Article: Italian narrow gauge operator orders Stadler trains

[ozbob]

From the Railway Gazette click here!

Italian narrow gauge operator orders Stadler trains


http://www.railwaygazette.com/typo3temp/pics/de4731fa17.jpg

Italian narrow gauge operator orders Stadler trains
11 April 2011

ITALY: Ferrovie Appulo Lucane has ordered nine Stadler diesel multiple-units for its 183 km network of 950 mm gauge lines in Puglia and Basilicata.

Stadler will deliver four three-car and five two-car units between February and June 2013 under the €43·8m contract signed on March 29.

To be based on five units ordered by Ferrovie della Calabria in 2007, the 100 km/h Stage IIIA compliant DMUs will be 50% low-floor, with wheelchair and bicycle spaces. The two-car units will have 92 fixed and eight flip seats, while the three-car units will have 147 seats and 10 flip seats.

The order takes the number of trainsets Stadler has sold in Italy to more than 100.

950mm is 3 ft 1 3⁄8 in gauge

[ozbob]

These are the sort of units that could do a nice service between Rosewood and Helidon.  I don't think there would be any issue with the gauge difference, just be a matter of replacing the bogies with 3'6" ones ..

[somebody]

These are the sort of units that could do a nice service between Rosewood and Helidon.  I don't think there would be any issue with the gauge difference, just be a matter of replacing the bogies with 3'6" ones ..

Yes but why?

If you are getting between Rosewood and Helidon, why endure the current Little Liverpool range alignment?  If you are re-aligning, then throw in some wires and you don't need to break the all electric network.

[ozbob]

If you are getting between Rosewood and Helidon, why endure the current Little Liverpool range alignment?  If you are re-aligning, then throw in some wires and you don't need to break the all electric network.

I think it will be some time before that occurs. 

A few of these units could see a service in place almost immediately.  They would be useful in places like Townsville as well I would expect.  The old rail motor services to Helidon worked well, with coordinated bus to Toowoomba. 

[somebody]

I think the Warrego Hwy provides formidable opposition.