New Zealand EM class electric multiple unit
| NZR EM/ET class | |
|---|---|
 EM 1367 leading a southbound four-car set. Photo by Joseph Christianson | |
| Constructed | 1979-1982 |
| Entered service | May 1982 |
| Number built | 44 |
| Number in service | 44 |
| Specifications | |
| Car length | 20.7 metres (68 ft) |
| Braking system(s) | Westinghouse "Westcode" electro-pneumatic brakes and Westinghouse automatic air brakes [1] |
The NZR EM/ET class is a type of electric multiple unit used on suburban services in Wellington, New Zealand. They are owned and operated by Tranz Metro, a division of national railway operator KiwiRail.
The 44 two-car units, each consisting of an EM class motor car and an ET class trailer car, are used on the 1500V DC electrified lines in the Wellington urban area and Kapiti Coast. They are used mainly on Paraparaumu Line and Hutt Valley Line services, and occasionally on the Melling Line.
The cost of the the 1979 order was NZ$33 million, then the single largest order of rolling stock in New Zealand Railways' history.
The introduction of the EM class spelt the end of EW class electric locomotive-hauled passenger trains in the Wellington region (although diesel locomotives are used on the Wairarapa Line) until their temporary reintroduction in 2008. However the older English Electric DM/D class units were retained, mainly on the Melling and Johnsonville lines.
The EM class were not operated on the Johnsonville Line as they were out-of-gauge for the route. While the Johnsonville Line tunnel and platform clearances were improved in 2009, it is not envisaged that these units will be used on the line [2]; this is due to their limited braking power on the steep grades [3].
Two EM Class units have visited Johnsonville on test trains; first on 14 June 1992 towed behind shunter DSC2285 and EM1056 under its own power on 18th April 2009.
Refurbishment
In 1995 a major refurbishment programme was begun, with the class being repainted in Tranz Rail blue and yellow livery with new seats and brighter interiors. This project was completed by 2002.
In 2008 a proposed refurbishment of the units was deferred until the new Matangi units were available. The projected expenditure was $23.3 million in 2008/09 [4].
List
| EM TMS number | ET TMS number | Entered service |
|---|---|---|
| 1004 | 3004 | Aug 1982 |
| 1010 | 3010 | Jul 1982 |
| 1027 | 3027 | Jun 1982 |
| 1056 | 3056 | Aug 1982 |
| 1062 | 3062 | Jun 1982 |
| 1079 | 3079 | Jun 1982 |
| 1085 | 3085 | Jul 1982 |
| 1091 | 3091 | Jul 1982 |
| 1102 | 3102 | Jun 1982 |
| 1119 | 3119 | Aug 1982 |
| 1131 | 3131 | May 1982 |
| 1148 | 3148 | Aug 1982 |
| 1154 | 3154 | Aug 1982 |
| 1160 | 3160 | Aug 1982 |
| 1177 | 3177 | Aug 1982 |
| 1183 | 3183 | Aug 1982 |
| 1217 | 3217 | Oct 1982 |
| 1223 | 3223 | Oct 1982 |
| 1246 | 3246 | Sep 1982 |
| 1252 | 3252 | Sep 1982 |
| 1269 | 3269 | Sep 1982 |
| 1281 | 3281 | Oct 1982 |
| 1298 | 3298 | Nov 1982 |
| 1309 | 3309 | Oct 1982 |
| 1315 | 3315 | Nov 1982 |
| 1321 | 3321 | Nov 1982 |
| 1338 | 3338 | Dec 1982 |
| 1344 | 3344 | Dec 1982 |
| 1350 | 3350 | Dec 1982 |
| 1367 | 3367 | Dec 1982 |
| 1373 | 3373 | Dec 1982 |
| 1396 | 3396 | Dec 1982 |
| 1407 | 3407 | Dec 1982 |
| 1413 | 3413 | Jan 1983 |
| 1436 | 3436 | Jan 1983 |
| 1442 | 3442 | Jan 1983 |
| 1459 | 3459 | Feb 1983 |
| 1465 | 3465 | Feb 1983 |
| 1471 | 3471 | Feb 1983 |
| 1488 | 3488 | Feb 1983 |
| 1494 | 3494 | Feb 1983 |
| 1505 | 3505 | Mar 1983 |
| 1511 | 3511 | Mar 1983 |
| 1528 | 3528 | Mar 1983 |
External links
References
- Gregor, Alex W - New suburban electric trains for Wellington (July 1981 NZIE Transactions Vol. 8, No. 2/EMCh pp33-45)
- Parsons, David - New Zealand Railway Motive Power 2002 [1]
- ^ Sinclair, Roy (1992). Rail, the Great New Zealand Adventure. Grantham House Publishing. ISBN 9781869340131.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Peter Glensor of the Greater Wellington Regional Council in the Northern Courier of 17 February 2010 page 5
- ^ Ontrack staff comment on Johnsonville Line Open Day 4 February 2009
- ^ GWRC 2008/09 Annual Plan, approved 30 June 2008
