Can confirm with photos that the number boards on the latest Waratah to come South show A01, not just A1. At least they did when it passed North Strathfield this evening (missed seeing you there, stephenloco, perhaps you were in a passing train). All the cars are numbered xx01 as expected, but there was no way of telling which, if any, might be new cars rather than refurbishments from the original consist. The 44 on the point tonight, by the way, was #73, same as last time.

From Thursday, 6/2/14, Sector 3 Roster 174 was changed from S to A set consist, as per Telegram 029-14GM.  

Total Waratah A set Rosters running in Sector 3 stands at 31.  


Note: as from this date, 6/2/14, S sets are no longer Tabled to operate Sector 3 Revenue Services.  


- Scott.

Scott, what area do you mean by Sector 3? Can you please use what the public understands.

Scott, what area do you mean by Sector 3? Can you please use what the public understands.

This being an "enthusiast" website most will already know what Sector 3 is, but a little research will reveal all
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_Trains
(Scroll down to fleet)

Scott, what area do you mean by Sector 3? Can you please use what the public understands.

When I mention Sector 3 Revenue Services, I refer to the following:-  

Western Line: Services operating between Central and Parramatta, Blacktown, Emu Plains, and Richmond.  
Northern Line: Services operating between Central and Epping (via Strathfield), Hornsby (via Gordon and Macquarie Park), and Berowra.  


- Scott.

Surprised Gladioli Alphabet hasn't jumped on to the media saying "Every train travelling from the western suburbs to Sydney is now scheduled to be an air-conditioned train".

She would have to pick her wording pretty carefully, given the Cumberlnd and Carlingford line are stil S-sets.

Dave

She would have to pick her wording pretty carefully, given the Cumberlnd and Carlingford line are stil S-sets.

Only on weekdays though. On weekends, the Cumberland line doesn't operate and Carlingford is timetabled with K Sets.

K set will continue to comfortably fit the timetable setting for Inner West and Bankstown. The statement that fleets with a faster acceleration and breaking ratios are best for an all-stopper is somehow valid when the timetable is very tight and trains can't waste time on lengthy acceleration and breaking between stations. Apparently the abovementioned lines are not that case. The only distress raised by the K set allocation is a slower timetable and longer journey time for residents along the two lines. (And whatever, they are not what the government interested.)

A70 is in revenue service on Sector 3

As mentioned before, K sets don't fit well onto all stops service (banko and inner west lines). Due to the characteristics of the lines, especially the Banko Line, sharp bends make K sets uncomfortable to operate. The all-stop nature of these services fit well with more modern sets (i.e. A and M sets) as these sets have greater acceleration and deceleration; therefore saving more time.

It was on Run 150.

A70 is in revenue service on Sector 3

Not possible. No STN issued for it.

Note: as from this date, 6/2/14, S sets are no longer Tabled to operate Sector 3 Revenue Services.

So why was my usual Waratah this morning replaced with an S set?

Not possible. No STN issued for it.

You're right, the photo of A70 in service on Sector 3 is clever trickery.

As mentioned before, K sets don't fit well onto all stops service (banko and inner west lines). Due to the characteristics of the lines, especially the Banko Line, sharp bends make K sets uncomfortable to operate. The all-stop nature of these services fit well with more modern sets (i.e. A and M sets) as these sets have greater acceleration and deceleration; therefore saving more time.

Saving more time than what? The tabled time is more than you need, M and A sets are better suited for longer faster commutes.

Note: as from this date, 6/2/14, S sets are no longer Tabled to operate Sector 3 Revenue Services.  

So why was my usual Waratah this morning replaced with an S set?

S sets are still in existance at Hornsby MC.  

Therefore, it will be possible for S sets to work K set or T set Rosters in the interim, or even a Waratah Roster in the above case.  


- Scott.

As mentioned before, K sets don't fit well onto all stops service (banko and inner west lines). Due to the characteristics of the lines, especially the Banko Line, sharp bends make K sets uncomfortable to operate. The all-stop nature of these services fit well with more modern sets (i.e. A and M sets) as these sets have greater acceleration and deceleration; therefore saving more time.

We all know that, but some people just want to please passengers from other sectors. But unless we redesign the whole timetable once again, which is unlikely to happen now or in the next few years, they still have to do so. So this is not a technical problem.

But what really concern me is, in fact, some of the early K sets have passed their theoretical design life (first built in 1981 with a designed life of 30 years) and within years, they should be generally replaced. But we still have no idea on whether TfNSW is going to order more fleet to cover the slots once they are retired.

A70 was in service on the 16:05 (Central time) train to Hornsby via Mac Uni

Not possible. No STN issued for it.

As has been already mentioned further up in this thread, an STN is not needed for a new set to enter service, only for when a run is taken over by an A-set.

Theoretically, they could take delivery of the rest of the order and keep the additional sets to form a pool of spare trains, without requiring an STN (although this is not going to happen, the gum'mint wants these trains in service ASAP, particularly with an election in a bit over a year!)

Dave

But what really concern me is, in fact, some of the early K sets have passed their theoretical design life (first built in 1981 with a designed life of 30 years) and within years, they should be generally replaced. But we still have no idea on whether TfNSW is going to order more fleet to cover the slots once they are retired.

But a theoretical design life is just that - theoretical. With the overhauls and proper maintenance, there's no reason to withdraw the K Sets aside from their lead-balloon type acceleration/braking curve. As far as passenger comfort goes, provided the A/C units are working properly then they are fine.

As a layman, I've always preferred to ride on a K Set than a Tangara, the seats are comfier and the A/C generally working better.

A70 was in service on the 16:05 (Central time) train to Hornsby via Mac Uni

155 run today.

Surprised Gladioli Alphabet hasn't jumped on to the media saying "Every train travelling from the western suburbs to Sydney is now scheduled to be an air-conditioned train".

Not sure if I've posted here already, but "Aunt Gladys" lied in a media release about these Waratah trains. She claimed in “her” media release that not one Waratah carriage was delivered while Labor was in power. That is a lie as I have video of A02 being delivered BEFORE Liberals got in. And at the same time, found another Watarah train video showing they were being delivered about 5 months or so before my video.

As has been already mentioned further up in this thread, an STN is not needed for a new set to enter service, only for when a run is taken over by an A-set.

I thought they weren't having STNs to "hide" when they arrive at Cardiff - for obvious reasons.

Not sure if I've posted here already, but "Aunt Gladys" lied in a media release about these Waratah trains. She claimed in “her” media release that not one Waratah carriage was delivered while Labor was in power. That is a lie as I have video of A02 being delivered BEFORE Liberals got in. And at the same time, found another Watarah train video showing they were being delivered about 5 months or so before my video.


I thought they weren't having STNs to "hide" when they arrive at Cardiff - for obvious reasons.

Perhaps by delivered, she was using the term as it would apply to passengers understanding - delivered, as in entered service. The general public don't care if they're "delivered" from the wharf to the workshop, or from the workshop to a different workshop in Sydney, they only care if they're in service. So whilst she might appeared to have lied in a physical sense of the word, consider who the address is aimed towards. If you tell Sydneysiders that ten sets have been delivered but none are in service, what would they care?

As for the no-STN thing, it's mostly as-hoc when they arrive at the wharf, so they're pathed accordingly by train control. No time to draw up and STN and no point. Everyone involved knows what's happening, it's just another train to them, no different from an extra freighter...

The no-STN thing for entering service is simple - the SWTT states what rosters are worked by A Sets. What set number is on that run is irrelevant. The Telegram/STN's were for runs previously operated by silver sets, to ensure that all stakeholders (maintenance, crewing, etc) understood that they were now Waratah trains.

But a theoretical design life is just that - theoretical. With the overhauls and proper maintenance, there's no reason to withdraw the K Sets aside from their lead-balloon type acceleration/braking curve. As far as passenger comfort goes, provided the A/C units are working properly then they are fine.

As a layman, I've always preferred to ride on a K Set than a Tangara, the seats are comfier and the A/C generally working better.

I didn't mean they should be phrased out immediately after reaching the theoretical life, but there should be some preparation.

Most fleets can continue their service for another 5 to 10 years after their design life. This is fine and absolutely normal around the world. But after 35 yrs of service, most core parts can't perform as they were used to, and this requires even more frequent maintenance which could have a more expensive bill. As this stage, only refurbishment or replacement is the only choice.

But maybe TfNSW is awaiting for arrival of NWRL, before they consider whether they need more DD sets for the network. All are my guesses.

All the latest Waratahs on parade outside the Auburn workshops (Eastern End) this morning: A71 with its Sydney Trains branding uncovered, lights on and looking ready for duty, with new arrival A72 and last week's delivery A01 also there.