Wulkuraka - maintenance facility new generation trains

[verbatim9]

Where are the NGRs?
http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2016/01/where-are-next-generation-rolling-stock.html

Someone mentioned in the Blog that there is a train in transit. So I guess a couple weeks late?

Sent from my SM-G360G using Tapatalk

[HappyTrainGuy]

You should also know that the adjustments to the timetables will free up the Petrie-Northgate train jam that currently plagues the network.

[SurfRail]

Of those concerns the only major one is the insufficient number of new sets being ordered - the rest will shake out easily enough.

[ozbob]

There is a thread here on the trains themselves

>> Next generation of trains > http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3706.msg167505#msg167505

This thread is more for the maintenance facility itself.

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

I intend to go.   

10.35am Rosewood service ex Ipswich

Catch the 9.28am Ipswich service from Central to connect with the Rosewood service.

This is due at 10.05am at Goodna.

[BrizCommuter]

Train mock up? Hmmm, would be a bit more interesting if they actually had a real NGR train. 

[verbatim9]

Sounds interesting will add to Calender

[mufreight]

last week in February or early March arrival at PoB, apparently will be moved to Wulkuraka by road.  Possibly some good photo opportunities but anticipate they will be all night time moves.

[petey3801]

last week in February or early March arrival at PoB, apparently will be moved to Wulkuraka by road.  Possibly some good photo opportunities but anticipate they will be all night time moves.

Unsure who you've been talking to, but they've given you a bum steer! Everything that i've been told indicates rail haulage by Aurizon and daytime movements for the first few trains at least.

[Gazza]

Train mock up? Hmmm, would be a bit more interesting if they actually had a real NGR train. 

If only they had been delivered earlier!

[Derwan]

I intend to go.   

10.35am Rosewood service ex Ipswich

Catch the 9.28am Ipswich service from Central to connect with the Rosewood service.

This is due at 10.05am at Goodna.

I'll plan to meet you at Goodna. 

[ozbob]

 

[ozbob]

There was an advertisement in the Queensland Times today for the Open Day.

Essentially the image above.

[SurfRail]

I'll be along on the same train.

[ozbob]

   go for the 4th carriage.  At this stage my grand daughter will be coming along as well. 

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

13th February 2016

Wulkuraka - New trains!!

Greetings,

Today there is a community open day at the Wulkuraka Maintenance Centre.  This is where the new generation rollingstock will be maintained.
It has been very interesting observing the transformation at Wulkuraka, including the station upgrade. We are grateful for the opportunity to visit the centre today.

The first of the new trains is about to arrive in Brisbane.  It is presently on the ship Matsumae off the central Queensland coast.  Exciting times.

There is one aspect that needs review though.  Originally the number of 6 car trains that was to be obtained was a 100.  This was reduced to 75 six car trains, with a further option for 25.  We think the option for the additional trains needs to be exercised sooner than later. The position of the guards in these new trains will be at the rear of the train.  This will mean some changes in operating practices.

At last we might be starting to turn a corner.  We need to significantly boost our rail system in SEQ if we are to manage our transport needs as a community.

See you at Wulkuraka!

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org



References:

Next generation of trains > http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3706.0

Wulkuraka - maintenance facility new generation trains  > http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8665.0

[ozbob]

Twitter

Railway Gazette ‏@railwaygazette 7h

Australia: Queensland NGR maintenance depot completed http://bit.ly/1TWm636 

[ozbob]

NGR Wulkuraka Maintenance Centre – Community Open Day

>> http://translink.com.au/travel-information/network-information/event-transport/details/5631


Extra services have been arranged from Ipswich to Rosewood and Rosewood to Ipswich 

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> Community welcome to celebrate opening of rail facility

RAIL technology leader Bombardier will officially open the doors to a new purpose-built rail maintenance facility in Wulkuraka, today with a community day.

Residents of Ipswich have been invited to take a look inside the new facility.

Bombardier's Wulkuraka project manager, Paul Brown said it was a proud moment for Bombardier and all the team involved in Queensland's New Generation Rollingstock initiative.

"Bombardier is a world-class provider of integrated rail systems," he said.

"Moving into this wonderful new piece of infrastructure means we are really close to seeing Queensland's new trains in service.

"Our maintenance team has been involved in the design of the new trains and the facility from the outset, which means we have state-of-the-art equipment to make maintenance of Queensland's new trains easier and faster."

The new facility is part of the Queensland Government's $4.4 billion transportation investment - the State's largest single investment into transport.

The NGR project includes the purchase of 75 new six-car trains, the construction of the new facility as well as the 30 years of maintenance of the new trains.

The maintenance facility alone will provide 150 full-time jobs.

The Bombardier-led consortium won the tender for the project in January 2014 and started construction on the new maintenance facility in February 2014.

Construction was completed in December 2015 and Bombardier has been staffing and stocking the facility ready for the arrival of the first of Queensland's new trains.

Key features of the facility include a dedicated wheel lathe, lifting jacks, cleaning and decanting facilities, and an Automated Visual Inspection System (AVI System).

The AVI System will scan the new trains as they return to the facility to provide vehicle condition data and includes scans for graffiti, condition of the braking system, wheel damage, bearing temperature and the thickness of roof-mounted pantographs.

The first of the new trains will be tested across the network during the first half of the year and is expected to be in service mid-2016.

The maintenance facility will provide same-day service for any issue that might arise, which will mean greater train availability for commuters across the south-east Queensland network.

The Community Open Day will start with an official ceremony at 11am and finish at 3pm.

Visitors are welcome to walk through the facility.

Food and entertainment will also be available.

[ozbob]

For anyone out Ippy early, the inbound Westlander is due at Ippy 10.15am Saturdays.

[ozbob]

Letter to the editor Queensland Times 14th July 2012

The proposed train maintenance facility at Wulkuraka would make good use of old railway yard ground, now just a flat open wasteland, with no koalas or trees to be seen. (New train depot shunted for now, QT July 14). It would bring into the community a strong local economic driver, and also allow for the upgrade of Wulkuraka railway station and improvement in the frequency of rail services.

I had a look around Wulkuraka last week. Local residents I spoke with clearly understood the value of the proposed facility and are keen for it to proceed. Rapid residential development will mean that access to frequent public transport will be highly prized.  To provide that transport it is necessary for the new trains to be maintained somewhere.  The area of low value rehabilitation under consideration would be an ideal location for the train maintenance facility and not be disruptive to residential areas.

Longer term transport plans for the broader Ipswich area mean that train positioning will be critical to support improved rail services on the Ipswich line as well as Ripley Valley - Springfield.

Some of the newly elected LNP Members of Parliament are increasingly looking like 'one term wonders' with their scripted responses from LNP head office.  Time to grasp the big picture!

Robert Dow
Goodna

The retrospectroscope can be a useful instrument  ... 

[STB]

Hate to say it, but right up until yesterday I was planning on coming along, but my body says no this morning after several consecutive 12-14hr days this week, and I'm due to fly out to Melbourne on Monday, so I need to ensure that I'm well for it.

Get plenty of photos and I'll make sure I jump on the first NGR run once we know when that will be.  When I get a chance (of which is very little lately), I'll head out and do a passing run of the NGR Maintenance sheds down at Wulkuraka.

Anyway, I hope the day goes well.  Enjoy!

[ozbob]

Get well soon STB!  Best wishes for your travels 

[verbatim9]

Good to meet everyone who went along today. 👍

[ozbob]

Yo, great to catch up with everyone.  An excellent turn out for what was a interesting visit!













































^ Granddaughter Ava had a great time.







Photographs R Dow 13th February 2016

[ozbob]

Media Statements
Minister for Transport and the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe
Saturday, February 13, 2016

Ipswich commuters on board with new look Wulkuraka train station

Major works as part of a $73.4 million upgrade of Wulkuraka Station are now complete with Ipswich commuters already enjoying the new-look station and improved facilities.

Minister for Transport Stirling Hinchliffe said the upgrade supported 112 jobs during construction and delivered full disability access to the station and a critical rail connection to the nearby New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) Maintenance Centre.

"The $73.4 million station upgrade is a win for the community of Wulkuraka and will ensure the station can cater for more growth in the suburb," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"The station makeover has delivered key improvements for train passengers including three new disability access lifts and a new pedestrian overpass.

"Previously commuters had to use the existing ground-level crossing to move between platforms, but now they now have a new, safer overpass with three lifts, providing full access to the station.

"With the first new generation trains due to arrive in coming weeks, the upgrade also included the installation of new rail track to allow the NGR trains to access the adjacent maintenance centre so workers can repair, service and maintain the fleet."

Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden said works were still underway as part of the upgrade project to improve Dixon Street East, as well as an upgrade to local sewerage and drainage.

"Locals have embraced the new station but there are still further works to complete the major upgrade," Mr Madden said.

"As part of these additional local works, Dixon Street East will be widened and resurfaced, and will feature new roadside kerbs.

"When the roadworks are completed, new fencing will also be installed and the area landscaped."

The station upgrade and sewerage and drainage works are being delivered by Queensland Rail.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads will deliver the widening and resurfacing of Dixon Street East.

All remaining works are expected to be completed in mid-2016.

[ozbob]

Media Statements
Minister for Transport and the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe
Saturday, February 13, 2016

New $190 million train maintenance centre opens

South East Queensland's flagship fleet of new generation trains will be serviced, repaired and maintained west of Ipswich at a new $190 million centre officially unveiled today.

Minister for Transport Stirling Hinchliffe opened the New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) Maintenance Centre in Wulkuraka and said the centre would support more than 150 full-time local jobs.

"This state-of-the-art maintenance centre will support jobs into the future and is a critical facility to support the rollout of the 75 new six-car commuter trains for South East Queensland's passenger rail network," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"The first train will arrive at Wulkuraka in the coming weeks and will undergo extensive testing to ensure it meets Queensland Rail's operational and safety standards and is ready for passenger service.

"The new fleet of trains will be progressively rolled-out to replace the older trains with commuters able to get on board the first train when it begins services on the South East Queensland passenger rail network in the second half of this year.

"The purpose-built maintenance centre consists of five buildings and 10 stabling and maintenance tracks including a dedicated wheel lathe, lifting jacks, cleaning and decanting facilities and an Automated Visual Inspection System."

Mr Hinchliffe said the Automated Visual Inspection System was a first for Queensland and would automatically laser-scan the NGR trains as they returned to the maintenance centre from servicing.

"This system will provide preliminary data about the condition of the braking system, wheel profile, bearing temperature, the condition of roof-mounted pantographs and any exterior faults including graffiti," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"In addition to cutting-edge train maintenance technology, this impressive centre has been built using a significant amount of materials supplied by South East Queensland businesses including 26 km of piping, 970 tonnes of structural steel, 23,000m² of roof sheeting and cladding, 7,000 rail sleepers and 12.5 km of rail track."

Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden said the construction of the maintenance centre was a boost for employment in the Ipswich region.

"There were 215 people employed during the construction of the maintenance centre and once fully operational, it will create about 150 ongoing full-time jobs to service the trains over the next 30 years – including engineers, trades people, cleaners, and ground staff," Mr Madden said.

The $4.4 billion NGR project is being delivered under an Public Private Partnership (PPP) contract with the Qtectic consortium, which is made up of Bombardier Transportation, John Laing, Itochu and Aberdeen Infrastructure Investments Limited. Qtectic is contracted to design, build and maintain the 75 NGR trains, procure and install training simulators for train crew, as well as design and build the Wulkuraka Maintenance Centre.

The new generation trains will replace the oldest trains on our network boost the size of South East Queensland's passenger train fleet by 30 per cent. For more information on the project visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au/ngr

[ozbob]

More photographs from today at RAIL Back On Track Facebook > here!

[#Metro]

A lot of interest from the public it seems!

[verbatim9]

It was busy

[bretto82]

Was going to take the kids but with only today off and work right through to next Sunday and spending a lot of the working week there watching it come along was a bit over the joint lol but all in all was a good project apart from them changing plans and lay outs which did not match the qr design ment lots of push and shove at times lol

[SurfRail]

One of the interesting features of the yard is that it appears to comply fully with TransLink's and QR's signage manual, almost as if it were a station (eg the "road" numbers above each door into the main shed are in the same style as the platform number signs around the network).

[ozbob]

For anyone out Ippy early, the inbound Westlander is due at Ippy 10.15am Saturdays.

We passed the Westlander on the way to Ipswich.  The Westy had three locos up front, and four carriages ....

[ozbob]

Was going to take the kids but with only today off and work right through to next Sunday and spending a lot of the working week there watching it come along was a bit over the joint lol but all in all was a good project apart from them changing plans and lay outs which did not match the qr design ment lots of push and shove at times lol

Mrs Ozbob said the shed was marvellous!   So I guess it passes Bretto ... lol

Excellent facility, hope the trains match the standard.

[ozbob]

A lot of interest from the public it seems!

Yes, I think they were a little overwhelmed with the response particularly at the start. Everyone was very patient and just waited as things progressed.

One criticism though is that the go reader on the outbound platform at Wulkuraka is in a ridiculous position right up at the Rosewood end of the platform.  Inbound platform is ok.

[bretto82]

Haha don't get me wrong it's awesome to finally see it in real life jut the whole way the managed the project was snafu with dtmr just doing things with out asking why it's this way or that as qr had no input from where the old ped gates are and the same sort of issues at mbrl at the moment just makes things harder then they should have been trackstar and s2k were a breeze compared to the Campbell and Scott arranged lol. All said and done glad to see it in real life instead of what we have with crr

[ozbob]

^ Yo, I hear you.  Trackstar was a smart outfit. ...

LNP screwed a lot of things sadly.

[SurfRail]

One criticism though is that the go reader on the outbound platform at Wulkuraka is in a ridiculous position right up at the Rosewood end of the platform.  Inbound platform is ok.

I'd say that is the original reader from when that was the exit, and it will probably be relocated down adjacent to the lift on the other side of the depot access track when the final works are complete.

[Gazza]

$73.4 million for the upgrade of the station, or was that a typo, and should be $7.34 million.
The latter sounds about right, the former sounds obscene