Re: 4D (again)

[Michael Kurkowski <mk@netstra.com.au>]

Hubert Lam <hubert@imap4.com> said:

>It can be done when all the S, C, K and V sets are scrapped and all new
>Millennium trains used in the sytem. (to the experts...the sets i
>mentioned are NOT DOO are they!) 

Why does it have to wait for that? Melbourne went DOOM 7 years ago now, 
utilising current rollingstock. Both Comengs and Hitachis had a box 
enclosing the driver. Hitachis had a hole cut out while the Comengs had a 
door removed. Later cab mods made the cab a full open layout, much like the 
T sets and 4D. AFAIK, Hitachis also had guages and a number of switches, 
which in due course were relocated.

For curved platforms, large secure boxes with 4 monitors inside, together 
with a number of cameras will allow the driver to see all 8 cars. Remember, 
Melbourne 6 car sets are not too much shorter than an 8 car tangara 
(between 10-20 metres only - about one car length) - V sets are another 
story, and guards should be retained for Intercity purposes anyway.

I'm not an economic rationalist, far from it, but guards have been proven 
to be a waste. Wouldn't the money be better spent on ways of increasing the 
reliability of the system?

Once again, the guard debate starts...

Regards

Michael

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