3000 class railcar
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The "3000" class railcar is the main workhorse of suburban passenger operations in Adelaide, South Australia. Similar to Melbourne's Comeng, the 3s main difference is that they are diesel-electric. 70 cars were introduced into service between 1987 and 1996 with the first 20 built by Comeng between 1987 and 1989 numbered 3001-3008 and 3101-3112. In 1992, orders for 50 new railcars were placed to replace the Redhens and Clyde built the remaining 50 railcars numbered 3009-3030 and 3113-3130.
There are two variants: 30xx, featuring a cab at each end, and 31xx with one cab. 30s can run single, while 31s run in sets of two. 30s can also be found running multiple at times. A single 3000 and 3100 makes a 3 car train, while four 3000s or two 3000s and a single 3100 can make up a four car train. Sometimes a single 3100 is joined to a 3000 to make a 2 car train and often happens when the other 3100 is getting serviced. Trains of over 4 cars are very rarely seen today, 6 cars is the limit. [link]
Passenger compartment
There are four entrances with two sliding doors each. Doors are individually numbered with odds on one side and evens on the other. After release by the driver or PSA (Passenger Service Attendant), passengers manually slide doors open with the handle. Doors close automatically after a warning chime starts sounding. Doors can be overridden by PSAs who often hang out the door as the train drives away.A RCD-protected 240 volt style power outlet is at the A-end under the seat near door 7.
Note that many railcars have surveillance equipment installed, which helps catch vandals.
Seats are generally arranged facing each other, in 2+isle+3 configuration, however near the doors seats face across the train. All of these are special purpose seats, reserved for elderly or disabled while some fold up for bikes and wheelchairs; wheelchair ramps are locked in a white box near one of the doors. A 3000 car has approximately 100 seats, while a 3100 has approximately 110.
All cars are air conditioned, the return being at the end of the cars (not near the doors). Windows are double-glazed which helps maintain the temperature, however only one layer is proper glass, the other is acrylic/perspex or another type of plastic which is more easily damaged by vandals, especially in the older cars.
Flooring varies between carpet and two styles of solid flooring - one with round tactile bumps. Some cars have been refurbished and feature yellow grab handles for vision-impaired passengers as well as new flooring and better windows.
All railcars have an emergency brake; the penalty for misuse ($500) seems effective.
Driving
A combined power lever is used, with approximately 4 power notches and 5 braking notches. The lever is interlocked with the doors, the train will not move until the doors are closed.
The trains are equipped with cab-signalling. A sound is made when passing signals. For green signals it is a "ding". All other signals (yellow, flashing yellow, red, green with turnout) produce a beep that seems to keep going until acknowledged by the driver.
The horn is activated by pushing sideways. Most drivers push left during the day. The horn is used before departing stations, as well as near level crossings and other places required.
The cabin is offset to the left of the train facing outwards. On the opposite side is a seat for two, which is for staff when the cab is occupied. Cabins are accessed via the interior. Two doors separate the cab from the passengers. When in the middle of a consist, the double-seat is accessible, but the direct cab door is locked. When in use, the opposite sometimes takes place. But usually the driver's door is often closed and the door to the passengers usually open. Many trains don't have a ticket inspector, especially midday services. The driver is responsible for everything, including the ramp for disabled people.
Cabins are activated by key. Activation switches off the ceiling lights in the cab (to reduce glare at night) and activates the gauges.
As driver-only operation is common, door buttons are in the driver's cab, as well as microphone and switch for announcing stations. For large sets, a PSA (guard) assists from the last car, using a panel next to the door.
Drivers can watch boarding activity via mirrors and a closed-circuit TV. Each station contains a curved mirror, except for the stations, Adelaide and Mawson Lakes.
Mechanics
Each railcar features a 475hp V12 twin turbo direct injection diesel engine that operates at constant RPM, the engines only power one bogie per car. The engine is located directly underneath the floor in the middle of each car (directly between the two middle windows). Under load they produce a bit more vibration and noise, but do not change pitch. Also the air conditioning fan will slightly fluctuate when the unit is accelerating, which suggests there is no dedicated head end power (HEP) unit. The mechanics all sit under the car, except for radiators which are on the roof. The engine also provides main power for Air Conditioning, Interior Lighting. When the engine is switched off, interior lighting is dimmed and a battery backup generator is in use, etc.
The 3's do not blow black smoke, unlike the 2s which emit a plume when accelerating.
The bogies are stamped with "Comeng". They have air bags. Most, if not all units feature electro-magnetic brakes between the wheels of one bogie (but not the other). This is operated separately to the main brakes.
Trains are equipped with auto couplers. Buttons are in the driver's cabs. Coupling is sometimes done in Adelaide station, requiring an extra staff member to flag the driver as well as connecting air hoses and safety chains. This feature adds to the versatility that allows anything from single (3000) unit operation to multiple unit operation of up to six cars. Many other suburban trains do not offer such flexibility.
Headlights are mounted at the top of the car, two lights in the centre. There are no marker lights at the front, however there are red marker lights for the rear located on the upper corners.
There are metal steps up the side of the car to each door. Small lights illuminate these steps.
Reference and further reading
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