Millennium train
|
|
The Millennium train "M" Set is CityRail's (Sydney) newest member of the electric fleet (4th generation train), manufactured by EDi Rail, in Newcastle. The Millennium train was put into service from June 2002 after extensive testing and replaced ageing 1960s Tulloch trailers, all of which were withdrawn by March 2004. The Millennium Trains, like the Tangara is a four car consist, with the middle two cars being non-control motor cars and the two outer cars being driving control trailer cars fitted with the pantograph. The Millennium train is equipped with an AC drive system, whereas the Tangara has a DC drive system (except G7). Two four car sets can be combined to form eight car set. During periods of extensive testing and initial revenue service, the train ran as four car sets, with eight car sets commencing service towards 2003 after further testing.
The Millennium trains have come under fire for having several technical problems and causing problems with the Sydney rail network, they have been referred to in the media reports as The "Milemon" because of the problems. Some of the problems have been caused by insufficient power supply on the overhead to cope with the power demands of such technolgically advanced trains. There have been various incidents relating to the train to shutting down because of the power it needs to draw from the overhead wiring, which is much more than the other trains in the CityRail fleet.
The Millennium trains were withdrawn from service briefly in April 2003 while the problems were been rectified and a full audit was carried out. They were subsequently reintroduced into service in June 2003 and have since been operating on sector 2. As of 5th November 2004, a total of 31 x four car sets have been delivered and entered revenue service. The Millennium Train is maintained in its own maintenence centre at Eveleigh, near Central Station. As part of the contract, the manufacturer EDi Rail, has a 15 year contract to maintain the trains, while the rest of the CityRail fleet is maintained at the other maintenence centres located at Mortdale, Flemington and Hornsby and the MainTrain overhaul centre in Auburn.
While the Millennium train concept is an evolution of the Tangara (manufactured by Goninan), the Millennium train introduced new features such as internal electronic destination indicators, automated DVA (digital voice announcements) for upcoming stops, reversible seating, surveillance cameras, wider stairways and a new safety yellow colour scheme for doors etc. The Millenium train colour scheme was the basis of CityRail new corporate image from 2003, which are being gradually applied to the entire fleet.
External links
- CityRail (http://www.cityrail.info)
- CityRail's Fleet (http://www.cityrail.info/aboutus/trains/index.jsp) - CityRail webpage of its rollingstock.
- CityRail's Millenium Train (http://www.cityrail.info/aboutus/m_train/index.jsp) - CityRail webpage of the Millenium Train.
- NSW Audit Office: Millenium Train Project. (http://www.audit.nsw.gov.au/perfaud-rep/Year-2002-2003/MillenniumTrain-June2003/MillennTrain-Contents.html)