Re: Melbourne's Old Train Fleet

[Michael Walker <walker@hotkey.net.au>]

Customer Services wrote:
> 
> David Proctor wrote:
> 
> [SNIP]
> 
> > My understanding is that the double deck train is not too wide, but is too
> > high for the western group of lines - Upfield, Broadmeadows, St Albans and
> > Werribee. I'm not sure about Glen Waverley, Alamein, Epping or Hurstbridge.
> > The set can, and does, operate every day over the Lilydale and Belgrave
> > lines. It has been to Dandenong and Frankston without problems.
> 
> I seem to remember that while at school, I have seen some station
> platforms along Lilydale/Belgrave lines had been "trimmed back" prior to
> the introduction of 4D set.
> 
> I.C.

The main restriction to the 4D on Epping Hurstbridge lines is the West
Richmond-Jolimont tunnel which I presume is the limitation on other
rollingstock mentioned., Also, before the introduction of the 4D, the
track under the Swanston Street bridge had to be lowered around the
crossovr between plats 14,1 and 2. Not to mention all the overhaed
upgrading that needed to take place on the Belgrave / Lilydale line
although I suspect that was more from planning for running the Tangaras
after a number had been ordered.
	As an aside, platform trimming and overhead upgrades took place when
Comeng trains were first introduced. Although in that case, a lot of
upgrading took place AFTER the introduction. It was quite a joke that
the extra power drawn by these trains (especially the air con) meant
that circuit breakers kept tripping if 4-5 trains were in a given
section especially on hot days. I believe the Camberwell area copped it
pretty badly (frequency and older infrastructure no doubt).