Electric multiple unit (Queensland Rail)
| Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) | |
|---|---|
 QR EMU 17 at Bethania railway station June 2012 |
|
| In service | 1979 – current |
| Manufacturer | ABB/Walkers |
| Number built | 88 |
| Number in service | 87 |
| Fleet numbers | 01-88 |
| Capacity | 248 Seating per 3-car set 252 Standing per 3-car set 500 Total per 3-car set |
| Operator | Queensland Rail |
| Specifications | |
| Train length | 72.4m (3-car set) |
| Doors | Push button operation |
| Maximum speed | 100 km/h (62 mph) |
| Weight | 117,800 kg (260,000 lb) |
| Power supply | Overhead power lines |
| Braking system(s) | Blended Regenerative electric and electro-pneumatic |
| Track gauge | 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) |
Electric Multiple Unit are an electric multiple-unit commuter trains operated by QR Citytrain in South East Queensland, Australia. They were the first EMUs in Queensland entering service from 1979 and remain in service today.
All units feature Air-conditioning, power operated automatic closing doors, fabric covered padded seating, emergency intercoms and a public address system.
Contents |
History [edit]
These were the first EMUs in Queensland, entering revenue service when the Brisbane rail network was electrified in 1979.[1] The EMUs were progressively introduced into service between 1979 and 1987.[2]
Current Operation [edit]
EMUs still constitute close to half of the Citytrain fleet and are in regular and frequent usage. They operate on all Citytrain suburban lines in 3 or 6 car sets. EMU01-EMU04, EMU06-EMU59 and EMU80-EMU88 have driving cabs at both ends and can either operate as a 3 car or 6 car unit. Units EMU60-EMU79 have only a single driving cab, and as a result, they can operate only as a 6-car unit (although they have been seen on duty as a 3-car set). EMU05 was extensively damaged in 2001 and is no longer in service.
Although intended only for suburban operation they are regularly found operating interurban services on the Nambour and Gympie North Line and occasionally on the Gold Coast Line, due to a shortage of interurban rollingstock.
EMUs are interoperable with InterCity Express units to form hybrid sets.
Alterations [edit]
Progressive upgrading has been, and continues to be, performed on all Electric Multiple Units in service. Many of the upgrades are focused towards compliance with disability standards,[3] although some are general improvements.
As these trains are set to be in operation in the foreseeable future QR continues to implement standardisation measures on the EMUs and periodically refurbish the interiors and drive equipment.
General improvements [edit]
Due to the age of the trains some changes have been made to running equipment for operational or maintenance reasons.
All driving cabs have been modified to accept flat panels of glass on the sides rather than the original molded panels and bumpers to reduce damage in collisions, particularly with animals.
Dot-matrix destination signs have replaced the original flip type.
Disability Compliance [edit]
The Queensland Rail EMUs were introduced before the Australian Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and originally featured very few of the disability standards introduced in the intervening years. As such significant alterations have been, or are planned to be, made to bring these legacy units into compliance.
The original Seating arrangements have been altered surrounding the front-most and rear-most doors of the train as these areas are used as assisted boarding points. Some seats have been removed and others replaced with auto retract folding types to create more space for passengers in wheelchairs. Additional handrails surrounding the new wheelchair spaces have been added for safety. The seating arrangement is unchanged elsewhere inside the trains.
All units are to be retrofitted with push-button operated doors, phasing out turn handle operation by 2013. Many have already been upgraded. The replacement buttons feature integrated lighting and small speakers. Different flashes and beeps are emitted to alert passengers when the doors are activated or closing. The display that informs passengers that the doors have been released has also been changed to reflect the upgrade.
Dot-Matrix displays are also being added alongside new automated voice announcement systems. These systems are used to address passengers with information such as the current and next station as well as alerting passengers where to transfer for other services.
Many signs have been changed to include braille for sight impaired passengers.
Derailments [edit]
On 23 March 1985 two QR EMUs collided head on near Trinder Park.[4][5] A train driver and a passenger were killed, 31 others were injured. The units involved were EMU11 and EMU27[citation needed], both were repaired and are still in service today.
On 14 March 1996 EMU28 derailed after hitting a freight train near the Mayne rail yards.[6] EMU 28 was later repaired and returned to service.
On 21 September 2001 a freight train derailed near Petrie and collided with two empty EMUs,[7] EMU05 and EMU60[citation needed]. Two carriages of EMU05 and one carriage of EMU60 were badly damaged and are no longer in service[citation needed]. The remaining three carriages were combined and returned to service as EMU60[citation needed].
References [edit]
 |
This article needs additional citations for verification. (April 2010) |
- ^ "Modern competitive railway". History. Queensland Rail. Archived from the original on 22 July 2008. Retrieved 16 August 2008.
- ^ "Electric Mulitple Unit". Fleet Information. Queensland Rail. Retrieved 20 July 2010.
- ^ "QR Accessible Passenger Rail Services Action Plan 2007 2012(plain text version).". Disability Upgrades. Australian Human Rights Commission. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
- ^ "Brisbane's rail smash 'cover-up'". The Courier-Mail. Retrieved 29 February 2012.
- ^ "1985 Derailment Beenleigh Branch.". Internet archive link. Railscene.com. Retrieved 29 February 2012.
- ^ "1996 Mayne Derailment.". Internet archive link. Railscene.com. Retrieved 29 February 2012.
- ^ "2001 Petrie Derailment.". Internet archive link. Railscene.com. Retrieved 29 February 2012.
External links [edit]
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