Pre-production test train
A four-carriage pre-production test train is a key initiative to support the smooth introduction of Sydney’s next generation train fleet into service for commuters.
The pre-production test train will tune key systems, primarily the traction motor and brakes, and their integration on the Sydney’s CityRail network. These network trials will begin from early 2010.
These network trials will provide an advanced platform for testing systems and components on the first trains, assisting the smooth introduction to service and aiding the long-term reliability of the fleet.
The partially-built stainless steel carriages were fabricated by Asia’s largest passenger rail vehicle manufacturer, Changchun Railway Vehicles Co (CRC), in China and transported by sea to Newcastle.
Final manufacturing and assembly, and testing of the prototype train will be undertaken at the Downer EDI Rail manufacturing facility at Cardiff.
At Cardiff, two of the carriages will be fitted with driver’s cabs and all four will have traction inverters and electrical auxiliary power supply installed. The prototype will not be fitted out internally and will not be available for passenger service for the CityRail network trials.
The train will be maintained at the purpose-built maintenance facility at Auburn during its network trials.
Ultimately, the two motor cars on the pre-production test train will be incorporated into the fleet, and the two driver trailer cars will be used as spares for the fleet.
A four-carriage pre-production test train is a key initiative to support the smooth introduction of Sydney’s next generation train fleet into service for commuters.
The pre-production test train will tune key systems, primarily the traction motor and brakes, and their integration on the Sydney’s CityRail network. These network trials will begin from early 2010.
These network trials will provide an advanced platform for testing systems and components on the first trains, assisting the smooth introduction to service and aiding the long-term reliability of the fleet.
The partially-built stainless steel carriages were fabricated by Asia’s largest passenger rail vehicle manufacturer, Changchun Railway Vehicles Co (CRC), in China and transported by sea to Newcastle.
Final manufacturing and assembly, and testing of the prototype train will be undertaken at the Downer EDI Rail manufacturing facility at Cardiff.
At Cardiff, two of the carriages will be fitted with driver’s cabs and all four will have traction inverters and electrical auxiliary power supply installed. The prototype will not be fitted out internally and will not be available for passenger service for the CityRail network trials.
The train will be maintained at the purpose-built maintenance facility at Auburn during its network trials.
Ultimately, the two motor cars on the pre-production test train will be incorporated into the fleet, and the two driver trailer cars will be used as spares for the fleet.
Fast facts:
• The pre-production train will be built to the same engineering design as the A set trains with its features to include cabs, bogies, traction motors, doors, windows, air-conditioning units and electrical auxiliary supply.
• The pre-production train will undertake testing on the CityRail network in off-peak periods to avoid delays or interruptions to schedule passenger services.
• The internal fit-out of the pre-production train will not have the passenger amenities (i.e. seats) as the final trains. Instead, it will carry test benches for personnel undertaking the network trials and ballasted weights during network trials to replicate the same mass as a final eight-car train.
• The pre-production train will be built to the same engineering design as the A set trains with its features to include cabs, bogies, traction motors, doors, windows, air-conditioning units and electrical auxiliary supply.
• The pre-production train will undertake testing on the CityRail network in off-peak periods to avoid delays or interruptions to schedule passenger services.
• The internal fit-out of the pre-production train will not have the passenger amenities (i.e. seats) as the final trains. Instead, it will carry test benches for personnel undertaking the network trials and ballasted weights during network trials to replicate the same mass as a final eight-car train.