4D (train)
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The 4D (standing for Double Deck Development and Demonstration) was a prototype double deck electric train built for the Public Transport Corporation of Melbourne, Australia.
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[edit] Design
Built by Goninan in 1991, the train ran as a 4-car set, in a T-M-M-T combination. It was manufactured from stainless steel, provided air conditioning, fitted with tinted windows and inter-car doors allowing passengers to access all carriages of the entire consist. It's total passenger capacity was 996. Work was carried out on the Belgrave, Lilydale, and some other lines to accommodate the height of the 4D. It was expected that the PTC would order 19 more units from Goninan, however, this was never carried through. One of the problems with the 4D was that it was unable to run on the Epping/Hurstbridge lines, as its height prevented it from going through the Jolimont rail tunnel.
The 4D is based on the design of the Tangara train used in Sydney, but was modified to run on Melbourne's broad-gauge track (Sydney's track is standard-gauge), and to be able to be coupled with Melbourne's Comeng trains. It is the only double deck train ever used in Melbourne.
[edit] Service
The 4D was first introduced into revenue service in March 1992, after testing and a subsequent media launch. It was initially run coupled to a 3-car Comeng, until 1996, after which it was run by itself due to problems with converting it to Driver-only operation as a mixed set. (It was coupled many times again though, for towing after frequent breakdowns.) When the suburban system was split into two in 1998 in preparation for privatisation, it was allocated to Hillside Trains (later Connex).
[edit] Disposal
After spending long periods out of use, it was reintroduced into service in February 2002, lasting only three days before failing again. The 4D was then transferred to the DoI (Department of Infrastructure) and was bought by RailCorp (the New South Wales Government Rail Department who own CityRail) in 2006. CityRail runs the sister train 'Tangara'. They planned to convert the train for use in N.S.W, removing the one-off 4D components and adding on Tangara components at Goninan's Newcastle factory.
However, this did not eventuate and it was instead stored in the Newport rail workshops until by 30 March 2006, the 4D was officially scrapped at Sims Metal, in Brooklyn, Melbourne. Doors, seats, poles, and cab fittings were missing, and may have gone to RailCorp N.S.W for use on Tangara Trains. Lights, windows and destination equipment (and even old The Met stickers and maps) seem to have remained in place. [1]
[edit] External links
- ^ Railpage Australia: 4D Still at Newport... intact?. Railpage Australia (18 Mar 2006). Retrieved on March 23, 2006.
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