New Generation Rollingstock

[johnnigh]

Farewell to Maryborough?

I heard a rumour today, from an inside-outsider, that the two proponents for supply of the new train-sets have been asked to re-submit on the basis of full importation, ie, sets built in China, India or Spain, wherever, shipped in and deposited on their wheels onto QR track.

Any truth in such a rumour?

[HappyTrainGuy]

Farewell to Maryborough?

I heard a rumour today, from an inside-outsider, that the two proponents for supply of the new train-sets have been asked to re-submit on the basis of full importation, ie, sets built in China, India or Spain, wherever, shipped in and deposited on their wheels onto QR track.

Any truth in such a rumour?

Maryborough has been on the way out for ages now. Besides the few remaining Perth sets, the DTT and a couple locos they aren't really building anything. That isn't to say that they still don't do refurbs/mtce on locos/repairs etc.

Nothing new really. Its been rumored when the tender first went out. Its up to the winning tender on where they build the trains so as long as they meet the deadlines and specifications that they are made to so there isn't another fiasco that we saw happen in NSW. They can build them here or they can build them overseas. MTCE will be third party using the QR facility they will build out at Wulukurakakaura

[mufreight]

Understood that the maintenance for the NGR sets was part of the supply contract but could be wrong on that.

[HappyTrainGuy]

Yeah its part of the NGR Whole of life contract but its still a third party to QR (uses a QR built facility but operated and maintained by the third party ie the winning bidder).

[ozbob]

Want a job?

https://smartjobs.qld.gov.au/jobtools/jncustomsearch.viewFullSingle?in_organid=14904&in_jnCounter=221373941

Program Director (New Generation Rollingstock)
Transport and Main Roads (Organisation site)
Policy Planning and Investment Division; Brisbane

As Program Director for the New Generation Rollingstock project, you have a great opportunity to deliver on the government's first term commitment to provide "affordable solutions to improve Brisbane's rail network, including: Ensuring that delivery of new rollingstock will adequately meet demand".

This role is a critical leadership role in the Policy Planning and Investment division of Transport and Main Roads, both in terms of design and delivery of the project and the management of the Public Private Partnership arrangement.

As Program Director, you will establish and lead a multidisciplinary team of rail engineers and commercial and support staff.  You will prepare and deliver submissions and reports relating to planning and technical issues, and identify appropriate mitigation strategies to overcome problems or obstacles related to the sub-program of projects.  You will be a principal source of advice to the General Manager (Roads, Rail and Ports System Management) on project planning and delivery.

To be successful in this role, you will have significant proven experience in the rail industry, including commissioning and introduction of new rollingstock or similar major rail projects. You will also have demonstrated experience in managing high value commercial contracts, preferably in Public Private Partnerships contracts and proven leadership skills and ability to manage multidisciplinary teams.

--> https://smartjobs.qld.gov.au/jobtools/jncustomsearch.viewFullSingle?in_organid=14904&in_jnCounter=221373941

[Derwan]

Want a job?

The scary thing is that they're only establishing this project team now. The NGR have been "coming" for over 3 years!  From a presentation at a CRG meeting in 2009, the delivery of the 1st batch of NGR was supposed to be in July 2013 - with delivery to continue until December 2020.

QR confirmed that there will be a number of 3-car services from 20 January 2014 as there simply isn't enough rolling stock for the new timetables. 

Once again the delays and inaction of successive governments will lead to shortfalls and overcrowding.

[ozbob]

Hello hello ...

===============

Twitter

Robyn Ironside ‏@ironsider

Premier, Treasurer and Transport Minister inspecting plans for new rollingstock to be built by Bombardier. http://t.co/MpecsVOx72

[ozbob]

Confirmed with Ms. Ironside that this is the NGR ... 75 sets (6 car) delivery 2015-2018  ...

It must be Christmas!! 

Hope they have sanders ... 

[ozbob]

Ozbob opens a Christmas Crownie and toasts Bombardier ... and steam engines, BUMs and UBATs 

To land the trifecta we now need fare reform ..

[ozbob]

Twitter

Scott Emerson ‏@scottemersonmp 2m

With @theqldpremier @TimNichollsMP @RobCavMP @SeanChoatMP to announce 75 new 6-car trains to be delivered from 2015. http://t.co/ZvKwYEDR9w

[STB]

Ozbob opens a Christmas Crownie and toasts Bombardier ... and steam engines, BUMs and UBATs 

To land the trifecta we now need fare reform ..

I'd also include duplication of the Sunshine Coast and Cleveland lines on that list, and I'll be happy.  Trouts Road eventually will be a bonus if that gets up and running   .

[ozbob]

http://www.scottemerson.com.au/media/media-releases/413-preferred-tenderer-for-new-queensland-trains.html

Preferred tenderer for new Queensland trains

18 November 2013

The delivery of 75 new six-car trains for the Queensland fleet is a step closer with Bombardier NGR Consortium being announced as the preferred tenderer.

Premier Campbell Newman said the fleet would be a boost to public transport and would be built to operate on the new and innovative Underground Bus and Train project.

"The New Generation Rollingstock project is the largest order of new trains in Queensland and lives up to this Government's election promise to deliver better planning and infrastructure," Mr Newman said.

"Unlike the previous Labor government we are committed to increasing capacity on our growing network not driving people away by slugging them with 15 per cent fare increases.

"The day after announcing one of the most innovative public transport solutions in the world, we are getting on with the job of delivering a new passenger fleet to travel on the steeper slopes needed for the Underground Bus and Train project."

Treasurer Tim Nicholls said the Government was securing the best deal for Queensland by using an availability payment public-private partnership finance option.

"There has been a rigorous procurement process with tenderers having to demonstrate value for money and innovation in their bids," Mr Nicholls said.

"The project team has entered into negotiations with the Bombardier NGR Consortium, comprising Bombardier Transportation Australia, John Laing, ITOCHU Corporation and Uberior."

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said all 75 trains were to be delivered and in service by December 2018 boosting the existing train fleet to meet the growing demand for rail services in south-east Queensland.

"The contract includes purchasing 75 new six-car trains, maintenance of the trains for a period of around 30 years, and construction and maintenance of a modern, purpose-built maintenance centre at Wulkuraka in Ipswich," Mr Emerson said.

"The contract will be finalised in the coming months with the testing of the first completed train expected to commence in late 2015."

Transport and Main Roads is delivering the project in partnership with Projects Queensland.

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast Line is a major item for 2014 ... don't you worry about that!

Cleveland after that.  Automatic train protection (ATP) / signalling improvements needs to be considered as well.

Light rail extension to heavy rail on the Gold Coast ...

[ozbob]

New Generation Rollingstock --> http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/ngr

[red dragin]

"Labor did nothing" but on the gov website it says the process started in 2011 :confidential

Hope they build them quicker than they are building the Adeliade trains!

[James]

I'd also include duplication of the Sunshine Coast and Cleveland lines on that list, and I'll be happy.  Trouts Road eventually will be a bonus if that gets up and running   .

I think we shouldn't be too greedy, it completes about half of the rail network puzzle (1/3 being fare reform, and 1/6 being weekend 7am - 7pm 15 minute frequency). Next focuses for the rail network should be quad Salisbury - Kuraby (preferably further), and duplication Beerburrum - Landsbourough. Cleveland duplication is a bit further off (Sector II proves that you can run 15 minute frequency on the outer Cleveland line if really necessary), but still on the radar.

But this is a great step forward. Hopefully the government doesn't fund the purchase of any new buses, especially for BCC. More feeders and track amplification for greater frequency!

[Old Northern Road]

Steeper slopes? Does that mean that the existing trains won't be able to run in the new tunnel?

[SurfRail]

Steeper slopes? Does that mean that the existing trains won't be able to run in the new tunnel?

The EMUs were probably always going to find it tough no matter which iteration of the project ended up being built.  I expect the fleet might end up being heavily sectorised by type in future.

[Gazza]

^I'm guessing the EMUs would find their home on Sector 2, given the lower speeds on all those lines (Barring GC Runs,)

Springfield is signboarded for 140 so ideally you wouldn't have any EMUs going out there.

[Arnz]

Older IMUs (140km/h rated) also do pop up on Springfield runs frequently (the morning peak run from and back to Nambour).  I've also seen IMus operate to/from Springfield during the day before they end up back on the Airport-GC corridor for the afternoon peak, or one of the late afternoon peak runs to Nambour

Springfield will also gain a afternoon Nambour service post Jan 20, so there's another afternoon IMU.  (The new 4:22pm service ex Central is a modified extension and replacement of a existing Richlands-Caboolture service).

Edit: I meant Richlands rather pre Springfield opening.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland Government awards big manufacturing contract to overseas consortium

SCORES of new trainsordered by the State Government will be built overseas by a German-based consortium.

Bombardier NGR consortium was named as the successful bidder to deliver 75 new six-car trains from late 2015 for the Queensland Rail network.

Premier Campbell Newman would not detailthe cost of the project yesterday but said it was significantly less than it would have been under the previous government.

"They're not going to be built in Queensland, I ­acknowledge that," he said.

"The background of that was Downer at Maryborough were part of the process initially and they chose to withdraw from the tender process.

"Having said that, they have got contractual work from this government (for the new Sunlander and tilt train carriages)." ...

More --> Couriermail

[Gazza]

Pics.

Main differences are a more sloped front end, but my favourite part is Destos on the outside of the train next to each door:

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/Projects/N/New%20Generation%20Rollingstock/NGRexterior2.ashx
http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/Projects/N/New%20Generation%20Rollingstock/NGRexterior1.ashx
http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/Projects/N/New%20Generation%20Rollingstock/NGRtraininterior2.ashx
http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/Projects/N/New%20Generation%20Rollingstock/NGRtraininterior1.ashx

[SurfRail]

Buttons on the actual doors is a good move too.

[Jonno]

Premier Campbell Newman would not detailthe cost of the project yesterday but said it was significantly less than it would have been under the previous government.

There is absolute no proof that this is the case Good Ol Campbell "I brought bitchiness to politics" Newman!!

[Gazza]

But if deliveries start in 2015, then the first few trains would go to MBRL, and then by 2018 you would be progressivley retiring the EMUs.

Shame to see the EMUs go.

A lot of the older trains in Sydney and Melbourne are a bit crap and unreliable.

The EMUs aren't.

[#Metro]

A lot of the older trains in Sydney and Melbourne are a bit cr%p and unreliable.

The EMUs aren't.

Restaurant Trains? Run them late at night on Fridays and Saturdays. Gold Coast (Coolangatta to Kippa ring or Shornecliffe).

[HappyTrainGuy]

I read else where that all 75 trains to be in service by Dec 2018, how does this go for MBRL?

As expected.

The EMU's have their own issues unfortunately and some of the SMU's aren't too far behind.

[Arnz]

A safe bet that at least 2x 3-car EMUs (1x 6-car) may be kept for preservation, similar to the SX set.  Pull them out on Ekka runs and occasional charters.

[SurfRail]

A safe bet that at least 2x 3-car EMUs (1x 6-car) may be kept for preservation, similar to the SX set.  Pull them out on Ekka runs and occasional charters.

Fortunately with preservation of rollingstock largely a government endeavour up here that shouldn't be much of a problem.  There is probably not much chance of SETS running any actual trains for a LONG while.

[QRIG]

A safe bet that at least 2x 3-car EMUs (1x 6-car) may be kept for preservation, similar to the SX set.  Pull them out on Ekka runs and occasional charters.

Fortunately with preservation of rollingstock largely a government endeavour up here that shouldn't be much of a problem.  There is probably not much chance of SETS running any actual trains for a LONG while.

yes, when it comes to rail hertitage in Qld I feel its very socialist approach and let the govt do it, same with steam train runs in SEQ. Down south its different, if people don't fight to preserve/run something and raise the cash to do so privately, its scrap/doesn't roll.

FRom the end of the decade on (maybe before), we will probably have retirement of EMU, ICE and maybe SMU's not far behind and we also have a number of EL's. Perhaps its time for a "SETS" of Qld, known as "BETS" to somehow come into existance.

Regards
Shane

There is already some movement towards electric preservation in Queensland, albeit obtaining any thing electric at the moment would cost a fortune as the locomotives are still commercially viable overseas (ie. 3100/3200s and the 3300/3400s).

[BrizCommuter]

It's the season for BrizCommuter negativity! This time concerning the number of doors per car side on the NGR.
http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/next-generation-rollingstock-not-enough.html

[Golliwog]

It's the season for BrizCommuter negativity! This time concerning the number of doors per car side on the NGR.
http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/next-generation-rollingstock-not-enough.html

I guess it all depends on what they want to use them for. Long distance, less doors and more seats is good.

[#Metro]

I agree with BC. It's the parochial exeptionalism that "we're a country town" and "what other cities do is irrelevant, we're different". Cut the seats and add more doors.

[red dragin]

Could it be as simple as maintaining the timetable. NGR with 3 doors per car would still have to adhere to the same time table as a longer dwelling 2 door per car.

[minbrisbane]

Could it be as simple as maintaining the timetable. NGR with 3 doors per car would still have to adhere to the same time table as a longer dwelling 2 door per car.

Good point.  If for example the 15 minute frequency services could be segregated and operated completely with 3 door units only, it'd allow those timetables to be modified.

Reminds me of a previous plan...

[Golliwog]

Forgive me if it has been answered previously but is the plan for the fixed car sets to have station staff help put out the ramps for wheelchair passengers as required, or will they need to have 2 sets of wheelchair waiting zones depending on what type of train you'll be boarding?

[petey3801]

Forgive me if it has been answered previously but is the plan for the fixed car sets to have station staff help put out the ramps for wheelchair passengers as required, or will they need to have 2 sets of wheelchair waiting zones depending on what type of train you'll be boarding?

QR are currently looking to have guards in the rear of all trains by the time the NGR trains come along, so won't need two sets of waiting points.

[BrizCommuter]

Hello
Anyone advocating 3 door trains in QR land needs to go to any of the more curved stations where the platform is concaved. Wait for a train to arrive then look at the gap in the middle and then come back to this group and explain how they propose to get this passed a HAZOP!

This gap issue is what drives the low set platforms on curves as the carriage at floor height hangs over or is closer to  the platform lip to reduce the gap. If the platform was same height the gap would be much larger. I'm sure it would be far cheaper to lengthen stations than make them straighter.

My understanding is QR uses longer cars because its an outcome of trying to improve stability on NG.

I'm not saying its impossible, but this is my understanding of the situation. Feel free to correct as required.

Not a huge issue - mitigating strategies are possible, such as the rubber strips recently installed at Park Rd. Look at Bank on London's Central Line, or Bastille on Paris Line 1 (the latter now automated) for serious curvyness.

I'm surprised longer cars increase stability on narrow gauge. I would have thought it would be the other way around. Might be wrong though.

[mufreight]

On the subject of Park Road platform 4 it will be interesting to see how long after some LO Lady is seriously injured either boarding or disembarking from a train there it takes to shut it down and have passengers use South Bank as a transfer station instead.
Park Road platform four is probably the worst example of the expertise of the design engineers at TMR, their oft quoted excuse being that the line there is dual gauge and they had to allow for the swept path of the NSW rolling stock.
A pathetic excuse given the position of the common rail through the platform.

[Golliwog]

On the subject of Park Road platform 4 it will be interesting to see how long after some LO Lady is seriously injured either boarding or disembarking from a train there it takes to shut it down and have passengers use South Bank as a transfer station instead.
Park Road platform four is probably the worst example of the expertise of the design engineers at TMR, their oft quoted excuse being that the line there is dual gauge and they had to allow for the swept path of the NSW rolling stock.
A pathetic excuse given the position of the common rail through the platform.

Not really that pathetic. I'm not aware of the specifics, but my understanding is that as well as track gauge difference, there's also loading guage difference which dictates the allowable width. So if they allow wider (measured from the outside rail, so that would negate the difference in track gauge) trains to run, then on a tight corner like Park Rd P4 is on, it makes sense that their carriages swept path would stick out more, thus meaning your platform edge would need to be further away even if it's on the common rail side.