From Wikipedia - Reading time: 7 min
| R set | |
|---|---|
R2 at Eastwood during testing, March 2025 | |
| Stock type | Electro-diesel multiple unit |
| Manufacturer | CAF |
| Built at | Beasain, Spain |
| Family name | Civity |
| Replaced |
|
| Constructed | 2020–present |
| Entered service | 2025–2027 (scheduled) |
| Number under construction | 117 carriages (19 3-car sets and 10 6-car sets) |
| Formation |
|
| Fleet numbers | R1- (Regional) |
| Operators | NSW TrainLink (Regional services) Sydney Trains (Intercity services) |
| Depots | Mindyarra Maintenance Centre |
| Specifications | |
| Train length |
|
| Car length |
|
| Width | 2.97 m (9 ft 8+15⁄16 in) |
| Doors | Plug-style, 2 per side |
| Wheel diameter | 850–780 mm (33–31 in) |
| Maximum speed |
|
| Traction motors | 12–24 × TSA TME 46-23-4 210 kW (280 hp)[1] |
| Electric system(s) | 1,500 V DC (NSW only) |
| Current collector(s) | Pantograph |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
| Notes/references | |
| [2][3] | |
The R sets[4] are a class of bi-mode multiple units (EDMU) being built by as part of the Regional Rail Project to replace NSW TrainLink's ageing Xplorer and XPT fleets for long-distance services, as well as Sydney Trains' Endeavour fleet for diesel intercity services.
In the lead up to the 2015 state election, the Baird Government committed itself, if re-elected, to replacing the XPT fleet (19 power cars and 60 carriages).[5][6] Having been returned to office, in October 2016, the government announced it was also considering replacing the Xplorer (23 carriages) and Endeavour (28 carriages) diesel multiple unit fleets.[7][8][9]
In August 2017, the government announced it had decided to proceed with the replacement of all three fleets.[10] In November 2017, three consortia, led by Bombardier, CAF and Downer, were shortlisted for the contract to build the trains.[11] In May 2018, the Bombardier Consortium withdrew from the process.[12]
A contract was signed in February 2019 with Momentum Trains, a consortium of CAF, DIF Infrastructure and Pacific Partnerships.[13] The order will comprise 117 bi-mode Civity carriages which will make up a total of 29 trains:[14][15]
All trains will be maintained at the purpose built Mindyarra Maintenance Centre in Dubbo.[16][17]
The first complete 6-car unit arrived at Port Kembla on 14 February 2024 and was taken by road to Dubbo.[18][19] On 30 September 2024, the set was transferred by rail from Mindyarra Maintenance Centre to Auburn Maintenance Centre in Auburn to prepare for mainline traction testing.[20] On 25 February 2025, the same set commenced mainline testing on the Northern Line between West Ryde and Epping.
The fleet is planned to enter service between 2025 and 2029.[21]