December 2020 saw the first High Capacity Metro Train complete extensive testing and carry passengers for the first time, but today has seen something different – ‘Extended’ and ‘Shortened’ versions of the train have left the depot at Pakenham East on test.
The trains
The first version is the 10-car ‘Extended Train’. At 227 metres long it can carry 1970 passengers, but will require stations to be expanded so that the extra three carriages will fit into the platform.
The second version is the 6-car ‘Normal Capacity Metro Train’. At 138 metres long it is five metres shorter than existing Melbourne suburban trains, so can use any platform on the network. The 1180 passenger capacity is smaller than a ‘standard’ 7-car HCMT, but is comparable to that of trains currently used in Melbourne.
Finally we have the 3-car ‘Low Capacity Metro Train’. At 71 metres long it is the shortest of any train in Melbourne, and has a capacity of 580 passengers.
Perfect for the Cinderella of the suburban network – the Alamein line!
The specifications
Schedule 27 “Technical Specifications” of the High Capacity Metro Trains Project Agreement describes the configuration of the HCMT variants.
3. Train Configuration
a. Configuration of the HCMT into the Shortened Train or the Extended Train shall be completed and the train made Available within a two week period.3.1 HCMT
a. Each HCMT shall be no longer than 153m from the leading edge of the Train Operator’s cab side door to the trailing edge of the furthest passenger body side door.
b. Each HCMT shall be no longer than 160m measured from coupler face to coupler face.
c. Each HCMT shall have a minimum distance between the trailing edge of the Train Operator’s cab door and the leading edge of the nearest passenger bodyside door of 1200 mm.3.2 Shortened Train
a. Each HCMT shall be able to be re-configured into a Shortened Train.
b. Each Shortened Train shall meet all requirements of the HCMT with the exception of train length and capacity.3.3 Extended Train
a. Each HCMT shall be able to be re-configured into an Extended Train.
b. Each Extended Train shall meet all requirements of the HCMT with the exception of train length and capacity.
And their passenger capacity.
6. Capacity
a. Each HCMT shall enable standing passengers to safely travel at a density of up to 6 passengers/m² in all seating configurations.
b. Each HCMT shall provide seating for 40% (± 2%) of the Gross Train Capacity.
c. Note: In the event that the Construction Documentation reflects the HCMT seating capacity design contained in Solution B Solution 1, the tolerance for the seating will be increased from ±2% to ±3%.6.2 HCMT
a. Each HCMT shall have a Gross Train Capacity of at least 1380 passengers.
b. Note: In the event that the Construction Documentation reflects the HCMT seating layout design contained in Solution B Solution 1, a tolerance of ±0.5% will be provided for the Gross Train Capacity.6.3 Shortened Train
a. The Shortened Train shall have a Gross Train Capacity of at least 1180 passengers.6.4 Extended Train
a. The Extended Train shall have a Gross Train Capacity of at least 1970 passengers.
While Schedule 37 “Minimum Operating Standards” details their planned deployment.
As at the date of Contract Close, the Minimum Operating Standards (MOS) does not reflect the operation of a Shortened Train or an Extended Train. To the extent the MOS is required to be amended to reflect the operation of a Shortened Train or an Extended Train, the parties agree that the amended MOS must not result in a downgrading of the performance criteria set out in the MOS applicable to a HCMT at Contract Close.
April Fools!
In case you didn’t notice, today is April Fools Day – these High Capacity Metro Trains variants don’t yet exist in the real world, with the images found above just photo manipulations.
However the details of the 10-car ‘Extended Train’ and 6-car ‘Shortened Train’ are real – the technical specifications above are from the ‘HCMT Project Agreement‘ published on the Buying for Victoria website.
In addition, a few months ago a 4-car High Capacity Metro Train consist was formed at the Pakenham East depot, the extra three cars being added to a standard 7-car train to form an extended 10-car HCMT set for testing.
My only invention – the ‘Normal Capacity Metro Train’ name and the 3-car ‘Low Capacity Metro Train’. 😛
And another thing…
I put together some similarly manipulated images way back in 2006, when 3-car VLocity trains were first announced.
I thought the Stony Point line was the Cinderella of the network.
True, but they don’t make extension cords long enough to run a HCMT out there. 😛
So I’m confused, are they (in whatever combination) in regular service?
It’s April 1st, so they never left the depot. 😛
From the High Priest/Guru of Rail
It an April fool’s attempt. You couldn’t run a 3 car. It would only have 1 motor car and they’re not configured to feed both ways from a motor car.”
Sorry didn’t read the updated post before submitting, was consulting the Guru, and you know Gurus work in mysterious ways