Interurban multiple unit (Queensland Rail)

Interurban Multiple Unit

IMU173 at Beenleigh in July 2012
Manufacturer Walkers Limited
Downer EDI Rail
Built at Maryborough
Constructed 1996-97 (100)
2001-02 (120)
2008-11 (160)
Number built 36 carriages (100)
12 carriages (120)
84 carriages (160)
Formation 3 carriage sets
Fleet numbers 101-110 (100)
121-124 (120)
161-188 (160)
Operator(s) Queensland Rail
Specifications
Train length 72.4 m (237 ft 6 in)
Width 2.7 m (8 ft 10 in)
Height 3.9 m (12 ft 10 in)
Maximum speed 140 km/h (87 mph) (100 & 120)
130 km/h (81 mph) (160)
Weight 131.8 t (129.7 long tons; 145.3 short tons) (100)
130.4 t (128.3 long tons; 143.7 short tons) (120)
128.2 t (126.2 long tons; 141.3 short tons) (160)
Electric system(s) 25 kV AC overhead lines
Current collection method Pantograph
Coupling system Scharfenberg Type 10 coupler
Track gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

An interurban multiple unit (IMU) is a class of electric multiple units manufactured by Walkers Limited/Downer EDI Rail, Maryborough for Queensland Rail's Citytrain division between 1996 and 2011. The Interurban Multiple Unit is divided into in three subclasses, sets 101-110 as the 100 series, sets 121-124 as the 120 series, and sets 161-188, as the 160 series. The IMUs primarily operate services on Gold Coast and Airport lines, as well as some services on the Sunshine Coast line and peak hour suburban services.

Design

The Interurban Multiple Units are essentially a three-carriage long distance version of the Suburban Multiple Units. Internally, the IMUs differ from the SMUs, being fitted with larger seats, luggage racks, mobility-access toilet and visual indicator signs provided inside the IMUs.[1] Like most trains in the Citytrain fleet, two three-car IMUs can be coupled to form one six-car set.

History

IMU109 at International Terminal in December 2006
IMU162 passing Mitchelton in November 2006

100 and 120 series

To provide rolling stock for the new Gold Coast line to Helensvale, in 1993 a contract for four 100 class sets was awarded to Walkers Limited, Maryborough. As these were never going to be adequate to operate all services on the line, in July 1995 a further six were ordered.[2]

In 1999 four 120 series sets were ordered for the Airtrain line to Brisbane Airport.[3]

These are fitted with high-backed seats, one toilet per unit and luggage racks in different configurations. The 100 series and 120 series are interoperable, and operate together in revenue service as six-car sets.

The 100 and 120 series were manufactured by Walkers Limited, Maryborough in partnership with ABB (100 series) and ADtranz (120 series).

160 series

In 2004 Queensland Rail ordered sixteen 160 series sets to provide extra rolling stock in conjunction with the upgrade and duplication of the Gold Coast line.[4] The 160 series were manufactured by Downer EDI Rail, Maryborough in partnership with Bombardier Transportation. These trains are identical in design to the Transperth B-series train, with alterations to the headlights to complement with the rest of the Citytrain fleet. These trains are interoperable with the 260 series Suburban Multiple Units as they both have outboard brake discs and plug-operated doors.

In early 2007 during safety checks, it was discovered that air-conditioning units on the trains were 10 millimetres too wide for the loading gauge.[5]

On 28 May 2007, the first of the new IMUs entered service on the Gold Coast line.[6]

Derailments

On 31 January 2013 IMU173 derailed at Cleveland station and ran into the station's toilet block. Only minor injuries were reported.[7] The damaged car IM5173 was eventually repaired and returned to service.

Notes

  1. ↑ "QROTI - Travel Information - Fleet - IMU". Archived from the original on 1 December 2008. Retrieved 30 March 2010.
  2. ↑ "Queensland's Interurban Multiple Units" Railway Digest October 1998 pages 26-28
  3. ↑ "Brisbane Airport Rail Link Go-Ahead" Railway Digest April 1999 page 15
  4. ↑ Downer EDI and Bombardier to supply rail cars to Queensland Rail under contract valued at $212M Downer Rail 2 November 2004
  5. ↑ Pavey, Ainsley (24 February 2007). "Bungle Halts Trains". The Courier-Mail. News Corp. Archived from the original on 11 August 2011.
  6. ↑ "Rail Funding to Get Budget Boost". Brisbane Times. 28 May 2007.
  7. ↑ Passenger train derails on Cleveland line during morning commute The Australian 1 February 2013

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to IMU 100 series.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to IMU 160 series.
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