Suburban Multiple Unit (Queensland Rail)

Suburban Multiple Unit

New 260 class and refurbished 220 class at Downer EDI Rail, Maryborough in September 2010

Interior of a SMU260
Manufacturer Walkers Limited
Downer EDI Rail
Built at Maryborough
Replaced SX carriages
Constructed 1994-1995 (200)
1999-2001 (220)
2008-2011 (260)
Number built 36 carriages (200)
90 carriages (220)
105 carriages (260)
Formation 3 carriage sets
Fleet numbers 201-212 (200)
221-250 (220)
261-296 (260)
Capacity 240 (200)
236 (220-260)
Operator Queensland Rail
Specifications
Maximum speed 100 km/h (62 mph) (200-220)
130 km/h (81 mph) (260)
Weight 126.1 t (124.1 long tons; 139.0 short tons) (200)
122.1 t (120.2 long tons; 134.6 short tons) (220)
128.2 t (126.2 long tons; 141.3 short tons) (260)
Power supply (?)
Electric system(s) 25 kV AC overhead lines
Current collection method Pantograph
Braking system(s) Blended Regenerative electric and electro-pneumatic
Track gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

The Suburban Multiple Units are a class of electric multiple units manufactured by Walkers Limited/Downer EDI Rail, Maryborough for Queensland Rail's Citytrain division between 1994 and 2011. The Suburban Multiple Unit is divided into in three subclasses, sets 201-212 as the 200 series, sets 221-251 as the 220 series, and sets 261-296, as the 260 series.

Formation

A Suburban Multiple Unit is a three-car set, with the lead car being a Driving Control Car fitted with motors (numbered 5), the middle car being a motor car (numbered 6) with Pantograph fitted, and the Driving Control Trailer Car (numbered 8)[1] Like most trains in the Citytrain fleet, two three-car SMUs can be attached together to form one six-car set. The 200 series and 220 series are interoperable, and can both operate together in revenue service as a six-car set.

History

SMU205 at Bowen Hills in August 2006
SMU248 at Nambour in August 2006
SMU265 at Nambour in March 2009

200 series

The SMU200 series were introduced in 1994 due to a rollingstock shortage after an increase in Citytrain services. Twelve were built by Walkers Limited, Maryborough with electrical equipment supplied by ABB. The trains are numbered SMU201-SMU212. All have driving cabs at both ends and have buttons to open the doors as opposed to handles for the EMU sets.

220 series

The SMU220 series were introduced into service in August 1999 to cater for service increases on recently upgraded lines such as the Caboolture line triplication from Northgate to Lawnton. The SMU220s replaced the last remaining loco-hauled SX carriages suburban services in Brisbane. The trains are numbered SMU221-SMU250. All have driving cabs at both ends. These cars were manufactured by Walkers Limited in partnership with ADtranz.

Refurbishment

Currently, older SMUs are undergoing progressive re-configuration to seating, lighting and hand-rail arrangements to allow easier access to the elderly, parents with prams and people with disabilities, which includes people in wheelchairs.[2] Older SMUs are being refurbished to comply with the Australian Disability Discrimination Act 1992.[3]

260 series

In 2005 eight SMU260 class sets were ordered from Downer EDI Rail, Maryborough to cater for increased demand. These were followed by an additional 14 sets. In March 2009 an additional 20 sets were ordered.[4][5]

The first entered service in August 2008.

References

  1. ↑ QROTI SMU Queensland's Railways on the Internet
  2. ↑ Modern air-conditioned trains retrieved 30 March 2010
  3. ↑ General Information - Disability Access retrieved 30 March 2010
  4. ↑ Bombardier Awarded Contract for a Further 60 EMU Cars for Queensland Rail in Australia Bombardier Transportation 9 March 2009
  5. ↑ Bombardier Awarded Queensland Rail Carriage Contract Railway Technology 10 March 2009
Wikimedia Commons has media related to SMU 200 series).
Wikimedia Commons has media related to SMU 220 series).
Wikimedia Commons has media related to SMU 260 series).

External links