Next generation railcars for Transperth

[bullswool]

It's still there as of 5:30pm today. Visible from Kensington St, but not in a good position for photos.

[Bus Suggestions]

Morning all,
I had time to kill yesterday, so I scoped out the LXR works up to Cannington (might talk about that in the appropriate thread). On the way back, I took the 51 down Graham Farmer, to be met with a pleasant surprise at Claisebrook: the fourth C-Series unit, set 130, was sitting in the stow roads right up the back, albeit in a position that made it terrible to get photos. I tried anyway, bringing the D3100 up to Lord St bridge:


Walked around the back but to no avail, embankment (and fencing) made it impossible to get photos without looking suspicious, or outright trespassing. If anyone's headed past or has talked with relevant staff, would appreciate an update on whether or not its still sitting there today.

[Bus Suggestions]

The first C-Series sets are set to enter service "within weeks" (SAUCE: 7 News)

[TP1462]

The first C-Series sets are set to enter service "within weeks" (SAUCE: 7 News)

To clarify they’re commencing full system wide driver training and orientation including along the Yanchep rail extension they’re not entering service, the report is incorrect


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[busdriver12]

The first C-Series sets are set to enter service "within weeks" (SAUCE: 7 News)

To clarify they’re commencing full system wide driver training and orientation including along the Yanchep rail extension they’re not entering service, the report is incorrect


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I certainly wouldn't trust a tabloid news service as a reliable source of information.

[TP1462]

To clarify they’re commencing full system wide driver training and orientation including along the Yanchep rail extension they’re not entering service, the report is incorrect


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I certainly wouldn't trust a tabloid news service as a reliable source of information.

I think they’ll most likely enter service when the Yanchep extension opens in June or July with the first service being set 129 or set 130. They also have to train them up in the A & B series along the extension as well


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[Bus Suggestions]

Thanks for the clarification TP1462, I'd posted based on a quick clip on the news as the only information I had.

I certainly wouldn't trust a tabloid news service as a reliable source of information.

I should've known better than to trust news from the ever-reliable Worst Australian.

Speaking of, the newspaper have an article up online regarding their supposed entry into service which, as with all interesting news, is paywalled - I've been able to get the content out of it, though it really doesn't confirm anything that we didn't already know and might not be worth your time:

Metronet rail cars made in WA ready to debut
Made-in-WA rail cars that were part of Labor’s original Metronet plans in 2017 will start operating within weeks. Testing started last June, six months behind schedule.

The State Government says the new milestone is proof the Metronet expansion – that now has a total cost exceeding $11 billion — is gathering pace and fulfils a long-standing aspiration for local manufacturing, based in Bellevue. More than 200 people are directly employed at the rail manufacturing facility.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti says more than a dozen local businesses have also gained work, manufacturing key components including fuel tanks, pantographs and 400 passenger seats per rail car.

“It’s all helping to rebuild our capacity in the rail industry,” she said.
“The Metronet program more broadly is in the peak delivery phase.”

C-series railcars will start servicing the Mandurah rail line in February, and the Yanchep extension that is due to open within months. Northern platforms at the new Bayswater train station and the Morley to Ellenbrook rail line are now due to open by the end of this year. But the Byford rail extension, that has closed the Armadale line, and the new Thornlie to Cockburn link will not be finished before the next state election in March 2025.

I find it amusing how the only direct quote from anyone relevant to the project (being Rita Saffioti) doesn't even talk about them being ready to enter service. A handful of further inconsistencies:

• "Testing started last June, six months behind schedule," according to the article, which would render this video of set 127 testing between Burswood and Perth Stadium five months prior being a farce, evidently.
• "...400 passenger seats per rail car" would be nice, although a bit of a tight squeeze. More realistic is just over 400 seats per six-car set.
• "...start servicing the Mandurah rail line in February," seemingly not continuing to Butler. Looks like an oversight.
• "The Byford rail extension, that has closed the Armadale line," looks like another oversight. An extension at the end of the line wouldn't necessitate closing the entire line. That might have something to do with the large billboards between Carlisle and Beckenham talking about grade separating the railway crossings between the two stations...
• "...will not be finished before the next state election in March 2025," as if calling it an "18-month shutdown" was just a random naming choice.

There's also an opinion piece about Metronet by the same author about turning it from "a myth to reality," as if there isn't already physical evidence of construction and works progressing in reality. I'd try to get the content out of it, but I think I've read enough of The Worst Australian for today. [end ramble]
In all fairness however, given that the first four sets have been delivered (though only two are currently fitted for passenger service to my knowledge), I wouldn't be surprised if they enter service in the first quarter of the year.

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In other, more concrete news, set 130 has been observed testing across the network since at least yesterday, with the journey pattern on both days appearing to be Nowergup >> High Wycombe >> Fremantle >> Cockburn >> Nowergup.

[TP1462]

In other, more concrete news, set 130 has been observed testing across the network since at least yesterday, with the journey pattern on both days appearing to be Nowergup >> High Wycombe >> Fremantle >> Cockburn >> Nowergup.

Speaking of set 130 here’s some footage, the information displays show the track speed and outdoor temperature presumably other bits of useful information as well which is quite cool

https://youtu.be/msPaNsK62pk?si=BW32WpXuRDZ2aHa1


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[tonyp]

In other, more concrete news, set 130 has been observed testing across the network since at least yesterday, with the journey pattern on both days appearing to be Nowergup >> High Wycombe >> Fremantle >> Cockburn >> Nowergup.

Speaking of set 130 here’s some footage, the information displays show the track speed and outdoor temperature presumably other bits of useful information as well which is quite cool

https://youtu.be/msPaNsK62pk?si=BW32WpXuRDZ2aHa1


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Very similar to Sydney Metro trains now - six car consist, three doors per side per car. Similarly fast operation, similar trains, what's next?

[TP1462]

Speaking of set 130 here’s some footage, the information displays show the track speed and outdoor temperature presumably other bits of useful information as well which is quite cool

https://youtu.be/msPaNsK62pk?si=BW32WpXuRDZ2aHa1


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Very similar to Sydney Metro trains now - six car consist, three doors per side per car. Similarly fast operation, similar trains, what's next?

Really? the B series, 160/260 series, 4000 class and Vlocities also share design similarities. Melbourne’s also getting a variant of the Alstom EMU with the X’trapolis 2.0s. The C series will have a top speed of 140kp/h as well as faster acceleration than the Sydney metropolis fleet


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[tonyp]

Really? the B series, 160/260 series, 4000 class and Vlocities also share design similarities. Melbourne’s also getting a variant of the Alstom EMU with the X’trapolis 2.0s. The C series will have a top speed of 140kp/h as well as faster acceleration than the Sydney metropolis fleet

Yes all the above have general similarity as single deck commuter trains, but the first group are ex Bombardier trains with two doors per car. The C series, like the Melbourne XTrapolis, is one of the Alstom XTrapolis range, while the Sydney Metro trains are from the similar Metropolis range - all have three doors per side per car. The Sydney trains are automated and have a maximum speed of 120 km/h, but a service speed of 100 km/h is all that's required for the station spacings of the first metro line. The Perth trains require a higher service speed because of the greater station spacings on the north-south line. Acceleration of the Metropolis would be similar to that of the X'Trapolis. The average speeds of Sydney Metro services are almost identical to those of Perth services when compared on a distance/number of stops basis. Both are significantly faster than the average speeds of any other commuter train network in Australia. While the Sydney Metro trains are currently in six car consists (hence the comparison with Perth), they can be lengthened to 8 cars.

[Merc1107]

The Perth trains require a higher service speed because of the greater station spacings on the north-south line.

Except most of the Joondalup line's track speeds are 110km/h.

The difference in times along the inner section of the line between the original A sets, and newer B sets were recently compared by Traklink here - a difference that is ultimately negligible, at best. There would be a greater difference south of Cockburn, but with two additional stations, time spent at 130km/h is now less than when the line opened.

I'd be surprised if the C sets ever run at 140km/h.

[TP1462]

Really? the B series, 160/260 series, 4000 class and Vlocities also share design similarities. Melbourne’s also getting a variant of the Alstom EMU with the X’trapolis 2.0s. The C series will have a top speed of 140kp/h as well as faster acceleration than the Sydney metropolis fleet

Yes all the above have general similarity as single deck commuter trains, but the first group are ex Bombardier trains with two doors per car. The C series, like the Melbourne XTrapolis, is one of the Alstom XTrapolis range, while the Sydney Metro trains are from the similar Metropolis range - all have three doors per side per car. The Sydney trains are automated and have a maximum speed of 120 km/h, but a service speed of 100 km/h is all that's required for the station spacings of the first metro line. The Perth trains require a higher service speed because of the greater station spacings on the north-south line. Acceleration of the Metropolis would be similar to that of the X'Trapolis. The average speeds of Sydney Metro services are almost identical to those of Perth services when compared on a distance/number of stops basis. Both are significantly faster than the average speeds of any other commuter train network in Australia. While the Sydney Metro trains are currently in six car consists (hence the comparison with Perth), they can be lengthened to 8 cars.

The track speed along the Thornlie line will be 140kp/h


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[tonyp]

Except most of the Joondalup line's track speeds are 110km/h.

The difference in times along the inner section of the line between the original A sets, and newer B sets were recently compared by Traklink here - a difference that is ultimately negligible, at best. There would be a greater difference south of Cockburn, but with two additional stations, time spent at 130km/h is now less than when the line opened.

I'd be surprised if the C sets ever run at 140km/h.

140 is just a bit of reserve over a 130 line speed. You wouldn't want to increase the maximum speed much more as a change in gearing could start to affect acceleration and acceleration is one of the most important factors in an urban commuter operation.

[tonyp]

The track speed along the Thornlie line will be 140kp/h

I don't see how it could be when it's only 15 km Thornlie to Cockburn with two intermediate stations.

[TP1462]

The track speed along the Thornlie line will be 140kp/h

I don't see how it could be when it's only 15 km Thornlie to Cockburn with two intermediate stations.

Honestly it beats me probably because it’s not a freeway right of way


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[Bus Suggestions]

C-Series set 130 has been daylight testing between Whitfords and Cockburn over the past two weeks or so, stopping at every station and opening doors opposite from the platform so nobody gets on. Has caused some confusion and head turns on the platform, but other than the squeaky brakes (which are merely a byproduct of the brake pads not having worn in properly yet), nothing out of the ordinary for a new train. Have noted much stronger acceleration compared to the B-Series, which should improve on-time running. Judging by how much its been out and about for, we should be very close to entry into service.

[Bus Suggestions]

What a beautiful way to start the morning - we officially have an introduction date for the C-Series!

All aboard! First METRONET C-series train ready for passengers
19 March 2024

In a major milestone for local manufacturing in Western Australia, the State's first locally built and manufactured METRONET C-series train is now ready for passenger services.

• First locally built METRONET C-series train will enter service on Monday April 8
• C-series train will operate on the Mandurah and Joondalup train lines
• A total 246 new C-series railcars will be locally built and manufactured in WA
• The $257 million contract to expand the Bellevue Railcar Manufacturing and Maintenance Facility has been awarded
• Community can enter a lottery to ride first train on Sunday April 7

In a major milestone for local manufacturing in Western Australia, the State's first locally built and manufactured METRONET C-series train is now ready for passenger services.

The first C-series train will commence services on Monday April 8, operating on the Mandurah and Joondalup Train Lines.

The new 143-metre train is fitted out with close to 400 seats and is capable of carrying more than 1000 passengers. Once operational, the six-car C-series train will manage more than 103,000 daily passenger boardings.

Passengers will be able to enjoy additional doors for better access, modern passenger display information and USB ports under select seats in the six-car sets.

When the first new C-series train enters operation, it will be the first locally manufactured and built train to join the rail network in more than 30 years, with the State Government currently meeting its 50 per cent local content target, a significant increase on the two to three per cent local content on the previous B-series under the Liberal-National Government.

The decision to bring railcar manufacturing back to WA was a key commitment of the Labor Government and is helping to create employment opportunities and grow manufacturing capabilities within the State's rail industry.

To commemorate the occasion, the first C-series train will take part in a commemorative 'first journey' on Sunday April 7. Community members will be able to enter a lottery to take part, with 150 places up for grabs.

There are currently more than 150 people directly employed at the METRONET Bellevue Railcar Manufacturing Facility.

Each C-series train is being built and manufactured locally at the Bellevue Railcar Manufacturing Facility, while more than 15 WA businesses across industrial areas in Perth are working to provide components for the railcars including:

• Bogie frames (Hofmann Engineering - Bassendean);
• Battery boxes (Aerison – Forrestfield);
• Pantographs (mounts on the roof of the train that connect with the overhead line) (Austbreck - Kewdale);
• Passenger seats (McConnell - Bayswater);
• Piping (Parker Hannifin - Welshpool); and
• Metallic components (Unique Metal - Wangara).

Over the duration of the 10-year railcar contract, 246 new C-series railcars (41 trains) and six new Australind railcars will be built (two trains), helping to meet the growing demand for train services.

The Government also announced today that a planned expansion of the Bellevue facility had begun, with a contract recently being awarded to EastRail.

The expansion will see new diesel maintenance facilities constructed that will support regional trains including the Prospector, Avonlink and Australind.

The expansion will also see new maintenance facilities built for the existing B-series passenger trains, including two external train wash buildings, internal cleaning roads including platforms for ease of access, additional stowage roads, and a wheel lathe facility for machining, finishing, upkeep, and restoration of train wheels.

Community members can enter the lottery to ride the first C-series train via the My Say Transport website.

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"This is a really proud moment for Western Australia, with the first locally built and manufactured train ready to commence passenger services.

"Bringing local railcar manufacturing back to WA was a major undertaking, but our Government made the commitment because we knew it would drive new job opportunities, help to diversify our economy and grow the State's capabilities in the rail industry.

"It's been a really long journey to reach this point - from making the commitment in opposition, to delivering the new railcar manufacturing facility and now having the first train ready to take passengers. I am thrilled the wider community will now be able to share in this journey and jump on board the first train to be built and manufactured in WA in more than 30 years.

"When people step onboard the new C-series, it won't simply be a train journey from A to B, it will be a moment of pride in knowing the train has been built and manufactured by Western Australians for Western Australians."