3000 class railcar
Encyclopedia
The "3000" class railcar is the main workhorse of TransAdelaide
's suburban passenger operations in Adelaide
, South Australia
. There are two variants: 3000 series, featuring a cab at each end, and 3100 series with one cab.
3000 series cars can run single unit, while 3100s run in sets of two. 3000's can also be found running multiple at times. A single 3000 and 3100 makes a 3 car train, while four 3000s or two 3000s and a single 3100, or 2x 3100s can make up a four car train. Usually a single 3100 is joined to a 3000 to make a 2 car train and often happens when the other 3100 is getting serviced.Trains of over 4 cars are very rarely seen today; 6 cars is the limit. Sometimes but on rare occasions a three car set can be all 3100 railcars. This involves one full 3100 set and another 3100 coupled to the front. This will happen if its partner needs maintenance. For example: #3133 was coupled to #3131-#3132 and this ran the show shuttle on the first day of the show in 2011. http://members.tripod.com/BenBWAIN/rail/TA/3000.htm
Seventy cars were introduced into service between 1987 and 1996 with the first 20 built by Comeng
between 1987 and 1989 numbered #3001-#3008 and #3101-#3112. Visually similar to Melbourne
's Comeng trains, the 3000 class' main differences are that they are diesel-electric and that the Melbourne units have three double doors in each side with consequent rearrangement of the side windows.
The basic design was inspired by the previously operated Redhen railcar
s, particularly the drivers ends. In 1992, orders for 50 new railcars were placed to replace the Redhens and Clyde built the remaining 50 railcars numbered #3009-#3030 and #3113-#3140. All railcars have a bare metal stainless steel body with the Adelaide Metro
livery at each end covered by yellow decals instead of paint. The decals are used because paint does not stick to bare stainless steel and so graffiti can be easily removed without stripping off any paint. The ends are fibreglass.
In the 2008/09 State Budget it was announced that most of Adelaide's railway lines will be electrified
within the next 8–10 years, and that 58 of the 70 3000/3100 class railcars will be converted to electric operation.
s so they can operate on the Belair railway line. All of the 3000/3100 cars will be refurbished, which includes buttons to open the doors, upgraded seating and upgraded CCTV. Railcars that have been refurbished are numbered: #3001, #3002, #3003, #3004, #3005, #3006, #3007, #3008, #3009, #3010, #3011, #3012, #3013, #3014, #3015, #3016, #3017, #3018, #3024, #3027, #3101-#3102, #3103-#3104, #3105-#3106, #3107-#3108, #3109-#3110, #3111-#3112, #3113-#3114, #3115-#3116, #3117-#3118, #3119-#3120, #3121-#3122, #3123-#3124, #3125-#3126, #3127-#3128.
Some announcements of the refurbished railcars include:
There are four entrances with two sliding doors each (contrast with Melbourne's similar Comeng type which has six entrances with two sliding doors each). Doors are individually numbered with odds on one side and evens on the other. After release by the driver or PSA (Passenger Service Assistant), passengers manually slide doors open with the handle. Doors close automatically when the driver presses the close button. On the refurbished railcars the doors open and close automatically with passengers being able to open the door by pressing a button near the doors inside and outside. This makes the doors emit an audible warning tone and the lights around the button flash when opening and closing. On 4 car trains, doors can be overridden by PSAs who often hang out the door as the train drives away.
All railcars are fitted with CCTV surveillance to help deter and catch criminals. All railcars are fitted with an emergency brake; misuse carries a $500 fine. On the refurbished railcars, they are now fitted with emegency door releases and an intercom to the driver.
Seats are generally arranged facing each other, in 2+3 configuration, however near the doors seats face across the train. All of these are special purpose seats, reserved for elderly or disabled, while some fold up for bikes and wheelchairs; wheelchair ramps are locked in a white box near one of the doors. A 3000 car has approximately 100 seats, while a 3100 has approximately 110. Seat design is almost identical to that of the Melbourne Comeng
trains before their refurbishment. On the Refurbished railcars the side with 3 seats face each other, but the side with two seats is in rows.
All cars are air conditioned, the return being at the end of the cars (not near the doors). Unlike Melbourne's Comeng trains that have a single layer of glass. The 3000/3100's Windows are double-glazed which helps maintain the temperature. Flooring varies between two styles of solid flooring - one with round tactile bumps, the other one smooth. When refurbished all the floors will be smooth in a light blue colour.
When refurbished all 3000 trains will have bright yellow handles, automatic "next stop" announcements with an LED display showing the name of the line and the next stop at both ends of the railcars.
The trains are equipped with AWS - Automatic Warning System
. An audible warning is made when approaching a signal. For green signals it is a "ding". All other signals (red, yellow, flashing yellow, green with turnout) produce a buzz which continues to sound until acknowledged by the driver by pressing a button. A cab indicator can show a black disk or a yellow and black "exploding" disk, known as the "AWS sunflower. AWS only intervenes on a red signal when an acknowledgement is not made.
The horn is activated by pushing sideways on a small toggle. The horn is used before departing stations, as well as near level crossing
s and other places when required, particularly where maintenance work is being carried out in a carriageway. A sign with a large 'W' and the word 'Gang' is placed a distance up the track on both sides to alert the driver that work is being performed in the carriageway and they need to signal to the work crew that the train is approaching. The driver will continue to sound the horn at small intervals until one or more of the crew on the line raise a hand to acknowledge they have seen the oncoming train.
The cabin is offset to the left of the train facing outwards. On the opposite side is a seat for two, which is for staff when the cab is occupied. Cabins are accessed via the interior. Two doors separate the cab from the passengers. When in the middle of a consist, the double-seat is accessible for passengers, but the direct cab door is locked.
Cabins are activated by key. Activation switches off the ceiling lights in the cab (to reduce glare at night) and activates the gauges.
Door control buttons are fitted in the driver's cab, as well as a PA
microphone and switch for making announcements. For large sets, 1 or 2 PSAs (Passenger Service Assistants or guards) assist from the last car, operating the doors from a panel next to the door. During driver-only operation, the driver is also required to deploy a portable ramp for wheelchairs.
Drivers can watch boarding activity via a mirror on the left side of the cabin and a closed-circuit TV with the camera being on the right side of the front of the car facing to the rear. Cameras are located on every car. Each station contains a curved mirror, except for the stations Adelaide and Mawson Lakes.
(HEP) unit. The mechanicals are all located beneath the carbody, except for radiators which are located on the roof. The main generator also provides main power for air conditioning
and interior lighting. When the engine is switched off, interior lighting is disabled. The engine is started in the cab by battery power. They feature a 400kVA gen-set
powering traction motors on one bogie of each car.
The 3000 class are less prone to emitting a black plume of smoke when accelerating, unlike the 2000 class railcar
s.
3000 class bogies are built by Comeng
. The riding quality of these bogies is excellent due to the airbag secondary suspension that is fitted. All 3000 class railcars are fitted with electro-magnetic track brake
s, which are comparatively rare on trains, though they are commonly found on tram
s. They are operated separately from the normal mechanical and dynamic braking.
Trains are equipped with fully automatic "Scharfenburg" couplers
. Buttons for coupling and releasing these devices are located in the driver's cabs. Coupling is sometimes done at Adelaide station, requiring an extra staff member to flag the driver as well as to connect the safety chains. This feature adds to the versatility that allows anything from single (3000) unit operation to multiple unit operation of up to six cars. Many other suburban trains do not offer such flexibility.
Headlights are mounted at the top of the car, two lights in the centre. There are no marker lights at the front; however, there are red marker lights for the rear located on the upper corners.
There are metal steps up the side of the car to each door, but they are not used by passengers. Only by drivers in the railcar depots. They are illuminated by lights at night.
TransAdelaide
TransAdelaide was a publicly owned corporation which provided suburban train and tram services in Adelaide, South Australia, under contract to the Government of South Australia....
's suburban passenger operations in Adelaide
Adelaide
Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia and the fifth-largest city in Australia. Adelaide has an estimated population of more than 1.2 million...
, South Australia
South Australia
South Australia is a state of Australia in the southern central part of the country. It covers some of the most arid parts of the continent; with a total land area of , it is the fourth largest of Australia's six states and two territories.South Australia shares borders with all of the mainland...
. There are two variants: 3000 series, featuring a cab at each end, and 3100 series with one cab.
3000 series cars can run single unit, while 3100s run in sets of two. 3000's can also be found running multiple at times. A single 3000 and 3100 makes a 3 car train, while four 3000s or two 3000s and a single 3100, or 2x 3100s can make up a four car train. Usually a single 3100 is joined to a 3000 to make a 2 car train and often happens when the other 3100 is getting serviced.Trains of over 4 cars are very rarely seen today; 6 cars is the limit. Sometimes but on rare occasions a three car set can be all 3100 railcars. This involves one full 3100 set and another 3100 coupled to the front. This will happen if its partner needs maintenance. For example: #3133 was coupled to #3131-#3132 and this ran the show shuttle on the first day of the show in 2011. http://members.tripod.com/BenBWAIN/rail/TA/3000.htm
History
Commonwealth Engineering
The Commonwealth Engineering Company Limited is the brand name of a former Australian Engineering Company that designed Locomotives, Electrical Multiple Units , Diesel Multiple Units and Trams.-History:...
between 1987 and 1989 numbered #3001-#3008 and #3101-#3112. Visually similar to Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
's Comeng trains, the 3000 class' main differences are that they are diesel-electric and that the Melbourne units have three double doors in each side with consequent rearrangement of the side windows.
The basic design was inspired by the previously operated Redhen railcar
Redhen railcar
A Redhen is a type of diesel railcar, formerly used on the suburban railway system in Adelaide, South Australia. Redhens were the backbone of Adelaide’s metropolitan rail system between the late 1950s and the early 1990s...
s, particularly the drivers ends. In 1992, orders for 50 new railcars were placed to replace the Redhens and Clyde built the remaining 50 railcars numbered #3009-#3030 and #3113-#3140. All railcars have a bare metal stainless steel body with the Adelaide Metro
Adelaide Metro
Adelaide Metro is the public transport system of the South Australian capital of Adelaide and the brand name of the Public Transport Division of the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure. It is an intermodal system with services provided by bus, tram or commuter rail throughout the...
livery at each end covered by yellow decals instead of paint. The decals are used because paint does not stick to bare stainless steel and so graffiti can be easily removed without stripping off any paint. The ends are fibreglass.
In the 2008/09 State Budget it was announced that most of Adelaide's railway lines will be electrified
Railway electrification system
A railway electrification system supplies electrical energy to railway locomotives and multiple units as well as trams so that they can operate without having an on-board prime mover. There are several different electrification systems in use throughout the world...
within the next 8–10 years, and that 58 of the 70 3000/3100 class railcars will be converted to electric operation.
Refurbished 3000/3100 class railcars
Twelve 3000/3100 class railcars will keep their diesel engineDiesel engine
A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...
s so they can operate on the Belair railway line. All of the 3000/3100 cars will be refurbished, which includes buttons to open the doors, upgraded seating and upgraded CCTV. Railcars that have been refurbished are numbered: #3001, #3002, #3003, #3004, #3005, #3006, #3007, #3008, #3009, #3010, #3011, #3012, #3013, #3014, #3015, #3016, #3017, #3018, #3024, #3027, #3101-#3102, #3103-#3104, #3105-#3106, #3107-#3108, #3109-#3110, #3111-#3112, #3113-#3114, #3115-#3116, #3117-#3118, #3119-#3120, #3121-#3122, #3123-#3124, #3125-#3126, #3127-#3128.
Some announcements of the refurbished railcars include:
- Alight here for local bus services.
- This train will terminate here.
- Change for trains to.
- The next stop is
- Alight here for the interstate rail terminal (Keswick station only).
Passenger compartment
All railcars are fitted with CCTV surveillance to help deter and catch criminals. All railcars are fitted with an emergency brake; misuse carries a $500 fine. On the refurbished railcars, they are now fitted with emegency door releases and an intercom to the driver.
Seats are generally arranged facing each other, in 2+3 configuration, however near the doors seats face across the train. All of these are special purpose seats, reserved for elderly or disabled, while some fold up for bikes and wheelchairs; wheelchair ramps are locked in a white box near one of the doors. A 3000 car has approximately 100 seats, while a 3100 has approximately 110. Seat design is almost identical to that of the Melbourne Comeng
Comeng
The Comeng train is a type of electric train that operates on the suburban railway network of Melbourne, Australia. They first appeared on the network in VicRail "teacup" livery in 1981 to replace the last of the then-60 year old Tait trains. More were ordered after the failed refurbishment and...
trains before their refurbishment. On the Refurbished railcars the side with 3 seats face each other, but the side with two seats is in rows.
All cars are air conditioned, the return being at the end of the cars (not near the doors). Unlike Melbourne's Comeng trains that have a single layer of glass. The 3000/3100's Windows are double-glazed which helps maintain the temperature. Flooring varies between two styles of solid flooring - one with round tactile bumps, the other one smooth. When refurbished all the floors will be smooth in a light blue colour.
When refurbished all 3000 trains will have bright yellow handles, automatic "next stop" announcements with an LED display showing the name of the line and the next stop at both ends of the railcars.
Driving
The train is controlled via a combined power handle: when the driver pulls forward it increases power, and when the driver pushes back it increases braking effort. Traction power is interlocked with the doors, meaning the train will not move until the doors are fully closed.The trains are equipped with AWS - Automatic Warning System
Automatic Warning System
The Automatic Warning System is a form of limited cab signalling and train protection system introduced in 1956 in the United Kingdom to help train drivers observe and obey signals. It was based on a 1930 system developed by Alfred Ernest Hudd and marketed as the "Strowger-Hudd" system...
. An audible warning is made when approaching a signal. For green signals it is a "ding". All other signals (red, yellow, flashing yellow, green with turnout) produce a buzz which continues to sound until acknowledged by the driver by pressing a button. A cab indicator can show a black disk or a yellow and black "exploding" disk, known as the "AWS sunflower. AWS only intervenes on a red signal when an acknowledgement is not made.
The horn is activated by pushing sideways on a small toggle. The horn is used before departing stations, as well as near level crossing
Level crossing
A level crossing occurs where a railway line is intersected by a road or path onone level, without recourse to a bridge or tunnel. It is a type of at-grade intersection. The term also applies when a light rail line with separate right-of-way or reserved track crosses a road in the same fashion...
s and other places when required, particularly where maintenance work is being carried out in a carriageway. A sign with a large 'W' and the word 'Gang' is placed a distance up the track on both sides to alert the driver that work is being performed in the carriageway and they need to signal to the work crew that the train is approaching. The driver will continue to sound the horn at small intervals until one or more of the crew on the line raise a hand to acknowledge they have seen the oncoming train.
The cabin is offset to the left of the train facing outwards. On the opposite side is a seat for two, which is for staff when the cab is occupied. Cabins are accessed via the interior. Two doors separate the cab from the passengers. When in the middle of a consist, the double-seat is accessible for passengers, but the direct cab door is locked.
Cabins are activated by key. Activation switches off the ceiling lights in the cab (to reduce glare at night) and activates the gauges.
Door control buttons are fitted in the driver's cab, as well as a PA
Public address
A public address system is an electronic amplification system with a mixer, amplifier and loudspeakers, used to reinforce a sound source, e.g., a person giving a speech, a DJ playing prerecorded music, and distributing the sound throughout a venue or building.Simple PA systems are often used in...
microphone and switch for making announcements. For large sets, 1 or 2 PSAs (Passenger Service Assistants or guards) assist from the last car, operating the doors from a panel next to the door. During driver-only operation, the driver is also required to deploy a portable ramp for wheelchairs.
Drivers can watch boarding activity via a mirror on the left side of the cabin and a closed-circuit TV with the camera being on the right side of the front of the car facing to the rear. Cameras are located on every car. Each station contains a curved mirror, except for the stations Adelaide and Mawson Lakes.
Mechanics
Each railcar features a 475hp V12 twin turbo direct injection diesel engine that operates at an almost constant RPM, the engines only power one bogie per car. The engine is located underneath the floor, just offset from the middle and is connected to a generator which powers the bogie at the opposite end of the car. Under load they produce more vibration and noise, but usually do not change pitch (speed) remaining at a constant 1500rpm. In addition the air conditioning fan will slightly fluctuate when the unit is accelerating, which suggests there is no dedicated head end powerHead end power
Head end power or electric train supply is a rail transport term for the electrical power distribution system on a passenger train. The power source, usually a locomotive at the front or “head” of a train or a generator car, generates all the electricity used for lighting, electrical and other...
(HEP) unit. The mechanicals are all located beneath the carbody, except for radiators which are located on the roof. The main generator also provides main power for air conditioning
Air conditioning
An air conditioner is a home appliance, system, or mechanism designed to dehumidify and extract heat from an area. The cooling is done using a simple refrigeration cycle...
and interior lighting. When the engine is switched off, interior lighting is disabled. The engine is started in the cab by battery power. They feature a 400kVA gen-set
Engine-generator
An engine-generator is the combination of an electrical generator and an engine mounted together to form a single piece of equipment. This combination is also called an engine-generator set or a gen-set...
powering traction motors on one bogie of each car.
The 3000 class are less prone to emitting a black plume of smoke when accelerating, unlike the 2000 class railcar
2000 class railcar
The "2000" class railcars are self-propelled diesel railcars which are used by TransAdelaide on the Adelaide metropolitan rail network. The body shell design was based on the Budd SPV2000, Metroliner and Amfleet cars but the 2000 class railcars have a slightly different curve to the Amfleet. They...
s.
3000 class bogies are built by Comeng
Comeng
The Comeng train is a type of electric train that operates on the suburban railway network of Melbourne, Australia. They first appeared on the network in VicRail "teacup" livery in 1981 to replace the last of the then-60 year old Tait trains. More were ordered after the failed refurbishment and...
. The riding quality of these bogies is excellent due to the airbag secondary suspension that is fitted. All 3000 class railcars are fitted with electro-magnetic track brake
Track brake
Track brakes are a form of brakes unique to railborne vehicles. The braking force derives from the friction resulting from the application of wood or metal braking shoes directly to the tracks...
s, which are comparatively rare on trains, though they are commonly found on tram
Tram
A tram is a passenger rail vehicle which runs on tracks along public urban streets and also sometimes on separate rights of way. It may also run between cities and/or towns , and/or partially grade separated even in the cities...
s. They are operated separately from the normal mechanical and dynamic braking.
Trains are equipped with fully automatic "Scharfenburg" couplers
Coupling (railway)
A coupling is a mechanism for connecting rolling stock in a train. The design of the coupler is standard, and is almost as important as the railway gauge, since flexibility and convenience are maximised if all rolling stock can be coupled together.The equipment that connects the couplings to the...
. Buttons for coupling and releasing these devices are located in the driver's cabs. Coupling is sometimes done at Adelaide station, requiring an extra staff member to flag the driver as well as to connect the safety chains. This feature adds to the versatility that allows anything from single (3000) unit operation to multiple unit operation of up to six cars. Many other suburban trains do not offer such flexibility.
Headlights are mounted at the top of the car, two lights in the centre. There are no marker lights at the front; however, there are red marker lights for the rear located on the upper corners.
There are metal steps up the side of the car to each door, but they are not used by passengers. Only by drivers in the railcar depots. They are illuminated by lights at night.
3000 class
| 3000-class Railcars | |
|---|---|
| Track Gauge: | Broad Gauge Broad gauge Broad-gauge railways use a track gauge greater than the standard gauge of .- List :For list see: List of broad gauges, by gauge and country- History :... 1600mm (5ft 3in) |
| Transmission: | Diesel-electric |
| Power Plant: | One Twin turbo-charged Mercedes Benz V-12 354 kW (475 hp) direct injection underfloor diesel engine + 400kVA alternator powering one bogie. |
| Maximum service speed: | 90 km/h (network max. speed, able to travel faster if track permits) |
| Number in class: | 30 |
| Unit numbers: | #3001 - #3030 |
| Introduced: | 1987 to 1996 |
| Built by: | #3001 - 08 Comeng #3009 - 30 Clyde GM |
| Passenger Seating Capacity Seating capacity Seating capacity refers to the number of people who can be seated in a specific space, both in terms of the physical space available, and in terms of limitations set by law. Seating capacity can be used in the description of anything ranging from an automobile that seats two to a stadium that seats... : |
106 |
| Weight: | 48 tonnes |
3100 class
| 3100-class Railcars | |
|---|---|
| Track Gauge: | Broad Gauge Broad gauge Broad-gauge railways use a track gauge greater than the standard gauge of .- List :For list see: List of broad gauges, by gauge and country- History :... 1600 mm (5 ft 3 in) |
| Transmission: | Diesel-Electric |
| Power Plant: | One Twin turbo-charged Mercedes Benz V-12 V12 engine A V12 engine is a V engine with 12 cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of six cylinders, usually but not always at a 60° angle to each other, with all 12 pistons driving a common crankshaft.... 354 kW (475 hp) direct injection underfloor diesel engine Diesel engine A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber... + 400 kVA alternator powering one bogie at the drivers cab end. |
| Maximum service speed: | 90 km/h (network max. speed, able to travel faster if track permits) |
| Number in class: | 40 |
| Unit numbers: | #3101 - #3140 |
| Introduced: | 1988 to 1996 |
| Built by: | #3101 - 12 Comeng #3113 - 40 Clyde GM |
| Passenger Seating Capacity Seating capacity Seating capacity refers to the number of people who can be seated in a specific space, both in terms of the physical space available, and in terms of limitations set by law. Seating capacity can be used in the description of anything ranging from an automobile that seats two to a stadium that seats... : |
113 |
| Weight: | 46 tonnes |
Further reading
- Further information on the 3000 and 3100 series railcar, including several interior photographs
- Australian Railway Historical Society BulletinAustralian Railway HistoryAustralian Railway History , is the premier magazine covering railway history in Australia...
, June, 1988 pp121–128