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New South Wales C set
The C sets are a class of electric multiple units that formerly operated on Sydney's suburban rail network from 1986 up until 2021. Built by A Goninan & Co between 1986 and 1987, they were introduced into service by the State Rail Authority, before later being operated under CityRail and Sydney Trains. A total of 56 carriages were built, with the last sets being withdrawn from service in February 2021, having been gradually replaced by B set trains.
The C sets were originally built as Series 3 K sets. The second order of K sets, which were Series 2, composed of 100 cars; 50 motor cars numbered C3551 to C3600, and 50 trailer cars numbered T4217 to T4266. The first 60 were built to the "Series 2" specification, but the remaining 40 cars (C3581–C3600 and T4247–T4266) were built under a new specification. A further 16 cars were later built; 8 motor cars numbered C3601–C3608 and 8 trailer cars numbered T4267–T4274. The Series 3 K sets (later C sets) featured chopper control as an interim measure due to delays with the Tangara program. They were also used to train and familiarise staff with the new (at the time) chopper technology. These K sets were the first Sydney suburban trains to be fitted with chopper control, which gives the train smoother acceleration. Gate turn-off thyristors (GTO) were used to control power to the traction motors, hence allowing for smoother acceleration. Following the successful implementation of chopper control, these features were installed on the Tangara and later V set carriages (DJM).
The C set carriages were also the first on the suburban network to feature fixed seating (originally covered with fabric, since replaced with vinyl). These cars also featured push-button doors requiring passengers to activate, to increase air-conditioning efficiency. These proved unpopular and the push-buttons on the doors were removed.[citation needed]
The C set was distinguished externally by a fibreglass moulding mounted on the front of the power carriage. It was originally in the State Rail Authority white with orange and red candy livery stripes on the lower portion. C3596 was the only power car to have its Candy-liveried front repainted in CityRail blue and yellow prior to its CityDecker refurbishment in 1998. The chopper cars were amongst the heaviest in the suburban fleet, with the power cars weighing 52 tonnes.
The total for both orders was for 56 cars:
The first set entered service in July 1986, operating out of Mortdale Maintenance Depot, some were delivered to Hornsby Maintenance Depot, but by December 1988, all were operating out of Punchbowl Maintenance Depot as sets K40-K51.
The chopper cars were originally classed as Series 3 K sets and for a while when they entered service, they ran together with the then-force ventilated K sets. This however caused problems in service as force-ventilated cars were fitted with camshaft control and led to jerking while accelerating. By December 1990, they had been separated into their own class retargeted as C sets; C42–C54. In January 1991, these were reformed as 6-car sets numbered C1–C8. By June 1991, all had been transferred to Hornsby Maintenance Depot.
One carriage, C3596 of set C5, was painted in a livery having its fibre-glass front being painted in CityRail colours, with the L7 logo.
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New South Wales C set AI simulator
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New South Wales C set
The C sets are a class of electric multiple units that formerly operated on Sydney's suburban rail network from 1986 up until 2021. Built by A Goninan & Co between 1986 and 1987, they were introduced into service by the State Rail Authority, before later being operated under CityRail and Sydney Trains. A total of 56 carriages were built, with the last sets being withdrawn from service in February 2021, having been gradually replaced by B set trains.
The C sets were originally built as Series 3 K sets. The second order of K sets, which were Series 2, composed of 100 cars; 50 motor cars numbered C3551 to C3600, and 50 trailer cars numbered T4217 to T4266. The first 60 were built to the "Series 2" specification, but the remaining 40 cars (C3581–C3600 and T4247–T4266) were built under a new specification. A further 16 cars were later built; 8 motor cars numbered C3601–C3608 and 8 trailer cars numbered T4267–T4274. The Series 3 K sets (later C sets) featured chopper control as an interim measure due to delays with the Tangara program. They were also used to train and familiarise staff with the new (at the time) chopper technology. These K sets were the first Sydney suburban trains to be fitted with chopper control, which gives the train smoother acceleration. Gate turn-off thyristors (GTO) were used to control power to the traction motors, hence allowing for smoother acceleration. Following the successful implementation of chopper control, these features were installed on the Tangara and later V set carriages (DJM).
The C set carriages were also the first on the suburban network to feature fixed seating (originally covered with fabric, since replaced with vinyl). These cars also featured push-button doors requiring passengers to activate, to increase air-conditioning efficiency. These proved unpopular and the push-buttons on the doors were removed.[citation needed]
The C set was distinguished externally by a fibreglass moulding mounted on the front of the power carriage. It was originally in the State Rail Authority white with orange and red candy livery stripes on the lower portion. C3596 was the only power car to have its Candy-liveried front repainted in CityRail blue and yellow prior to its CityDecker refurbishment in 1998. The chopper cars were amongst the heaviest in the suburban fleet, with the power cars weighing 52 tonnes.
The total for both orders was for 56 cars:
The first set entered service in July 1986, operating out of Mortdale Maintenance Depot, some were delivered to Hornsby Maintenance Depot, but by December 1988, all were operating out of Punchbowl Maintenance Depot as sets K40-K51.
The chopper cars were originally classed as Series 3 K sets and for a while when they entered service, they ran together with the then-force ventilated K sets. This however caused problems in service as force-ventilated cars were fitted with camshaft control and led to jerking while accelerating. By December 1990, they had been separated into their own class retargeted as C sets; C42–C54. In January 1991, these were reformed as 6-car sets numbered C1–C8. By June 1991, all had been transferred to Hornsby Maintenance Depot.
One carriage, C3596 of set C5, was painted in a livery having its fibre-glass front being painted in CityRail colours, with the L7 logo.