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DB BR 420

German Class 420 EMU capable of 120kph. Developed in the early 70s to serve commuter networks, they first saw service during the 1972 Olympic games in Munich, which earned them the nickname "Olympia train". They were subsequently introduced to the S-Bahn Stuttgart, Rhein-Ruhr and Rhein-Main. They proved highly successful in Munich, Frankfurt and Stuttgart, with a total of 480 units produced.

The lack of lavatories and connections between cars made them less useful on the longer routes of the S-Bahn Rhein-Ruhr. This saw them withdrawn twice on the Rhine-Ruhr network, but they were also reintroduced twice to provide additional capacity. They are currently used on the S-68 line until at least 2023.

Starting with the introduction of the Class 423 in 1998, they were slowly replaced by more modern EMUs. The lack of in-cab signalling saw them withdrawn from Munich in 2004, but they returned in 2014 as there was not enough rolling stock for the expansion to Altomünster. As more units were phased out elsewhere, some were modernised and, now with in-cab signalling, returned to regular service on the main trunk line below Munich. This was due to an increased demand and the modernisation being considered 1/10th of the cost of new trains. They are supposed to stay in service until the second Munich trunk line is opened (currently scheduled for 2028).

2014 saw them withdrawn from Frankfurt, but late deliveries of Class 430s saw the 420 remain in Stuttgart until 2016.

The Class also saw 3 years of service in Stockholm as interim as the delivery of Class X60 trains was delayed. They were designated SL X420. The last of these units was scrapped in 2006.

One unit consists of 3 cars for a total of 458 PAX, 2400 kW and 2,300,000. Up to three units can be paired per train for a capacity of up to 1374 PAX. Included are 4 liveries, representing the different paint schemes between 1972 and today.