The 8000 series will be built in Maryland. Buy American laws and funding rules basically require public transit and Amtrak trains be assembled in the US. Which is why a company like Stadler builds a nice shiny new plant in the US to assemble trains. Otherwise, they’d be unable to compete for most public transit rolling stock tenders. There are also limits on how much of the train components can be imported, and these limits have become stricter recently. It’s a similar story for buses, which is why New Flyer couldn’t just assemble buses for the US in Canada but needed to open a plant in the US.

[@joshquigley262]

Cant wait to see some expanded videos on Salt Lake’s transit. Have you checked out the “Rio Grande Plan” for downtown Salt Lake City? Its a recent community proposal to trench commuter rail and Union Pacific’s mainline through downtown to reconnect to the historic downtown station. It’s picked up huge momentum with local politicians, and was just awarded 2 million from the Federal Government to commission an official study/proposal. That, as well as the Frontrunner double track/extensions/electrification project, phase 1 of which was just funded with construction starting in 2025 (current: single track, 30 min headways, 80mph, 20,000 daily riders - Phase 1: double track, 15 min headways, 90 mph, 40,000 daily riders - Phase 2: electrification, 10 min headways, 110 mph, 70-80,000 daily riders.) Big things comings for rail transit in salt lake. Two new light rail lines in works for the point of the mountain mega development (the state of Utah is pushing hard to expedite this) and a new line to east side business/population centers and link the base of the ski resorts (as part of the cottonwoods canyons transit project, the longest/largest gondola in the world. Controversial) All that, streetcar extension in the works, downtown light rail expansion/reconfiguring (future grand Union on main street!!) plus a few new brt lines soon to open/in the works, as well as the central corridor bus rapid transit in Utah county (fully ROW separated bus rapid transit along abandoned rail corridor) which will connect with the existing highly successful UVX brt line. The Wasatch Front area punches above its weight for a US city of its size, especially for deeply conservative population/government. We love seeing it being promoted on your channel! Happy to provide videos, or information on the all the additional transit lines in the works.

[@AstroMagi]

Hear hear! Great to see the Rio Grande Plan get some attention!

[@TransitAndTeslas]

I feel like Utah is going to be the next transit Mecca in the US, even beating Seattle.

[@Th3M4larky]

"especially for deeply conservative population / government" Are you saying that because mostly conservative side doesn't like or doesn't care about public transport as much?

[@ggs4989]

It all sounds very cool, but I'm dreading the increasing popularity of Utah. Been getting more gentrified the last 10 years. I'm a software dev and with my "high" salary it looks like I'll be able to afford a house people used to get working an average job out of high school in the area. Lots of locals are NOT happy about the gondola. I personally don't know enough details to be for or against it, but it's certainly not a conservative thing. Pretty much anyone of any political persuasion that uses the canyons regularly is against the gondola. It's definitely being built for the tourists and rich folks, which aren't helping the drought and air quality.

[@jgoff76]

Kinkisharyo has a plant outside of Los Angeles in case you want another plant to check out😊

[@TheMntnG]

stadler doing swiss stuff (apprenticeships, trains) in a developing country is great development aid!

[@edouhoekie]

Living in The Netherlands and traveling all over Europe by train since I love it the most common logo I see on a train is definitely Stadler (as a manufacturer). Their trains are always equipped with power outlets and usb ports as well as good stable wifi as well as a stable train. Ofc that differs per the provider of the journey but I am just speaking in general. Cool to see they're building stuff for NA as well.

[@manualdriver02]

I think that UTA could use those KISS EMUs when electrifying the Frontrunner.

[@richardwillson101]

Excellent video, thank you for the tour and the detailed description. I served my apprenticeship in an Aerospace factory and went on to maintain aircraft, but thanks to covid, spent two years maintaining trains. It was a world away from this facility and their ethos. It's great to see a modern, clean, bright rail facility. A far cry from my time in an ex British Rail diesel depot where everything you touched was black, the floor was swimming with oil and there was very little natural lighting. I know it's a factory, but again, old British Railway "works" factories were not much better than the maintenance depots. This is why European and Japanese firms excell in rolling stock manufacturing. Keep up the good work, I can listen to your videos for hours, but it's a treat when I get to watch the great footage you take too.

[@gb9727]

Frontrunner needs these

[@andrewoh2612]

Its why I respect a welder and a mechanic more than many trades. Along with rail crew, operator unions, and electricians these incredible people keep a nation's arteries pumping and flowing.

[@Sacto1654]

The story about the Federal Railroad Administration allowing the use of the FLIRT train sets on the CalTrain line was a complicated one, because FRA has very strict crash safety requirements on rail lines that intermix passenger and freight traffic. It was decided that freight traffic would only run during certain hours at night, which would allow the FLIRT train sets to run as the only train sets on the CalTrain line in most hours.

[@RMTransit]

It’s a Kiss! Not a Flirt!

[@Sacto1654]

@@RMTransit sorry. No more posting like this early in the morning. 😅

[@Sacto1654]

@@MatthiasWiesmann I don't think so. The FRA had to require that the KISS train sets do not intermix with freight trains that sometimes run on the CalTrain line. That meant the freight trains could only run in the late night hours.

[@Flynn_]

@@Sacto1654 Post-2018 trains that meet EN15227 crash safety standards (with a few modifications to the CEM structure) are allowed to mix with existing buff strength equipment. Caltrain's waiver was actually rescinded as a result a couple of years ago, as it's no longer necessary.

[@williamerazo3921]

Huh 🤔?

[@brucewilkinson8599]

Wonderful video. So glad you had this opportunity and could bring to us the information concerning the assembly of these new train systems.

[@tramlink8544]

some of the first of these were actually built in Switzerland. i live in Turgi, Switzerland and just over a year ago they Transported some of these on trucks in full Caltrain livery past my house from the ABB works (Who do a lot of the electrical installations for Stadlers tains)

[@IndianRailwaysjourneys]

Thanks for the video! Glad to see Stadler factory through your video..! Cheers

[@AnthonyBrusca]

You've been killing it lately with these recent videos!

[@SaMartok]

North American: Wow, new age cutting edge technology. European: Yeah, yeah, same 'ol, same 'ol. But all joking aside, about time North America gets some decent passenger train transportation going.

[@MajorLazer182]

Very interesting that they not only import their trains/engineering but also their education system. It is very common here in the German-speaking nations to do Dual-Studies where you get a degree but also work at a company part time.

[@exilsaarlander9813]

Great Video, interesting to see that even over the pond, the Stadler Trains still look the same as here in Europe. Stadler really gained a lot of tracktion in the last few years. Even here in Germany more and more new Trains are build by Stadler. Fun fact, the Train at 9:48 in the Middle doesnt seem to be a Stadler unit, but actually an Alstom Lint 41, in a livery that could 1:1 be the default Deutsche Bahn Regio livery, just with another Logo (these Trains are still the backbone in some Regions over here). Maybe the US will see more of the more Interesting Trains in the next few years, like the Flirt 3 Akku (The Battery/Overhead Wire Version) Greetings from Germany And keep up the good work

[@kariminalo979]

Here in Stockholm on our local light railway line, Stadler successfully won the bid to replace the existing old ASEA trains running on special Swedish three-foot gauge or 891mm tracks. It really goes onto show how dedicated Stadler is as a company to fully customize to the operating client's needs.

[@tramcrazy]

The Stadler FLIRT EMUs and bi mode units we have on Greater Anglia in the UK are really nice, it’s a shame there aren’t many other FLIRT units in the UK.

[@N7277]

Interesting note, Stadler just applied and received approval to expand this facility in the last couple weeks. A lot of the expansion you mentioned is already underway

[@dfwrailvideos]

WOW! You must've been really special to get into the factory there! Interestingly enough, DART FLIRT3s can be spotted in the opening scenes, and most people haven't seen them! Amazing video RMTransit! Love your content.

[@FirstDagger]

The hall has that clean aircraft manufacturing look.

[@bertnl530]

The demands are also the same. You want to do everything to prevent accidents or production fails or damages on a fresh painted train.

[@trainsandmodelshungary]

Awesome video thanks! We have a lotttt of FLIRTs and KISSes in Hungary (MÁV-Start and GYSEV) so I love the topic :)

[@unreaall]

So happy to see the Silver Line FLIRTs! The line has a stop at my university, I can't wait for it to finally get finished! Assuming it doesn't get delayed another 4 years...

[@marcelwiszowaty1751]

Reece, you mentioned the commonality of Stadler's designs but that reminded me of your Oddball Railways vid. I just checked and you did in fact mention that the new trains for the Glasgow Subway are from Stadler. I live in the UK and, although the London Underground is my favourite system, I have a soft spot for the Subway. It has a very interesting history and, when it's been fully automated with driverless trains and platform-edge doors, it will be the oldest line in the world to have undergone such a conversion. Nice vid, as always of course.

[@thechilledonion9313]

Stadler !

[@5-7Farms]

I work just down the street from Stadler, as a train enthusiast, I always like it when I see a completed train that waits to be sent to its new home

[@eric_vde]

Thanks for your kind words about Salt Lake! Super excited to see the videos about the transit here, as IMO it has a lot of potential but has a lot of roadblocks to overcome.

[@qolspony]

Thank you for this presentation. This brings an entirely different perspective of what goes into public transportation. Truly an education lesson for all who's watching. 😀

[@TechGroupF430i]

12:24 - It's a vocational program. There was no need for the apples to oranges comparison regarding 4-year degree programs, especially since the lion's share of colleges don't even have a railway major. The apprenticeship program you're describing is basically a railway vocational program, complete with trades. While this is a "breath of fresh air", might I also point that over the last 15 years, there have only been two such programs in the entire eastern half of the country, one of which died 7 years ago due to lack of support or coverage. If you know of another (that isn't catering exclusively towards high school students) or at least of a push to implement more such programs, please do mention it.

[@nickybrown5019]

Reese, You mentioned in one of your other videos that Tysons in Northern Virginia is a very common case study for “edge cities”. I was wondering if you could do a mini-video/KZbin short on Tysons or any other interesting edge cities. I’m from VA so I absolutely love your videos on the DC area. I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed your videos and how much I’ve learned! Great video as always! :)

[@buildintotrains]

As a fellow citizen of NoVA I fully agree with this

[@RMTransit]

Thanks for watching! I’ll think about it but the channel is really more about transit than urban planning!

[@nuwayser]

@@RMTransit fwiw, the WMATA MetroRail Silver Line, which started serving Tysons several years ago, was just extended from Wiehle Ave in Reston to IAD and Ashburn. I mention it here not because I didn't think you knew that, but because I'm wondering about the impact of the extension on transit to/from edge cities like Tysons.

[@alexf4500]

Been waiting for this!

[@pauldavis1943]

Salt Lake City?! Surprising 😮

[@tygattyche2545]

Funny to hear that Stadler uses the same names for their trains in NA and EU, especially as the names are abbreviations. So stands KISS for "Komfortabler Innovativer Spurtstarker S-Bahn-Zug" meaning comfortable, innovative, sprint-capable suburban train. And FLIRT stands for "Flinker Leichter Innovativer Regional-Triebzug", meaning Fast Light Innovative Regional Train".

[@hans-jurgenkind9445]

I also know LINT „leichter innovativer Nahverkehrstriebwagen“ (light innovative short distance rail car) , but that ist from Alstom now.

[@stefanschneider3681]

Reminds me of all the crazy acronyms NASA uses for its missions. DART is just one of the most recent and very successful ones: "Double Asteroid Redirection Test" officially, but meaning: "We're playing some darts pointing at an asteroid" 🤣

[@soviut303]

Building a rail line to your rail manufacturing plant seems like good advertising.

[@edgarrodriguez8973]

Amaaaaaazing video, thank you Reece, great to see the flesh beneath the skin of a train. Greetings from Bogotá

[@36_snaps]

Awesome!

[@RMTransit]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@HeyGuys_Hi]

What a nice video ! Super cool to see how company build trains, I hope you will have more opportunities to do this kind of video again in the near future

[@MrsBifflechips]

I am so jealous! I'd love to visit a train manufacturing facility. Thank you for the video!

[@captainnope747]

I work at the Salt Lake Airport and have seen this facility on the other side of the freeway from our staff office, and seeing how we've got his train manufacturing in Salt Lake gets me excited about the potential expansion and electrification of our Frontrunner regional rail system, and imagining how it could potentially one day expand south along the I15 corridor all the way to St. George or even Las Vegas.

[@dglcomputers1498]

And to show that Stadler have a sense of humor you have trains called the, Kiss, Wink, Smile, Tango and Flirt

[@Dimidor]

Nice Video! Greetings from an employee of Stadler Germany! :D

[@PresYB]

I'm so ecstatic for MARTA's new trains! The model number will be CQ400, replacing every single car from the CQ310/311/312 series which range in age from 1979 (the beginning of rail service here!) to 2003. Also as a fun fact, MARTA's current CEO, Collie Greenwood, started out as a bus operator in Brampton and worked his way up at TTC before making his way to ATL.

[@acegarr22]

They trains are going to look so cool

[@TundeEszlari]

Amazing video.

[@acegarr22]

This was really nice. I hope New York gets Stadler trains one day for the LIRR, MetroNorth, and Subway

[@hoodboyzAtl]

That won't happen

[@hugoboyce9648]

Thanks for the video! Super cool stuff!

[@pinkyandbrain123]

I was working at Stadler in Switzerland until 2019, where we procured the initial components for Caltrain. It is nice to see how it took off from there!

[@davidthom6664]

This is fantastic, thank you.

[@coda5998]

the apprenticeship program is the true contiuity of the swiss mentality over the job workshop give a professional formation to young people freshly finishing the middle school and maybe see them climbing the hierachy of the company

[@jbc5877]

Just a heads up at 6:43, those two trucks are not a size difference between Caltrain and Silverline, the power truck on the left is what they use under the cabs of the Silverline and TEXrail sets. The idle truck on the right is for the other points of connection between the articulated cars to allow for a better ability of passengers to move from one car to another without stepping as high inside the car. It can be seen in 7:09 with all the Silverline trucks the size comparison between the power and idle trucks toward the right side of the screen

[@Srype5]

I Work on Stadler Trains here in Germany. Those are really nice build and well engineered. I love to work on them.

[@BL4CKKN1GHT]

Can’t wait for stadler trains to come to Atlanta. You should do a video on the Marta system. They’re doing a lot right like implementing BRT and TOD, but have a quite few faults that should be covered

[@Nikky705]

This is a good video. I look forward to more videos like this.

[@maxs2319]

Great video! I toured that factory in 2019 during a public open house. Really cool and beautiful facility, I was able to chat with some of their managers who discussed Stadler’s brilliant modular design philosophy. Looking forward to seeing what else they produce here.

[@jrmuffun]

I live in the salt lake area and have been wanting somebody to do videos on our system for so long! Ive tried to see where the system could improve and really wanted a professionals opinion on it. Cant wait to see the videos on the salt lake infrastructure!

[@DDELE7]

Those Stadler trains for Dallas looks beautiful. The MTA in NYC should order these for their Interborough Express (especially if their gonna go for a smaller Light Rail type of fleet). Maybe the MBTA could get in on the action since the CRRC built Red and Orange Line has been plagued with a TON of problems. Ya hear about the new Orange Line car that was sitting on the Highway?!

[@DisinterestedObserver]

Unfortunately yes, saw it and sat in traffic because of it. CRRC is awful.

[@ParkerTyler]

I pass their factory every day on my commute to work and have always wondered what the factory looked like! Super excited for their future and I hope it kickstarts the North American passenger rail industry.

[@LeonardoFSI]

Common Stadler W.

[@RMTransit]

Haha yeah, they make great stuff

[@oliverckhaas]

I really appreciate this episode and the unique behind the scenes view of Stadler manufacturing. RM videos are getting better by the week :)

[@Brauiz90]

I grew up in Germany and now live in Austria. Some regional services here use the Stadler Flirt, for example the Regional Express between Munich, Germany and Salzburg, Austria is one of the first services buying the Stadler Flirt 3... Back in 2015 it had some issues because the trains had been new. Now it's all running smoothly, if there are no problems caused by DB Infrastructure... the service is run by the private "Bayrische Regiobahn" (BRB) In the next months there are detours and cancelations because DB is re-building the tracks... So we have to use bus replacement service or the trains go earlier to limit delays on their way...

[@Skip6235]

What I wouldn’t give to see an RER system in Vancouver going up the Valley, to Whistler, and down to South Surrey using Stadler EMUs. In my dream scenario we could even get Train-ferries to connect to the Island!

[@TheRandCrews]

Like the interurban idea running on those lines? Haven’t heard any news on that neither does Translink has their eyes on it

[@OwenConcorde]

Awesome video! I do Stadler ever since I'm used to seeing videos of their EMUs operating over in Switzerland and Germany for several years. I'm just now going to be waiting for an American Siemens factory tour whenever they expand production to building America's first Velaro trainsets in the not-so-distant future.

[@wilcochris]

Fun fact about the picture at March station (Greater Anglia train 01:59). March was once the site of one of, if not, the biggest marshalling yards in Europe during World War Two. It has a massive railway heritage.

[@kittywhiskers996]

HOW COOL IS THIS!!!✨🌟✨

[@riderstrano783]

7:24 fun fact, this is the same exact idea, just reversed from how you put on and change tires on a steam locomotive. The “reverse” part is that you heat the tire with a gas ring, then slide it over the room-temp hub, before allowing it to cool and then shrink on, thus fusing in the same manner. Regardless it’s really cool to hear about old techniques being modified for the modern day

[@gb9727]

MBTA needs these