Wikipedia

Suburban multiple unit

(Redirected from Suburban Multiple Unit)
See also: Electric multiple unit (Queensland Rail) and Interurban multiple unit

The Suburban multiple units (SMU) are a class of electric multiple units manufactured by Walkers Limited/Downer EDI Rail, Maryborough for Queensland Rail's Citytrain division between 1994 and 2011. The SMU is divided into in three subclasses, units 201-212 as the 200 series, units 221-250 as the 220 series, and units 261-296, as the 260 series.

Suburban multiple unit
SMU 266 departing Corinda station, bound for Rosewood
Interior of an SMU 260
Manufacturer
Built atMaryborough
ReplacedSX carriages
Constructed
  • 1994–1995 (200)
  • 1999–2001 (220)
  • 2008–2011 (260)
Number built
  • 36 carriages (200)
  • 90 carriages (220)
  • 108 carriages (260)
Formation3-car sets
Fleet numbers
  • 201–212 (200)
  • 221–250 (220)
  • 261–296 (260)
Capacity
  • 240 (200)
  • 236 (220-260)
OperatorsQueensland Rail
Specifications
Train length72.42 m (237 ft 7 in) (260)[1]
Car length
  • 24.21 m (79 ft 5 in) (260 - end cars)
  • 24 m (78 ft 9 in) (260 - intermediate cars)[1]
Maximum speed
  • 100 km/h (62 mph) (200-220)
  • 130 km/h (81 mph) (260)
Weight
  • 126.1 t (124.1 long tons; 139.0 short tons) (200)
  • 122.1 t (120.2 long tons; 134.6 short tons) (220)
  • 128.2 t (126.2 long tons; 141.3 short tons) (260)
Traction system
Traction motors8 × 180 kW (240 hp) 3-phase AC induction motor
Power output1.44 MW (1,930 hp)
Electric system(s)25 kV 50 Hz AC (nominal) from overhead catenary
Current collector(s)Pantograph
UIC classification
  • Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+2′2′ (200)
  • Bo′Bo′+2′2′+Bo′Bo′ (220/260)
Braking system(s)Blended Regenerative electric and electro-pneumatic
Multiple working
  • Within type
  • With IMU160 (260 only)
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

Formation

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A Suburban Multiple Unit is a three-car unit, with the lead car being a Driver Motor fitted with motors for all variants (numbered 5), the middle car being either a motor car (numbered 6 for SMU 200 series) or trailer car (numbered 7 for SMU 220/260) with pantograph fitted, and the third car being either a Driver Trailer (SMU 200 series) or the second Driver Motor B also fitted with motors for the SMU 220 and 260 series (numbered 8)[3] Like most trains in the Citytrain fleet, two three-car SMUs can be attached together to form one six-car unit.

History

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An SMU 200 (SMU208)

200 series

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The SMU200 series were introduced in 1994 due to a rollingstock shortage after an increase in demand. They were the first new trains since the EMU deliveries ended in 1989. Twelve were built by Walkers Limited, Maryborough with electrical equipment supplied by ABB. The trains are numbered SMU201-SMU212. The first entered service on 16 August 1994.

220 series

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An SMU 220 (SMU224)

The SMU220 series were introduced into service in August 1999 to cater for service increases on recently upgraded lines such as the Caboolture line triplication from Northgate to Lawnton. The SMU220s replaced the last remaining loco-hauled SX carriages suburban services in Brisbane. The trains are numbered SMU221-SMU250. All have motor driving cabs at both ends each coupled to the trailer power car in the middle (DMA-T-DMB) as opposed to the DM-M-DT configuration. These cars were manufactured by Walkers Limited in partnership with ADtranz. These units use more energy efficient IGBT traction packages, as opposed to the thyristors for the 200 series. The train’s body design is similar to its predecessor, albeit with a single air conditioning module in the middle of each carriage. Selected units previously had a software update installed to enable them to operate slightly higher speeds suitable for the Gold Coast line and would have the markings 'HS' on the right, but this practice was discontinued due to wheel wear issues, and the braking system not being adequately equipped.

Refurbishment

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Older SMUs have undergone progressive re-configuration to seating, lighting and hand-rail arrangements to allow easier access to the elderly, parents with prams and people with disabilities, which includes people in wheelchairs.[4] Older SMUs have been refurbished to comply with the Australian Disability Discrimination Act 1992[5] with the 220 series having the carpet interiors replaced with hard-wearing Linoleum flooring for low maintenance cleaning, with a blue section for seating compartments separated by red tactile bumps that are situated in doorways. Dot-matrix displays have been added alongside new automated voice announcement systems on older SMUs (the SMU260s were delivered with them already installed). These systems are used to address passengers with information such as the current and next station as well as alerting passengers where to transfer for other services.

 
Interior of upgraded SMU200 (212) in 2023

Along with the rectification of the NGR, the government has announced that the SMU200 & 220 series will be overhauled at Maryborough extending their services into the future.[6] The SMU200 units have been completed with new flooring and seat fabric among many cosmetic and mechanical improvements performed on the units. These units are recognisable by having the door frames on the cab doors painted black (with the exception of SMU 205).

260 series

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An SMU 260 class (numbered 290)

In 2004, eight SMU260 class units were ordered from Downer EDI Rail, Maryborough to cater for increased demand. They are of a similar design to the Transperth B-series train. The first two units entered service in August 2008. These were followed by an additional 14 units. In March 2009, an additional 20 units were ordered.[7][8] These units are identical in design to the IMU 160 series trains with the exception of toilets and luggage racks, and the 260s and 160s are also interoperable with each other. It also has similar operating speed of 130 km/h (81 mph) to the IMU 160, making it ideal for operating together and also for running on interurban lines.

Refurbishment

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The SMU260s are undergoing a major redesign, and it commenced in the 2023 - 2024 Financial year. Two units, SMU262 and SMU266, have already been completed under this scheme with sideways seating, new flooring, and better Wi-Fi.[9]

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  •  
    Unrefurbished interior of an SMU 200
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    Refurbished interior of SMU200
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    Refurbished interior (SMU 220)

References

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  1. ^ a b "Electric Multiple Unit - Brisbane, Australia". Bombardier. Archived from the original on 13 January 2018. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  2. ^ "MICAS-S2 distributed traction control for motive power units" (PDF). ABB. May 1995. Archived (PDF) from the original on 31 January 2023. Retrieved 31 January 2023. SMU+IMU
  3. ^ QROTI SMU Queensland's Railways on the Internet
  4. ^ Modern air-conditioned trains Archived 24 October 2009 at the Wayback Machine retrieved 30 March 2010
  5. ^ General Information - Disability Access Archived 26 April 2010 at the Wayback Machine retrieved 30 March 2010
  6. ^ Walker, Toby (30 January 2019). "Media Statements". Queensland Government. Archived from the original on 21 March 2020. Retrieved 11 May 2020.
  7. ^ Bombardier Awarded Contract for a Further 60 EMU Cars for Queensland Rail in Australia Archived 1 March 2014 at the Wayback Machine Bombardier Transportation 9 March 2009
  8. ^ Bombardier Awarded Queensland Rail Carriage Contract Archived 1 March 2014 at the Wayback Machine Railway Technology 10 March 2009
  9. ^ "Multi-million-dollar overhaul of Queensland Rail trains on-track". Retrieved 12 July 2024.
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  Media related to QR SMU 200 series at Wikimedia Commons   Media related to QR SMU 220 series at Wikimedia Commons   Media related to QR SMU 260 series at Wikimedia Commons

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