V/Locity
Encyclopedia : V : VL : VLO : V/Locity
| V/Locity 160 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Capacity | 140 "first class equivalent" |
| Running configuration(s) | Runs as a pair of DM and DM(D[isabled]) cars, can run four sets (8 cars) coupled together |
| Maximum running speed | 130km/h current, 160km/h pending,V/Locity#Technical |
| Replaced/Preceded by | Latest rolling stock,The rolling stock the V/Locity is replacing is, if any, unknown, although it has relieved V/Line of rolling stock shortages present before introduction |
| Built by | Bombardier Transportation |
| In construction / Built / In service | 9 to be built, construction started 2002/2003? |
| 31 | |
| 27, 6 stored pending modifcations One involved in accident on 28/4/06 | |
| Fleet numbers | VL01-VL40. DM cars: 1101-1140, DM(D) cars: 1201-1240 |
| Depots | Southern Cross Station, regional bases |
| Weight | |
| Tare | 144t |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 25.255 per unit, 50.501 per two car set |
| Width | >~1600mm? |
| Height | ? |
| Articulated sections | Between two units in set |
| Power | |
| Motor | Cummins QSK 19R diesel engine (559kW) per car |
| Electrical | From engine, auxiliary Cummins 80KW generator set per car and Battery (1 hour) |
| Propulsion | Energy efficient hydraulic transmission (Voith T312) |
The V/Locity 160 (normally called V/Locity) is a high speed DMU train manufactured by Bombardier Transportation (contract inherited from Adtranz) for use on regional rail lines in Victoria, running under V/Line. As of 2006 they are the newest in V/Line's fleet, the previous being the Sprinter (train) manufactured by Goninan (now United Rail)
Design Origins
The V/Locity is an evolution of the [Xplorer/Endeavour] railcars built by ABB Transportation (now Bombardier Transportation) for CountryLink and CityRail, respectively, in NSW, themselves being derivatives of Transwa Australind railcars. National Express specified the NSW design as part of its bid to operate V/Line under the public transport privatisation scheme of the Kennett government in the late 1990's.The initial design called for a maximum running speed of 145km/h, this was later modified to 160km/h as part of the Regional Fast Rail project of the Bracks Labour government.
Manufacturing and Testing
38 V/Locity DMU's (2 cars each with a controller) have been ordered from the Bombardier Transportation plant in Dandenong. While the design was frozen before National Express exited its public transport contracts in 2003, following publicity, drinking fountains, previously absent, were introduced into the design.Late testing revealed noise levels that were too high in the cabin , delaying the introduction of the trains into service while the completed sets were modified.
Passenger experience
The seating layout for the V/Locity is 2x2, with the majority of seats facing each other, with some forward facing-only rows and four wheel chair spaces per set. Seating is equivalent to first class seating on V/Line locomotive-hauled services, but are ticketed as economy.Passengers may articulate freely between the two units in a set. Ticketing conductors transfer between coupled sets at station stops when necessary.
Overhead rails exist for small baggage, larger baggage is stored in the middle of the unit, with some units boasting storage large enough for surfboards and bicycles.
Technical
Power comes from Cummins QSK 19R diesel engines (559kW) in each car. While the same engines are known to power 200km/h trains, it is believed by some that such a change would not be significant in terms of travel time, not accounting for Australian conditions.Current maximum running speed is 130km/h, while the train has run at up to 173km/h for accrediation purposes, 160km/h speeds in regular service are not expected until signalling and safety systems are commissioned during 2006.
V/Locity units use standard Scharfenburg couplers. During early testing or breakdowns, they can be towed by other V/Locity units, Sprinters or locomotives with transition couplers.
Air Radiators of Geelong provided engine cooling systems.Track and Signal Vol 10. #2, pg. 103
The V/Locity runs on Irish Broad Gauge, as with all other V/Line services. The Bogies were made at Bombardier's plant in Derby, UK and are fully gauge convertable to standard gauge.http://www.vlinecars.com/vlocimg_constr.htm
The possibility of inserting an unpowered or powered 'slug' trailer unit between existing motor cars (as seen on the Xplorer and Australind, but not the Endeavour) to increase capacity has been said to be possible, but not explored officially at this stage
Introduction into Service
The V/Locity was introduced into service on the Ballarat line on Thursday 22nd December 2005. Services on the Geelong and Bendigo lines were introduced on February 3rd 2006 and 24th respectively. It is unknown when services to Traralgon and Seymour will be introduced.Tables were installed in one unit, VL28, for evaluation purposes,
It is unknown if the V/Locity will see service past existing destinations, such as Geelong->Warrnambool,During the design of the V/Locity, West Coast Railway operated the Warrnambool line and was not included in the R.F.R project.
Controversy
As the V/Locity seating layout is 2x2 instead of 2x3 on other V/Line trains, the V/Locity is less suited to crush loads than older rolling stock. Some travellers have complained of overcrowding on V/Locity services,(exact citation needed), Geelong Advertiser letters section, mid-February?As with other projects in the Regional fast rail project, the V/Locity has been used as political ammo against the government for late delivery and cost blowouts.
Accidents
On Friday April 28, 2006, V/Locity Set 29 derailed on its way to Ararat, at a level crossing near Beaufort when it collided with a farmers truck. Two passengers were confirmed dead with an unknown injury count. Set 29 has only been in service since the 21st of April - 7 days before the accident. ["Two Dead in Train Crash"], The Age, retrieved 28 April 2006On Friday, May 5, 2006 V/Locity set 04 travelling on the 9:38AM service from Melbourne to Ararat collided with a Car at the Rockbank Level Crossing near Ballarat. At the time, 30 people were on the train and the driver of the car was taken to hospital. The level crossing was protected and train services were delayed until 2:30 the same afternoon.
Resources
- [Official information page at V/Line]
- [V/Linecars.com information page (Unofficial)]
- [Vicsig.net information page (Unofficial)]
- [Railpage Australia (Unofficial)]
References
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