01.09.14
Siemens set for Class 700 carriage premiere
Source: Rail Technology Magazine Aug/Sept 2014
Daragh Lowry, Thameslink Trains customer and stakeholder director at Siemens Rail Systems, talks to RTM about why the company is premiering its Class 700 trains at InnoTrans.
Three complete Thameslink Desiro City carriages will make their world premiere at this year’s InnoTrans.
Earlier in 2014, Siemens previewed the Class 700 by showing a full-scale mock up in London (attended by RTM), but the Berlin-based event will provide the company with an opportunity to highlight the full design and efficiencies of the new units.
Efficient rolling stock
The Class 700s are approximately 25% lighter than previous generations, with a new bogie design contributing to this.
Complementing the successful SF 5000 UK bogie, fitted as standard on the Desiro fleet, the improved two-axle air-sprung SF 7000 bogie uses an inboard bearing design rather than a traditional external bogie frame with a shorter axle spacing.
The new design not only contributes to lower energy consumption, but decreases the wheel and track wear damage which, in turn, minimises the wheel maintenance costs and variable track charges.
Additionally, the trains are up to 50% more energy efficient. Siemens has achieved this by integrating a driver advisory system (DAS), developing a new cab shape with improved aerodynamics, and implementing energy-efficient LED lighting.
The trains have an intelligent air conditioning system with CO2 sensors that control the flow of fresh air according to the number of passengers, combined with an innovative on-board energy storage system that allows braking energy to be re-used for re-acceleration.
Siemens is currently manufacturing 1,140 Class 700 carriages for the overhauled Thameslink route, which crosses London from north to south. The first of the new Desiro City trainsets will go into service in 2016 on the existing Thameslink route. In 2018, the full peak service of 24 trains per hour will operate in and out of London Bridge.
Daragh Lowry, Thameslink Trains customer and stakeholder director at Siemens Rail Systems, told RTM: “InnoTrans is the world’s largest transport technology trade show and it is here that Siemens will show that it has the right answers for the defining developments of our time – in the form of efficient rolling stock, integrated technology for managing rail and road transport and intelligent solutions for electrification.”
During the show, from 23-26 September, visitors will be able to see a full range of innovations, products and solutions at Siemens’ stands. In addition to the Thameslink Desiro carriages, other rolling stock on show will include the Avenio type tram for Munich, the Metro C2 for Munich and a mock-up of the Inspiro type metro train for Kuala Lumpur.
Tried and tested
As reported in the last RTM, the first completed 12-car Class 700 reached 100mph in a speed test at the test track at Wegberg-Wildenrath, Germany.
Lowry said: “Reaching 100mph was one of many important milestones in our extensive commissioning and testing programme. The Class 700 will be required to travel at up to 100mph every day in service, so this rigorous testing process is a fundamental part of the programme.”
Due to their customisable interior fixtures, the new Desiro City trains are said to offer more comfort and flexibility than their predecessors by being able to carry up to 25% more passengers. In particular, the number of seats and the distance between them can be varied according to needs and the service for which they are deployed. Additional standing room can be created, as well as room for bicycles and wheelchairs.
Current Thameslink rail operator First Capital Connect (FCC) has been managing the new train contract with Siemens for the Department for Transport. FCC’s Thameslink Programme director Jonathan Bridgewood said: “Our passengers have been looking forward to new trains on the Thameslink route with great anticipation.”
First is being replaced as Thameslink operator by Govia on 14 September, starting on the FCC routes, then the Sevenoaks Thameslink services from December 2014. More routes will be added throughout 2015, creating the largest franchise in the country.
The Class 700s are being built at the Siemens plant in Krefeld, Germany. Siemens is also responsible for maintenance of the trains and is building two new depots at Three Bridges and Hornsey for this purpose.
Looking ahead to InnoTrans and being able to show off the Class 700 carriages to the public, Lowry added: “We are looking forward to showcasing our products and services and meeting with many of our valued customers. It’s always a great event.”
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