New Generation Rollingstock
| New Generation Rollingstock | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Bombardier Transportation |
| Built at | Savli |
| Replaced | Electric Multiple Unit |
| Constructed | 2015-18 |
| Number under construction | 420 carriages (70 units) |
| Number built | 30 carriages (5 units) |
| Number in service | 0 units |
| Formation | 6 carriage sets |
| Fleet numbers | 701-775 |
| Operator(s) | Queensland Rail |
| Depot(s) | Wulkuraka |
| Specifications | |
| Maximum speed | 140 km/h (87 mph) |
| Electric system(s) | 25 kV AC overhead lines |
| Current collection method | Pantograph |
| Track gauge | 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) |
The New Generation Rollingstock is a class of electric multiple units being manufactured by Bombardier Transportation in Savli, India for Queensland Rail's City network division.
History
In January 2014, the Queensland Government awarded a contract for 75 six carriage electric multiple units to the Qtectic consortium of Bombardier Transportation, John Laing and Itochu under a 32-year public private partnership.[1][2][3]
The first was delivered in February 2016, with all to be in service by December 2018. They are being built in Savli, India, in exactly the same facility where the new carriages for the Delhi Metro network are being built. [4][5]
The design is based on the Adelaide Metro A-City Class 4000 Electric Multiple Units,[5] except they are each fitted with nose cones that are designed to resemble the two types of Tilt Train for improved aerodynamic performance as opposed to the exposed Scharfenberg Couplers used by the existing fleet. The trains will be maintained in a custom built depot in Wulkuraka.[6][7] The new trains will replace the Electric Multiple Unit and InterCity Express fleets and increase the size of the fleet by 30%. The new trains will have features like high backed seats, new safety straps for bike storage, additional storage space underneath the seats for luggage, mobility toilet with baby changing table in the middle of the train, and will be fitted with Wi-fi for every carriage. Because they are permanently coupled six car sets, passengers will be able to walk the entire length of the train, meaning it will eliminate the need to couple with another set. These sets are the first in the fleet to feature LED display screens in every carriage for safety messages, journey information and allocated advertising. They will be used on all City network services,[4][8] especially interurban lines such as the Nambour and Gympie North line and the Gold Coast line.
After receiving five sets from India so far, the trains have uncovered a series of faults and design flaws that need to be ironed out, where some drivers experienced difficulties seeing out of the drivers window, where to stop at on station platforms. The sets currently at Wulkuraka's Maintenance facility have found the trains to be 16 tonnes underweight because some of the train components were not installed. The trains expected to be enter service have been delayed until at least early 2017, with the rollout timeframe extended to 2019.
References
- ↑ Bombardier Consortium Wins Multi-billion Contract for Queensland New Generation Rollingstock Project Bombardier 29 January 2014
- ↑ Bombardier NRG Consortium wins $4.4bn contract for Queensland New Generation Rollingstock Project Urbanalyst 4 February 2014
- ↑ "Bombardier-led consortium is Queensland New Generation Rollingstock contract winner" Railway Digest February 2014 page 6
- 1 2 New Generation Rollingstock Department of Transport & Main Roads
- 1 2 "Queensland NGR EMU cars shipped from Mumbai". Railway Gazette. 1 February 2016.
- ↑ New Generation Rollingstock - Wulkuraka Queensland Rail
- ↑ "Work commences on Wulkuraka NGR maintenance centre" Railway Digest June 2014 page 14
- ↑ "First Queensland New Generation Rollingstock EMU arrives in Brisbane, maintenance centre officially opened" Railway Digest April 2016 page 31