A-class Melbourne tram
| A-class | |
|---|---|
| 250px
A2 273 in Yarra Trams livery in December 2009
|
|
| Manufacturer | Comeng |
| Assembly | Dandenong |
| Constructed | 1983–1987 |
| Number built | 70 |
| Number in service | 69 |
| Fleet numbers | 231-300 |
| Depots | Camberwell East Preston Glenhuntly Kew Southbank |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 15.01 m (49 ft 3 in) |
| Width | 2.67 m (8 ft 9 in) |
| Height | 3.34 m (10 ft 11 in) |
| Wheelbase | 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) |
| Weight | 22.2 t (21.8 long tons; 24.5 short tons) |
| Passenger capacity seats | 40 |
| Passenger capacity standing | 65[1] |
| Doors | 6 |
| Traction motors | 2 x AEG ABS 3322 195 kW (261 hp) |
| Power supply | N/A |
| Electric system(s) | 600 V DC catenary |
| Current collection method | Pantograph |
| Bogies | Duwag |
| Gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
The A-class are single-unit bogie trams, (officially known as light rail vehicles as classified on the Yarra Trams website, that operate on the Melbourne tram network. Seventy were built by Comeng, Dandenong between 1984 and 1987 in two batches, 28 A1s and 42 A2s, with only minor differences. They are the smallest trams by capacity currently operating on the network.[1]
History
Comeng had expected an extension to the Z-class order, and in the early 1980s drew up plans for a Z4-class, due to a change in state government in 1982 these plans were put on hold. The order eventuated however in late 1982, as an order for 28 A-class trams. The design, which was shaped by input from passengers and tramways employees, had a series of alterations from the Z-class design. They did not include the conductors console seen in the Z-class, and had a differing door arrangement that posed a design challenge, as there was less space to house equipment.[2]:210–215[3]
This order was extended in 1985 with an extra 42 ordered, they were designated A2-class due to a number of design changes.[2]:210–215 All 70 A-class trams were built in Comeng's Dandenong factory, with all remaining in service today.[4][5][6] By August 2007 all had been fitted with LED digital signage, replacing traditional roller blinds.[7]
Subclasses
A1-class
In late 1982 the state government approved an extension to the Z class order, the result being 28 A1-class which were built in 1983 and 1985.[2]:210–215[4] They were substantially based upon the Z-class design, with improved ventilation, and differing door positions.[6] They had the same equipment as the Z3-class trams, AEG controls and Duewag bogies, and placing all the Z3-class equipment under the frame posed a problem due to the differing door arrangement, there were two step-wells where previously there was one, this reduced the available space. Due to a desire to be less pointy having a flatter front, they were made shorter with less overhang, giving them a different appearance to the Z-class trams. The first A-class was delivered on 12 December 1983 entering service on 13 June 1984.[2]:210–215
Although they were originally built with trolley poles, all have subsequently been converted to pantograph operation.[2]:210–215[8]
In June 2013, A1 tram 231 was damaged by fire and returned to Preston Workshops, it was withdrawn in August 2014.
A2-class
Following an extension to the A-class order, 42 A2-class were built between 1985 and 1987.[2]:215[5] They were very similar to the A1 class, however they differ in being fitted with superior Hanning & Kahl brakes,[9] a more reliable door mechanism, and were also the first Melbourne trams to be utilise pantograph current collection.[2]:215[5][6]
Use
A-class trams operate on the following 13 routes:
- 3/3a: East Malvern to Melbourne University
- 11: West Preston to Victoria Harbour Docklands
- 12: Fitzroy Street, St Kilda to Victoria Gardens
- 30: St Vincent's Plaza to Docklands Stadium
- 48: North Balwyn to Victoria Harbour Docklands
- 64: East Brighton to Melbourne University
- 67: Carnegie to Melbourne University
- 70: Wattle Park to Waterfront City Docklands
- 75: Vermont South to City - La Trobe Street
- 78: North Richmond to Prahran
- 86: Bundoora RMIT to Waterfront City Docklands
- 109: Box Hill to Port Melbourne
A-class trams operated on the following routes prior to their abolition:
- 24: City to North Balwyn
- 31: Hoddle Street to Victoria Harbour Docklands
- 79: North Richmond to St Kilda
- 95: Melbourne Museum to City
- 112: West Preston to St Kilda - Park & Fitzroy Streets
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 A1 Class Vicsig
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 A2 Class Vicsig
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Hanning & Kahl Azimutbremsen
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to A class trams. |
