Locally built versus imports.

[Dean Quick]

The recent debarcle in Melbourne regarding faults and problems with the new trains has now spread to the new trams as well. Cracking frames, brake problems and air conditioning that doesn't work properly speaks volumes of the inadequacy of cheaper overseas manufactured rollingstock. This just reinforces my view that all rollingstock where possible should be made right here at home where the locally made product has proven to be very successful. Safe and reliable trains are more important than cost.

[stephenk]

The recent debarcle in Melbourne regarding faults and problems with the new trains has now spread to the new trams as well. Cracking frames, brake problems and air conditioning that doesn't work properly speaks volumes of the inadequacy of cheaper overseas manufactured rollingstock. This just reinforces my view that all rollingstock where possible should be made right here at home where the locally made product has proven to be very successful. Safe and reliable trains are more important than cost.

I doubt that Australian built trains are any better or worse than trains built abroad. You pay for what you get, irrespective of where the product is made.

[mufreight]

Surprising as it may seem to some Australian manufactured rail equipment is recognised as being of a high standard equivalent to the best prodruced overseas and frequently in service proves more reliable than imported equipment.
The only exception to this in recent times of note has been the locos imported for the Pilbira railways which have undergone modifications from the stock American production models to suit Australian operating conditions and improve operating reliability, in some cases these modifications have then been incorperated into the production models for the American market.
The big problem is that because of the relatively small local market we rely on overseas designs which are then modified to suit local conditions.
This adds to cost frequently making the overseas manufactured equipment cheaper to buy initally but with a shorter service life and lower operating reliability.
You only get what you pay for but we would be better off long term with the equipment being built locally creating employment and getting a more suited product.