| NZR EM/ET class | |
|---|---|
EM1367 leading a southbound four-car train on the Hutt Valley Line. Photograph by Joseph Christianson. |
|
| In service | 1982-present |
| Manufacturer | Ganz-Mavag, Budapest, Hungary (electrical components were supplied by GEC traction, United Kingdom) |
| Constructed | 1979-1982 |
| Entered service | May 1982 |
| Refurbishment | Tranz Rail 1996-2002 and Metlink/Tranz Metro 2010-2018 |
| Number built | 44 two-car units |
| Number in service | 43 |
| Formation | 1 EM class + 1 ET class per set |
| Fleet numbers | EM1004-1528 ET3004-3528 |
| Capacity | 148 (sitting) |
| Operator | Tranz Metro |
| Line(s) served | Kapiti Line, Hutt Valley Line, Melling Line |
| Specifications | |
| Car length | 20.7 metres (68 ft) |
| Maximum speed | 100 km/h (62 mph) |
| Weight | 35.9 tonnes (35.3 long tons) |
| Power output | 400 kW (540 hp) |
| Electric system(s) | 1500V DC overhead |
| Braking system(s) | Westinghouse "Westcode" electro-pneumatic brakes and Westinghouse automatic air brakes [1] |
| Gauge | 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) Cape gauge |
The NZR EM/ET class is a type of electric multiple unit used on suburban services in Wellington, New Zealand. They are owned by the Greater Wellington Regional Council and operated by Tranz Metro, a division of national railway operator KiwiRail.[2]
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 Kapiti Line and Hutt Valley Line services, and on the Melling Line.
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The cost of 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;[3] due to their limited braking power on the steep grades.[4]
Two EM class units have visited Johnsonville on test trains; on 14 June 1992 EM1004/ET3004 were towed behind shunter DSC 2285, and EM1056/ET3056 under its own power on 18 April 2010. The 2010 run was a trial to check clearances for the new Matangi units.[5]
Three units were involved in a collision north of Plimmerton on 30 September 2010. The northbound unit (EM1010/ET3010 + EM1154/ET1154) derailed as a result of hitting a slip caused by heavy rain and became foul of the southbound line. Less than one minute after derailing the unit was struck by a southbound unit (EM1223/ET3223) which did not derail but caused extensive damage to both cabs.
A total of 60 passengers and crew were on the two units. Two people were hospitalised. The drivers of the two trains were father and son.[6]
The damaged units were towed back to the EMU depot north of Wellington station. Since then EM1010 and ET 3223 have been marshalled together to form a unit, with ET3223 renumbered ET3010. Though an announcement has not been made it is expected that the damaged cars, EM1223 and the original ET3010, will not be repaired but will be used as a parts source for the rest of the fleet.
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 - 2009.[7] The prototype refurbished unit was completed at the end of 2010.[8]
Unit EM1373/ET3373 has been fully refurbished to ascertain unit costs and gauge public opinion. It has been repainted in Metlink's livery, similar to that of the Matangi. A decision to refurbish others in the fleet was made on 10 March 2011 as part of an $88 million rail upgrade package, instead of purchasing more Matangi.[9] Following the refurbishment, ownership of the fleet will be transferred to the Greater Wellington Regional Council.[9]
| Key: | In service | Out of service | Auckland Transport service | Preserved | Overhaul | Scrapped |
|---|
| EM number | ET number | Introduced | Livery | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1004 | 3004 | August 1982 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1010 | 3010 | July 1982 | Tranz Rail blue | Involved in collision, 30 September 2010. Returned to service with former ET3223 renumbered ET3010 |
| 1027 | 3027 | June 1982 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1056 | 3056 | August 1982 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1062 | 3062 | June 1982 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1079 | 3079 | June 1982 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1085 | 3085 | July 1982 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1091 | 3091 | July 1982 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1102 | 3102 | June 1982 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1119 | 3119 | August 1982 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1131 | 3131 | May 1982 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1148 | 3148 | August 1982 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1154 | 3154 | August 1982 | Tranz Rail blue | Involved in collision, 30 September 2010. Was at rear of train, not damaged |
| 1160 | 3160 | August 1982 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1177 | 3177 | August 1982 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1183 | 3183 | August 1982 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1217 | 3217 | October 1982 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1223 | 3223 | October 1982 | Tranz Rail blue | Involved in collision, 30 September 2010. ET3223 renumbered ET3010 |
| 1246 | 3246 | September 1982 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1252 | 3252 | September 1982 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1269 | 3269 | September 1982 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1281 | 3281 | October 1982 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1298 | 3298 | November 1982 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1309 | 3309 | October 1982 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1315 | 3315 | November 1982 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1321 | 3321 | November 1982 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1338 | 3338 | December 1982 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1344 | 3344 | December 1982 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1350 | 3350 | December 1982 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1367 | 3367 | December 1982 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1373 | 3373 | December 1982 | Metlink | First Metlink refurbishment.[10] Back in service October 2010.[11] |
| 1396 | 3396 | December 1982 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1407 | 3407 | December 1982 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1413 | 3413 | January 1983 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1436 | 3436 | January 1983 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1442 | 3442 | January 1983 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1459 | 3459 | February 1983 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1465 | 3465 | February 1983 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1471 | 3471 | February 1983 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1488 | 3488 | February 1983 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1494 | 3494 | February 1983 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1505 | 3505 | March 1983 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1511 | 3511 | March 1983 | Tranz Rail blue | |
| 1528 | 3528 | March 1983 | Tranz Rail blue |