We've been teasing the Berlin HK for quite some time. While you’ve already seen a few glimpses, today we’re taking a deep dive into this fascinating train series - finally showing you all the details in full.
The Berlin HK
The HK is the successor to the A3 series and was developed based on the Berlin H-Type. Right away, you’ll notice that the HK looks significantly more modern than the A3.
Facts about the HK
The two HK prototypes were built in 1999, followed by series production between 2001 and 2007 by Adtranz/Bombardier. The HK was designed specifically for Berlin’s Kleinprofil (small-profile) network. In total, 24 four-car units were built, all of which remain in regular service today. The HK has a maximum speed of 60 km/h, which is standard for Kleinprofil trains.
Like the Berlin H-Type, the HK features a walk-through design, but with four permanently coupled cars instead of six. Each unit consists of A, B, C, and D cars, all seamlessly connected by open gangways. For full-length trains (which in the Kleinprofil network have eight cars), two HK units operate in double traction.
The HK was also designed with automated operation in mind and offers improved energy efficiency along with a modern passenger information system. Unlike older models, it features continuous gangways with flexible bellows, creating a more open and spacious interior.
The Heart of the Train: The Driver’s Cab
We’ve paid special attention to the details here, as you’ll be spending quite some time in the HK’s cab in SubwaySim 2! Compared to other series, there are major differences in how this train operates.
The control panel looks noticeably more modern, and unlike older series, the train destination display is now set via a digital screen. This makes entering destinations much easier, as there’s no longer a need to refer to a list of numbered codes like on the A3L92. The display only shows valid stations for the selected line.
Train operation is also significantly different: While speed is preselected similarly to the A3L92, this is done conveniently via a set of push buttons. There’s even an additional button to increase speed by +5 km/h on demand.
A key feature of the HK is its combined power and brake lever, which simplifies control. Once the spring-loaded brake is released, you push the lever forward to accelerate to the selected speed. When released, the lever automatically returns to its neutral position. To brake, simply pull the lever backward.
The devil is in the details: About A- and D-cars
On some sections of the Kleinprofil network, the tunnels are too narrow to allow passenger evacuation through the side doors. Instead, evacuation takes place through a dedicated front-facing door in the driver’s cab. This means that when two HK units operate together in double traction, both leading cabs need to be accessible.
What sounds simple was actually a unique challenge in development. The doors needed to be positioned at the exact same off-center location in both cabs—the A-car cab (leading toward Krumme Lanke) and the D-car cab (leading toward Warschauer Straße). As a result, the A and D cars are mirror images of each other, rather than being rotationally symmetrical like most train designs. Luckily, our 3D artists developed an efficient workflow to tackle this challenge. The result? See for yourself—A-car on the left, D-car on the right.
If you look closely, you’ll notice that this affects much more than just the exterior design. The driver’s cab setup is also quite different. Not only is the cab desk positioned differently in both end cars due to space constraints, but even the control elements on the side panel are mirrored. What a fascinating train!
All aboard - join us to gain deeper insights into the world of SubwaySim 2 over the next few weeks and months!
About SubwaySim 2
SubwaySim 2 has been announced in August 2024 and is currently in development. In the coming weeks, we’ll be giving you insights into the game, its development process, and the new features. Feel free to share your feedback in the Steam Discussions, join our Discord server, and follow us on Instagram. Be sure to add SubwaySim 2 to your Steam or PlayStation Store wishlist so you don’t miss any updates!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2707070/SubwaySim_2/
Note: This is a work-in-progress version of the game. All screenshots and videos shown are for preview purposes only and are not representative of the final product. Please feel free to share your feedback in the Steam Discussions if you like what you see or notice any specific issues!