Re: [Melb] W-class trams return delayed

[Chris <csinn@netlink.com.au>]

Well Yarra trams can say that they have found no faults with their W
class( A city Circle ran up the back of another tram due to brake
failure), but like the Ws in Swanston, which are exactly the same, the
fault with the braking system has progressivly gotten worse in the
resent period. I spoke to a maintenance fitter on the Ws who said that
despite all efforts the Ws persist in having brake problems. He said
that components were being sent to Ballarat workshops to be remachined,
or fixed and that the modifications are being removed from the brakes.
They knew all along about the problems, but chose to ignore it. The only
old trams that are running around now is the restaraunt tram as it was
not modified


D. Lindstrom wrote:
> 
> According to today's bulletin from Yarra Trams:
> Posted: 23 Jun 2000
> 
> Yarra Trams Update
> 
> W Class trams’ return delayed
> 
> Yarra Trams 23 W Class trams will only return back into service on the City
> Circle and route 12 after approval by the Government’s General Manager
> Safety and Technical Services despite successfully passing all tests.
> 
> After a W Class tram was “taken out of service” on Wednesday 14 June with a
> braking report, the Safety Directorate requested Yarra Trams to temporarily
> cease operations of W Class trams while the tram concerned was put through
> vigorous testing.
> 
> Yarra Trams have conducted several internal and external investigations into
> the W Class braking system over the past six months. All tests indicated no
> faults with the current braking system.
> 
> “Although no faults were again found after simulating different braking
> scenarios, the Safety Directorate has asked us to postpone the return of W
> Class trams until further investigations are conducted.” said Yarra Trams
> spokesperson Paul Matthews.
> 
> These further investigations are expected to focus on modifications made to
> W Class trams five to six years ago by the PTC.