Sydney Trains T set

Class of electric train operating in Sydney, Australia

T set

T45 arriving at Heathcote station

Refurbished interior

In service| 1988–present
Manufacturer| A Goninan & Co
Built at| Broadmeadow
Constructed| 1987–1997
Entered service| 12 April 1988
Refurbished| 2003, 2010, 2014, 2021
Number built| 455 carriages
Number in service| 447 carriages
Number scrapped| 8 carriages
Formation| 4-car sets
Fleet numbers| T1-T54, T57-T65, T67-T81, T83, T86, T88-T110, T121, T122, T125-T130
Capacity| 98 in driving trailers, 112 in motor cars
Operators| Sydney Trains
Depots|

* Hornsby
* Mortdale

Lines served|

* North Shore & Western
* Leppington & Inner West
* Liverpool & Inner West
* Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra
* Olympic Park (special events only)
* Airport & South
* Northern

Specifications
Train length| 81.08 m (266 ft 0 in)[a]
Car length|

* 20,320 mm (66 ft 8 in) (D)[b]
* 20,220 mm (66 ft 4 in) (N)

Width| 3 m (9 ft 10+1⁄8 in)
Height| 4,413 mm (14 ft 5+3⁄4 in)
Doors| Pneumatic Plug-style, twin leaf
Wheel diameter| 940 mm (37 in)
Maximum speed|

* 130 km/h (81 mph) (design)
* 115 km/h (71 mph) (service)

Weight|

* 50 t (49 long tons; 55 short tons) (N)[c]
* 42 t (41 long tons; 46 short tons) (D)[d]

Traction system| Mitsubishi GTO–4-quadrant chopper control
Traction motors| 8 × Mitsubishi MB-3303-B 170 kW (228 hp) 2-phase DC shunt-wound motor
Power output| 1,360 kW (1,824 hp)
Transmission| 4.94:1 (84:17) gear ratio[4]
Acceleration| 0.6–0.8 m/s2 (2.0–2.6 ft/s2)
Deceleration| 0.9 m/s2 (3.0 ft/s2) (service) 1.2 m/s2 (3.9 ft/s2) (emergency)
Auxiliaries| Toshiba
Electric system(s)| 1,500 V DC (nominal) from overhead catenary
Current collector(s)| Pantograph
UIC classification| 2′2′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+2′2′
Bogies| Nippon Sharyo bolsterless[5]
Safety system(s)| ETCS[6]
Coupling system| Scharfenberg coupler
Track gauge| 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge

The T sets, also referred to as the Tangara trains, are a class of electric multiple units (EMU) that operate on the Sydney Trains network. Built by A Goninan & Co, the sets entered service between 1988 and 1995, initially under the State Rail Authority and later on CityRail. The T sets were built as "third-generation" trains for Sydney's rail fleet, coinciding with the final withdrawals of the "Red Rattler" sets from service in the late 1980s and early 1990s.[7] The Tangaras were initially built as two classes; the long-distance intercity G sets and the suburban T sets, before being merged after successive refurbishments.[8]

## Design

[edit]

Vestibule, January 2008

The Tangara is a double-deck four-car set,[9] with the two outer cars being driving control trailers (carrying a D prefix) that are fitted with one pantograph each and the middle two cars being non-control motor cars (carrying an N prefix). All sets are equipped with Mitsubishi Electric chopper control.

Unlike most other Sydney Trains rolling stock, the seats on the suburban T sets are fixed, meaning that half the seats face backwards.[10] Former G sets, however, do have reversible seats.

## History

[edit]

### Initial delivery

[edit]

In July 1986, the Government of New South Wales awarded A Goninan & Co a contract for 450 carriages for $530 million.[5][11] In 1993, it was decided that the last 80 carriages of the order would be built to a modified design to operate peak-hour services to Wyong, Port Kembla and Dapto.[12] In 1996, five spare driving trailers were ordered.[13]

The Tangara name is from an Aboriginal language, meaning to go.[14]

Two subclasses of Tangara were built, the suburban sets targeted as T sets, and outer-suburban sets originally targeted as G sets. The T sets replaced the first generation of Sydney's electric rolling stock.[8]

T sets

G sets

Original liveries

The first train (set T20) was unveiled at Sydney Central in December 1987, heavily promoted as the "train of the 21st century",[15] operating a promotional service on 28 January 1988 targeted as TAN1, and entering regular service on 12 April 1988.[16] The final T set (set T59, formerly T92) was delivered in February 1994 and the final G set (set T100, formerly G32) in October 1995.[17]

The cars built were:

* T set driving trailer cars: D6101-D6284 with additional spare cars D6285-D6289
* T set non-driving motor cars: N5101-N5284 with additional spare car N5285
* G set driving trailer cars: OD6801-OD6840 with additional spare car OD6841
* G set non-driving motor cars: ON5801-ON5820
* G set non-driving motor cars with toilet: ONL5851-ONL5870

Set G7 was fitted with an AC drive system for evaluation purposes with the existing DC stock and compatibility with signalling and communication systems on the network. G7 was scrapped in 2005 at Maintrain, Auburn after the Waterfall rail accident, as all four cars were beyond repair.

Original interior, November 2010

First refurbishment, August 2007

### High Speed Trials

[edit]

In early 2000, set G7 was also subject to high-speed testing (to the XPT speed limits) up to 150 km/h between Blacktown and St Marys and 140km/h between Hornsby and Newcastle.[18]

A converted G set, March 2021

### Upgrades in the 2010s

[edit]

T sets

Ex-G sets

Second refurbishment

In 2010, a refresh of the Tangaras commenced with the interiors repainted, and new seat moquette and handrails fitted.[19][20]

In July 2013, Sydney Trains trialled rearranging the seating on the upper and lower decks of two carriages. There were 16 fewer seats per carriage; 3x2 seats were replaced by 2x2 seats in one carriage (N5134 on set T78) while in the other carriage (N5131 on set T77) there are double seats on one side and a bench style seating on the other. Both carriages were later returned to the normal 3x2 arrangement.[21]

In 2014, phase one of a technology upgrade program, aiming to improve reliability and upgrade ageing components, was underway.[22] A contract for phase two of the program, aiming to extend the life of these trains and bring technology into line with newer trains was awarded to UGL Limited in August 2015. This was expected to be completed by July 2018.[23][24] The expected completion date was revised to 2019, however as of February 2023 only 2 sets have entered service with the second phase upgrades.[25]

The first phase of the program involved upgrading the passenger doors to cut down on vandalism, as the steel panels on the original doors were prone to being kicked out by vandals.[26] The door kicking incidents often led to unnecessary delays as the guard had to lock off the affected carriage. The new lightweight passenger doors have a similar design to the doors on the M sets. This phase of the project was completed at the end of July 2016. The first set to receive the new doors was T96, in October 2014.

The second phase of the program was initially set to include destination indicators and digital voice announcements, which were installed in T72 and T106, were not installed in other sets due to delays and issues with the DVA system. The upgrade still went ahead however, with vestibules given modifications including marked priority seating and Automatic Train Protection (ATP). The first sets with this revised phase 2 upgrade, T52 and T73, re-entered service on 12 November 2021. As of 26 February 2022, sixteen sets have entered service with the upgrade.

The program includes overhauling air conditioning units, Static Inverter upgrades, and modifications to the Driver's desk/cab.[22]

Other anti-vandal improvements included the introduction of 'Mousetrap' sensors. Trialed in 2015, these sensors are able to detect vapors from strong permanent markers and spray paint; triggering an in-built camera feed which is relayed to Sydney Trains staff as well as the Police Transport Command. They were then installed in most converted G sets.[27]

Tangara T54 at Central Station

### Upgrades in the 2020s

[edit]

On 5 June 2024, it was announced the Tangaras would be receiving a life extension to enable operation until at least 2036. The upgrades will see upgrades to the doors, train operating system, and improved disability access and passenger information systems.[28][29]

Tangara T19 with an anti-trainsurfing installation, July 2025

In June 2025, sets T19 and T35 entered service featuring the installation of an angled box on the front emergency doors to prevent train surfing, it is currently unclear whether this will be installed on all sets in the future.[This paragraph needs citation(s)]

## Service

[edit]

### Lines serviced

[edit]

The Tangaras usually operate on the following lines:

* T1 North Shore & Western Line: Emu Plains or Schofields to Berowra or Hornsby via Parramatta & Gordon
* T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra Line: Bondi Junction to Waterfall & Cronulla via Hurstville & Sutherland
* T9 Northern Line: Gordon to Hornsby via Strathfield

Additionally, they operate limited services on the following lines:

* T3 Liverpool & Inner West Line: Liverpool to City Circle via Regents Park and Lidcombe (weekends)
* T7 Olympic Park Line: Shuttle from Lidcombe to Olympic Park (limited)
* T8 Airport & South Line: Macarthur to City Circle via Airport or Sydenham (weekends)

## Incidents

[edit]

### Wentworthville derailment

[edit]

Driving trailer car D6127 and motor car N5127 were both involved in the Wentworthville train derailment on 27 December 1989, the first major accident involving the Tangara fleet. D6127 was written off, having collided with the platform. N5127 was sent to Dunheved on the Ropes Creek line for training fire fighters, along with S Set car C3866.[30]

### Vineyard collision

[edit]

On 10 February 1994, set T99 travelling from Richmond towards Blacktown collided with a van at the level crossing at Vineyard. The first 3 cars derailed in a zig-zag format, starting a nearby grassfire.[31]

### Waterfall derailment

[edit]

Main article: Waterfall rail accident

Set G7 derailed on 31 January 2003 near Waterfall, killing seven people aboard including the train driver. The driver suffered a sudden heart attack and lost control of the train while the deadman's brake failed to activate as intended. Investigations found the train to be travelling in excess of 117 km/h (73 mph) as it approached the 60 km/h (37 mph) curve where the accident occurred.

### Unanderra derailment

[edit]

On 24 January 2009 at 2:35 AM, set G4 (now T104) was departing from Unanderra towards Wollongong and derailed due to the train passing a signal at Danger, and the catch-points derailing the train to avoid a collision with a freight train. The first 2 cars and the front bogie of the third car derailed and stopped safely 50 metres from the signal. Subsequently because of this incident, G4 was the first G set to undergo conversion to suburban T set T104.[32]

### Carriage pierced by guard rail

[edit]

During evening peak on 15 January 2014, motor car N5222 on set T10 was pierced by a guard rail near Edgecliff railway station while on a service to Cronulla. Issues with the train were already developing on the previous run, triggering wheelslip sensors on the train multiple times. As the train entered the Eastern Suburbs Line, a strong burning smell was reported at several stations. It was later revealed that an incorrectly repaired axle on N5222 led to the force of the 440-tonne train picking up the piece of guard rail.[33]

### Kembla Grange derailment

[edit]

Main article: Kembla Grange derailment

On 20 October 2021 at 4:09 AM, Tangara set T42 derailed near Kembla Grange station on a level crossing. It was caused by a motor vehicle that was stolen and driven up the rail corridor near the railway crossing. Car D6212 fell onto its side and car N5212 also derailed, while cars N5211 and D6211 did not derail and only had minor damage. There were no serious passenger injuries or deaths as a result of this incident, however two passengers, as well as the guard and the driver, were hospitalised to be checked. The Driver was badly injured during the rollover of the Driver trailer carriage. T sets typically did not operate through Kembla Grange, however they were used on the day of the incident instead of the usual H sets due to industrial action.[34]

## 4D

[edit]

4D at Spencer Street

Main article: 4D (train)

A train bearing strong resemblance to a Tangara, known as the 4D, was built by A Goninan & Co in 1991 for the Public Transport Corporation.[35] Although outwardly similar to the Tangaras it was mechanically very different being built to be compatible with the Comeng trains operated in Melbourne. It was included in the sale of Hillside Trains to Connex Melbourne in August 1999. It wasn't successful and after spending large periods out of service, being withdrawn in December 2002 and stored at Newport Workshops. The 4D was bought by CityRail for parts and then scrapped in March 2006 by them at Sims Metal, Brooklyn, Victoria. The G sets' cab ends have a design similar to the 4D, with the bottom part being bent inwards.

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ Former G sets are 81.21 m (266 ft 5 in).[1][2][3]
2. ^ Former G set cars are 20,385 mm (66 ft 11 in).[1]
3. ^ Former G set cars are 53 t (52 long tons; 58 short tons).[2]
4. ^ Former G set cars are 45 t (44 long tons; 50 short tons).[1]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c G set technical diagrams (OD)
2. ^ a b G set technical diagrams (ON)
3. ^ G set technical diagrams (ONL)
4. ^ "Technical Report Vol.62 No.6" (PDF). Mitsubishi Electric (in Japanese). June 1988. pp. 53–58. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
5. ^ a b Allen, Geoffrey Freeman (1 November 1991). Jane's World Railways 1991-92. Jane's Information Group. p. 75\. ISBN 9780710609557.
6. ^ "Digital Systems Program". Transport for NSW. 10 May 2024. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
7. ^ "UGL Unipart wins Tangara upgrade deal". Rail Express. 10 August 2015. Archived from the original on 22 October 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
8. ^ a b "Generations of electric rolling stock". transport.nsw.gov.au. Transport for NSW. 12 December 2017. Archived from the original on 21 April 2019. Retrieved 21 April 2019.
9. ^ Wilson, John R.; Norris, Beverley; Mills, Ann (5 December 2016). People and Rail Systems: Human Factors at the Heart of the Railway. CRC Press. ISBN 978-1-351-91228-0.
10. ^ O'Sullivan, Matt (14 March 2018). "Cost, safety trumps passengers' desire for flip seats on new trains". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
11. ^ "Tangara Contract" Railway Digest September 1986 page 273
12. ^ "A Goninan & Co" Railway Digest October 1993 page 417
13. ^ "A Review of Electric Multiple Unit rolling stock" Railway Digest September 1996 page 32
14. ^ Bruce, R.; Hatton, T. (1989). "Tangara train management system-concept, design and experience". International Conference on Main Line Railway Electrification 1989: 197–201\. Archived from the original on 27 March 2020. Retrieved 7 April 2021.
15. ^ "Tangara Preview" Railway Digest February 1988 page 49
16. ^ Amuso, Fabian (5 February 2018). "Fab Sydney Flashbacks: MILESTONE: Tangara Trains turn 30 (1988)". Fab Sydney Flashbacks. Archived from the original on 19 November 2021. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
17. ^ "450th Tangara Delivered" Railway Digest December 1995 page 6
18. ^ Rova Mech Authority 113-154, Tangara Set G7 High Speed Trial - Sydney -Newcastle - Sydney, 11 feb 2000
19. ^ Major makeover for Tangara fleet NSW Government 30 April 2010
20. ^ Tangara fleet to get make-over CityRail Xpress edition 127 28 April 2010
21. ^ "All change as RailCorp is disbanded" Archived 3 July 2013 at the Wayback Machine Sydney Morning Herald 1 July 2013
22. ^ a b "Transport for NSW 2013-14 Annual Report" (PDF). Transport for NSW. p. 28\. Archived (PDF) from the original on 27 October 2017. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
23. ^ UGL awarded $131m contract for Tangara technology upgrade Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine UGL Limited 5 August 2015
24. ^ Newcastle train builder awarded $131m contract Archived 8 August 2015 at the Wayback Machine ABC News 5 August 2015
25. ^ "Fleet update - September 2017" (PDF). Transport for NSW. September 2017. p. 4\. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 February 2018. Retrieved 12 February 2018.
26. ^ "Sydney Teen Violently Kicks Train Door". YouTube. Archived from the original on 4 January 2022. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
27. ^ Saulwick, Jacob (7 May 2015). "'Mousetrap': Sydney trains sniff out graffiti vandals with new technology". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 8 November 2020. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
28. ^ "Funding puts wheels in motion for local train manufacturing". NSW Government. 5 June 2024. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
29. ^ O'Sullivan, Matt (5 June 2024). "Sydney's old trains get $450m to keep them in service for extra 12 years". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
30. ^ "A Review of Electric Multiple Unit Rolling Stock" Railway Digest September 1994 page 32
31. ^ Cityrail - Verious [sic] news reports after the 1994 Vineyard train derailment, archived from the original on 12 December 2021, retrieved 21 July 2021
32. ^ Derailment of CityRail Passenger Service K496, Unanderra, 24 January 2009 Archived 9 May 2022 at the Wayback Machine THE OFFICE OF TRANSPORT SAFETY INVESTIGATIONS
33. ^ Derailment of Sydney Trains Passenger Train 602M near Edgecliff station, Sydney, NSW on 15 January 2014 Archived 4 August 2020 at the Wayback Machine Australian Transport Safety Bureau
34. ^ "Passengers injured as train DERAILS in NSW after slamming into abandoned car". 7NEWS. 19 October 2021. Archived from the original on 19 October 2021. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
35. ^ Double Deck Development and Demonstration (4D) Train Archived 20 June 2004 at the Wayback Machine Vicsig

## Further reading

[edit]

* Beckhaus, John; Halgren, Stephen (2007), Sydney's Electric Trains, Australian Railway Historical Society NSW Division, ISBN 978-0-9757870-8-3

## External links

[edit]

Media related to New South Wales T & G sets at Wikimedia Commons

* T set technical diagrams Transport for NSW
* G set technical diagrams

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