Re: [Melb] New trains?

[usenet.spam@gunzel.net (Michael)]

Tezza <tezza2000@dingoblue.net.au> wrote in article
<3a9505c6$0$25474$7f31c96c@news01.syd.optusnet.com.au>: 

>| What is the structure gauge difference?  The 4D is narrower and
>| shorter and lower than Sydney's standard gauge stock, so what advantage 
>| does the broad gauge really have?

>Better ride?

The 4D is only shorter and narrower because our loading guage isn't 
designed for double deck trains. I worked it out a while ago, but a 6 car 
Comeng is roughly equal to 7.25 4D cars in length. I would say that a 
Comeng could run quite well on Standard Gauge though (1002T did back in 
1980 when it went to Granville for structural testing - Can anyone 
comment on what it's speed restrictions were, if any?).

As for the ride, I agree that standard guage is far superior to broad 
guage, but I am unsure if that's purely due to track condition. Another 
factor could be that double deck cars are heavier than a standard single 
deck car. It's been so long since I've been on the 4D, I can't remember 
what the ride is like, but next time I get a ride on it, i'll compare.

The main advantage I've seen for single deck BG cars over double deck SG 
cars is, that a single deck BG will almost always remain upright in the 
event of a smash or derailment. Tangara cars almost always end up on their 
side. 

Michael.

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