CP series 0400-0450 diesel multiple units

Built by what used to be Sorefame.

The CP 0400 series diesel multiple units entered service with Companhia dos Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses between 1965 and 1966 and, following their modernisation in 1999, formed the current 0450 series.

In January 1963, a financing contract was signed with Eurofirma – Société Européenne pour le Financement de Matériel Ferroviaire – for the acquisition of the new trains that would make up the CP 0400 series, with the former Sorefame designated as the manufacturer.

The acquisition of these railcars represented another important step in the strategy to modernise CP’s rolling stock fleet and the railways in Portugal, continuing the replacement of steam traction with diesel.

Built by the former Sorefame in Amadora, the 19 new UDDs (Double Diesel Units) of the CP 0401 to 0419 series consisted of two carriages in a power car plus trailer configuration, with each carriage equipped with a front-mounted driver’s cab.

Built with a stainless steel body and capable of travelling at a maximum speed of 110 km/h, they featured a bar service, a small kitchen for preparing light meals, and a van for transporting luggage and small retail goods. Fitted with two Rolls-Royce engines, the new railcars had a capacity of 185 passengers, of whom 40 were in 1st class and 145 in 2nd class. They were also designed to operate in multiple units of up to three multiple units (six coaches). At the time, they were considered the most modern and luxurious in CP’s fleet of self-propelled rolling stock, having pioneered the use of self-ventilated disc brakes.

In the 1990s, the fleet was repainted in shades of dark blue on the upper sections and around the windows, with two red stripes at window level and running the length of the unit. Towards the end of that decade, the CP 0400 series underwent a comprehensive modernisation programme. The diesel engines were replaced, the interiors were refurbished, and air conditioning, sealed windows and automatic-closing doors were installed. The entire fleet was repainted in shades of light blue on the upper sections and at window level, whilst retaining the two red stripes. The CP logo was painted red.

This refurbishment gave rise to the new CP 0451 to 469 series, which entered commercial service in 1999.  Later, part of the fleet was given a yellow livery with black stripes at the top and a black CP logo, and the interiors were refurbished.
Throughout their long service, they operated across virtually the entire length of the country, from north to south.

Particularly noteworthy is their presence on the Porto-Braga route and on the Minho and Douro lines, where, in addition to regional services, they provided international connections to Spain. The gradual electrification of the Portuguese rail network and the arrival of new diesel and electric multiple units contributed to the decline in the influence of the 0400 and 0450 series.

Currently, the entire CP 0450 series remains in service, providing commercial services on the Algarve and Alentejo lines, with occasional operations on the Oeste Line.