K set (CityRail)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The K-Set (originally known as "R" set) is a CityRail stainless steel double deck train, made by United Goninan. The "K" set introduced many new features to the suburban fleet prior to the introduction of the Tangara such as air conditioning and headlights. To accommodate the air conditioning and associated equipment, the pantograph had to be shifted to the adjacent trailer car to which the motor car is semi-permanently coupled and high voltage cables ran between the two cars. The motor cars have the same motors as the R/S Set cars, which have 4xMitsubishi 150kW motors, knuckle couplers and a maximum speed of 115km/h.
There were 80 motor cars made (C3501 to C3580), 76 trailer cars (T4171 to T4246) and 4 driving trailers (D4096 to D4099). These were manufactured in 1981-85.
There were two batches to the "K" set fleet, The first batch featured low mounted upper deck windows, brown interiors, and unpainted fronts. The second batch featured higher mounted upper deck windows, SRA "Candy" livery front, and yellow interiors, both of which have disappeared as a result of the "Citydecker" refubishment programme. Prior to the introduction of the Outer-Suburban Tangara "G" sets, some of the "K" sets from the second batch were used on the South Coast and Central Coast line (Via North Shore) peak hour services and these carriages were fitted with high back headrest seats.
Originally, the first four motor cars and driving trailers were the first to be fitted with air conditioning, later two more cars (C3550 and T4216) were also fitted with air conditioning to provide "spare" cars for the "air conditioned suburban train". All remaining "K" set cars were force ventilated until the late 1980s when the second batch (C3551/T4217-C3580/T4246) was fitted with air conditioning, this included the replacement of the "beclawat" windows with sealed non opening windows. The first batch was finally fitted with air conditioning just prior to the Sydney 2000 Olympics. However, these cars retained the "hopper" windows from its "Citydecker" refurbishment, but were sealed shut with an adhesive to avoid the loss of air conditioning.
Currently all K-Sets (K60-K99) are maintained at Hornsby Maintenance Centre and operate on Sector 3 as either four or eight car sets, there are also occasional workings of an eight car set where the other four car set is an "S" set. Six car "K" sets are very rare, but have operated in the past. The two car "K" sets (K1-K4) are used on local Newcastle services, returning to Hornsby for maintenance as needed on a rotational basis, and on such occasions, a four car "K" set is substituted on local Newcastle services.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
| CityRail fleet | |
|---|---|
| Interurban and outer suburban electric fleet | |
| Suburban electric fleet | |
|
L, R, and S sets | K set | C set | T set (Tangara) | M set (Millennium) |
|
| Regional diesel fleet | |
