Liliput L133868 SBB FLIRT RABe 521 017 FHNW “Muttenz” AC / 3-Rail

SBB FLIRT: Switzerland’s Modern Regional and Cross-border Trains

Prototype: The Stadler FLIRT (Fast, Light, Innovative Regional Train) is a low floor electric multiple unit train manufactured by the Swiss company Stadler Rail.  Although designed primarily for regional and suburban services, the FLIRT can go up to maximum speed of  160 km/h, making it suitable for long-distance services as well.  In addition to fully electric trains, diesel electric and bi mode versions are also available, along with a battery powered variant introduced in 2018.

The low floor passenger area is easily accessible and has a continuous step free layout. Wide doors and retractable steps allow passengers to board and alight quickly and comfortably. The entrance areas contain spacious multifunctional compartments for bicycles, wheelchairs and prams. The FLIRT is also equipped with lifts or ramps for wheelchair users.

FLIRT trains were originally developed for the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and designated RABe 523. A number of variants were introduced later by SBB, including the RABe 521, RABe 522 and RABe 524. FLIRT trains have also been sold to numerous railway operators in many other countries, with more than 2,500 units now operating worldwide.

SBB FLIRT RABe 521 017

The University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) opened its Muttenz campus in the autumn of 2018 for 3,700 students and 800 employees. To reduce the number of people travelling to Muttenz at the same time, lectures for approximately a third of the students began slightly later in the day. To ensure that these students were not disadvantaged and to ease commuter traffic, SBB arranged for two InterRegio services to stop at Muttenz.

RABe 521 017 features an FHNW livery and carries the name “Muttenz” as a visible symbol of the partnership between FHNW and SBB.

Model: Liliput is offering an H0 scale model of the four-car SBB RABe 521 (FLIRT) electric multiple unit with road number 521 017 for both 3-rail AC and 2-rail DC systems.

Features include:

• Destination display showing “S3 Basel SBB”
• Depicted in its 2024 operating condition
• Overall length over couplers: 851 mm
• One motor in each powered end car
• Switchable to overhead catenary operation
• Switchable stop function
• Current-conducting 11-pin coupling
• 21-pin digital decoder socket fitted with an ESU LokPilot V5 decoder
• Factory-fitted, digitally controlled LED interior lighting
• Triple headlights and two taillights alternating with the direction of travel
• Option to install loudspeaker and replace LokPilot decoder with LokSound decoder for various sound features