Testing
All 78 Waratah trains, their components and systems are being thoroughly tested, from the brakes, motors and doors to the on-board communications systems. This ensures the new fleet meets performance requirements and is integrated smoothly into passenger service.
The program involves thousands of kilometres of safety and performance testing on the CityRail network prior to the trains commencing passenger service.
Most tests on the network will be conducted in the off-peak periods at night. Track test locations are chosen to allow the Waratah trains to be performance tested at different speeds and across a range of environments, with different track grades and curvatures.
The Waratah prototype test train
The four-carriage prototype test train was a key part of the testing program to assist with the smooth introduction of Sydney's next generation train fleet into service for commuters.
This pre-production test train was used to fine tune key systems for the Waratah train, such as the traction motor and brakes. Network trials began in Sydney in May 2010, following initial testing in Newcastle. The prototype trials were completed in August 2010, when testing on the first eight-carriage train began on the CityRail network.
All 78 Waratah trains, their components and systems are being thoroughly tested, from the brakes, motors and doors to the on-board communications systems. This ensures the new fleet meets performance requirements and is integrated smoothly into passenger service.
The program involves thousands of kilometres of safety and performance testing on the CityRail network prior to the trains commencing passenger service.
Most tests on the network will be conducted in the off-peak periods at night. Track test locations are chosen to allow the Waratah trains to be performance tested at different speeds and across a range of environments, with different track grades and curvatures.
The Waratah prototype test train
The four-carriage prototype test train was a key part of the testing program to assist with the smooth introduction of Sydney's next generation train fleet into service for commuters.
This pre-production test train was used to fine tune key systems for the Waratah train, such as the traction motor and brakes. Network trials began in Sydney in May 2010, following initial testing in Newcastle. The prototype trials were completed in August 2010, when testing on the first eight-carriage train began on the CityRail network.
Fast facts:
• The prototype train will be built to the same engineering design as the Waratah trains with its features to include cabs, bogies, traction motors, doors, windows, air-conditioning units and electrical auxiliary supply.
• The prototype train undertook testing on the CityRail network in off-peak periods to avoid delays or interruptions to schedule passenger services.
• The prototype train was not fitted out internally and instead carried test benches for personnel undertaking the network trials and ballasted weights during network trials to replicate the same mass as an eight-car train.