CityRail H set
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| (OSCAR)Outer Suburban Cars | |
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 OSCAR set H3 at Sydney Central's platform 1. |
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 Lower deck, complete with plush fabric seats |
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| In service | 2006 - present |
| Manufacturer | United Goninan |
| Constructed | 2006 - present |
| Formation | 4 and 8 car |
| Capacity | 102 + 110 (lavatory cars) + 118 (trailers) |
| Operator | RailCorp as the product group CityRail |
| Specifications | |
| Car length | 20.340 metres |
| Width | 3.034 meters |
| Height | 4.403 meters |
| Weight | 47 tonnes |
| Gauge | 1435 mm (4 ft 8½ in) |
The H Set or OSCAR (short form for Outer Suburban CARs) is a class of electric multiple unit operated by CityRail in New South Wales, Australia. These cars will run on the intermediate outer suburban service area (South Coast, Blue Mountains and Central Coast lines), falling short of true interurban trains but exceeding the definition of suburban trains. The cars are constructed by United Goninan and delivery is ongoing.
The H set design is based on the suburban Millennium Train but is more suited for longer distances on Intercity lines. This is similar to the way the outer-suburban G Set Tangaras were a modification of the suburban T Set Tangaras, although the Millennium is manufactured by EDI Rail, and the OSCARs by United Goninan. The layout and features of the OSCARs are similar to the G Set Tangaras.
The OSCARs will allow the G Sets to be redeployed to add to suburban services in high demand areas including the Western Line and build up some existing six-car train services to eight-car train services to provide extra seats on the network. The OSCARs have also allowed some V Set trains to be built up from four to six cars.[1]
Contents |
[edit] Delivery
The order placed was for 122 cars:
- Non Driving Power Cars - ON 5901-5930 - 118 seats
- Non Driving Power Cars - ONL 5951-5980 - 110 seats and Lavatory
- Driving Trailer Cars - OD 6901-6962 - 102 seats and Pantograph
This forms 30 4 car sets with 2 spare Driving Tailers.
The OSCARs were late in starting service as Cityrail wanted to test the trains carefully. The Millennium train had begun service before testing had uncovered all technical issues, resulting in it being withdrawn from service while the problems were rectified. On August 5, 2006, OSCAR set H3 was opened for inspection to the public, as part of Sydney Central Station's Centenary celebrations.
[edit] South Coast
On Friday 15 December 2006, the OSCARs commenced revenue service between Central and Wollongong on Thursdays and Fridays. A few months later, OSCARs operated the services on all weekdays. Their progressive entry into service allows the Tangara G Sets to be redeployed on services to Wyong and Springwood. From 30 April 2007, they were introduced on other services, but the original OSCAR service was changed back to its timetabled G Set. 8 Car operation started on 26 November 2007. OSCARs will operate over 278 services between Sydney, Wollongong, Kiama and Port Kembla.[citation needed]
[edit] Central Coast
H sets were introduced on the Newcastle and Central Coast line between Sydney and Gosford on April 8, 2008, with 8 Car operation. The OSCARs are expected to replace the G sets on the Central Coast line so that the Tangaras can be redeployed back into suburban service, they will also supplement the V sets.
[edit] Features
There are many similarities between the OSCARs and the Millennium Trains, including improved electronic destination boards, internal destination boards displaying stopping patterns, Digital Voice Announcements and security cameras. The OSCARs also have additional features to increase comfort on the longer journeys they operate. These include high back seating with padded head-rests, retractable footrests, luggage racks and a wheelchair-accessible toilet. Wheelchair seating is available in the vestibules, while 3x2 seating is provided in the upper and lower deck sections.
The OSCARs also include several new safety features. The doors on older rolling stock such as V Sets and G Sets are all unlocked at every station (even short platforms). V Sets have doors which must be slid open for alighting/boarding and G Sets have push buttons. However on the H Set, the guard is able to select the number of doors to be opened at a station. This feature is aimed at preventing incidents where passengers may fall from the carriage when stopped at a short platform. The H sets have been fitted with "Dellner SP" couplings, compatible with the Millennium Trains and the new Hunter Railcars. They are able to absorb the impact of a collision, and the anti-climbers on the H Sets will also reduce the force of impact. The trains also have a different body design. Instead of the entire body being of the same design, such as the Tangara, the driver's cab is built like a protective cage, made of fibreglass, which stretches to the end of the guard's door. The rest of the train is made from conventional stainless steel.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Additional carriages added to Blue Mountains Line services CityRail News
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[edit] External links
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