WikiPortallus: VLocity.html

The VLocity 160 (normally just VLocity) is a high speed diesel multiple unit train manufactured by Bombardier Transportation (contract inherited from Adtranz) for use on regional rail lines in Victoria, Australia, running under V/Line. As of 2006 they are the newest in V/Line's fleet, the previous being the Sprinter manufactured by Goninan (now United Rail).

History

Design origins

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 Labor government.

Manufacturing and testing

38 VLocity two-car DMUs were ordered from the Bombardier Transportation plant in Dandenong. While the design was frozen before National Express Group exited its public transport contracts in 2003, following publicity, drinking fountains, previously not provided, were added to the specifications.

Late testing revealed noise levels that were too high in the cabin ^[2], delaying the introduction of the trains into service while the completed sets were modified.

Into service

160km/h services officially started on September 3, 2006, to Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong, and to Traralgon on September 15, 2006. Outside these areas, where the VLocity is still accredited to operate for revenue passenger operations, they may travel up to 130km/h. As part of the 160km/h deployment, trains without TPWS, such as the majority of freight trains, may only travel at 80km/h on RFR track.

It is unknown if the VLocity will see service past existing destinations, such as Marshall to Warnambool.^[4]

Additions to the fleet

After the initial order of 28 units, a further two VLocity units were later ordered to bring the total to 40, along with 22 new intermediate trailers to go in the middle of existing VLocity sets (extending them to three carriages each). The first 14 were promised as part of the 2006 State Election campaign by the Labor Party in November 2006,^[5] and the order being placed in December the same year,^[6] and the order for the next eight announced on 12 October 2007.^[7] The first centre car, numbered 1341, has been placed in the middle of set 1141-1241, so that is now a three-car set. This set is now in service, as is the second centre car, numbered 1340, in set 1140-1240.

In July 2008 the State Government unveiled a $236 million package of regional rail improvements, including nine new 3 car units, and a additional centre car to be inserted into an existing 2 car unit.^[8]^[9]

Livery modifications

On Monday 3 March 2008, newly built VLocity Set 41 (cars 1141 and 1241(formerly 1229)) was released from Bombardier Dandenong for acceptance testing between Pakenham and Warragul. This unit was outshopped with an altered cab livery following recommendations in recent level crossing accident reports to make trains more visible to motorists. Portions of reflective yellow have been added to the cabs, along with more reflective silver directly beneath the cab window.

Shortly after VLocity unit 41 was released, VLocity unit 15 has also had this livery applied, so it is possible that all VLocities will receive the livery upgrade.

Passenger experience

The seating layout for the VLocity is 2x2, with a mix of 'club' style seats facing each other, and aircraft style rows. Four wheelchair spaces are provided in each set though the provision of tip up seats. The VLocity offers economy-class seating only, although the seat width is equivalent to first class seating on V/Line locomotive-hauled services. ^[10]

While VLocity carriages have tinted windows they lack the curtains as provided by older V/Line rolling stock. Passengers may move freely between the two semi-permanently-coupled vehicles in a set, but not between the sets themselves. Conductors transfer between coupled sets at station stops when necessary, including for checking tickets.

Overhead racks exist for small baggage, while larger baggage is stored in the middle of the unit, with some spaces large enough for surfboards and bicycles. In January 2008, passengers were banned from taking bicycles on VLocity trains during peak hour despite the designated bike area,^[11] with the ban was repealed in February 2008.^[12] A maximum of only two bicycles per railcar are allowed by V/Line staff^{citation needed}. Middle cars are to be introduced, which will provide more room for bicycles: Middle carriage update

Technical

Power is provided by a Cummins QSK 19R diesel engine (559kW) in each car. VLocity units use Scharfenberg couplers. This enabled them to operate with other VLocity units, as well being towed by Sprinters or locomotives with transition couplers if required in exceptional circumstances.

The VLocity runs on Victorian broad gauge, as with all other V/Line services. The bogies were made at Bombardier's plant in Derby, UK and are fully gauge convertible to standard gauge.^[13] Air Radiators of Geelong produced the engine cooling systems.^[14]

Controversy

As the VLocity seating layout is 2x2 instead of 2x3 on other V/Line trains, the VLocity is less suited to crush loads than older rolling stock. Some travellers have complained of overcrowding on VLocity services,^[15]

As with other projects in the Regional Fast Rail project, the VLocity has been used as political ammunition against the State Government for late delivery and cost blowouts.

Accidents

On Friday 28 April 2006, VLocity Set 29 (consists of 1129 and 1229) was involved in a collision on its way from Ararat, at a level crossing at Trawalla when it collided with a large tri-axial road trailer carrying a 16 tonne block of stone and two heavy press tools. On impact with the trailer body, the front of the train withstood the impact but the press tools were thrown loose and also struck and penetrated the cab front. The occupants of the cab, the driver and a second off duty driver, were seriously injured but lived. As the train hit the trailer at the articulation point, the rear trailer was swung around and the stone block was thrown off, striking and partially pentrating the side of the leading car (1129). Two passengers were confirmed dead due to the side impact with the rock, with an unknown injury count. The unit had only been in service since 21 April - 7 days before the accident. ^[16]. After the accident, both cars were taken to Newport Workshops for examination. 1129 (car which truck impacted with) suffered the most damage, so it was considered that the car be written off. Car 1229 (being relatively minor damaged) was sent to Bombardier Dandenong (behind VL12) for repairs and to be mated with a new replacement for 1129 (the new two car unit was redesignated as unit 41).^[17]

On Friday, 5 May 2006 VLocity Set 04 travelling on the 9:38 a.m. 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.

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