The East Rail line Metro Cammell EMU (also known as Mid-Life Refurbishment Train, ; or MLR Train) was a model of electric multiple unit built in 1980–1990 by Metro-Cammell for the original Kowloon–Canton Railway (now the East Rail line) in Hong Kong. The 29 sets were owned by and were originally operated by the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC). They were operated by MTR Corporation (MTRC) after it merged with KCRC in 2007. Although another set of EMU trains from the same manufacturer operate on some of MTR's own lines, there are some significant differences between the two models, with the Metro Cammell EMUs of the original MTR being known as the Modernization Train.
The trains were delivered in several phases. The different phases of this series of train have entitled with different model numbers, including: 3094 stock, K01 stock, K03 stock and K05 stock. Regardless, all model numbers have an identical appearance. After the rail merger, the KCR logos on the MLR trains were replaced with those of MTR, and a revised route map was introduced in the train interiors. Skirts were also added to all carriages, but the pantograph cars had their skirts removed due to heating issues. The interior floor was also changed for a darker blue in between two red aesthetics, and a brighter blue in between two windows.
Since the 2007 merger, the MLR was the second oldest variation of EMU operating on the MTR network, behind the M-Trains from 1979. It was also the only electric multiple unit of the Mass Transit Railway that did not have regenerative braking, as noted due to the lack of motor sound and the presence of air brake sounds while braking. All were retired on 6 May 2022, on the 40th anniversary of the electrification of the East Rail Line, with the Hyundai Rotem EMUs replacing them prior to the opening of the extension of the East Rail line to Admiralty station. It is the first type of electric train in Hong Kong to be scrapped from service.
History
The trains were ordered during the electrification of the KCR British section, now known as MTR East Rail line, in 1978. Sets E1-E45 and E46-E61 were delivered to KCRC in 2 batches in 1982–1983, when electrification was completed first between Hung Hom and Sha Tin in May 1982, and from then to Tai Po Market station before Lo Wu on 16 August 1983. KCRC also reordered further train sets in 1986 (sets E62-E86) and 1990 (sets E87-E118). In the early days of full electrification, these trains sometimes suffered from a temporary loss of electricity while passing University Station because of neutral sections (or dead zones), which was due to the lack of internal batteries.
The exteriors of the trains before refurbishment featured a red stripe running down the length of the trains, and yellow driving cabs located on the first and last cars. Due to the aforementioned colour of the cab, the trains was commonly referred to as the "Yellow-heads".
The trains were initially operated with 3 cars, they were subsequently extended to 6, 9 and 12 cars to cope with increasing ridership. Trains were inconsistent in terms of length, ranging from 3 to 12 cars. By 1992, all trains were formed of 12 cars.
Refurbishment
Like the DC MTR Metro Cammell EMUs, the KCR Metro Cammell EMUs underwent a major refurbishment from 1996 to 1999 to extend their lifespan, carried out by the successor of Metro-Cammell, Alstom (then known as GEC Alsthom). This reflected the significant role change of the KCR's British section, because of the development of new towns within the New Territories.