Harris (train)
The Harris trains were the first steel-bodied electric multiple unit (EMU) trains to operate on the suburban railway network of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. They were introduced in 1956, by the Victorian Railways, and last operated in 1988, although a number of the carriages were converted for other uses and are still operating. They were named after Norman Charles Harris, Chairman of Commissioners of the Victorian Railways, between 1940 and 1950.
| Harris | |
|---|---|
Harris train in 1959, soon after entry to service | |
The interior of a refurbished motor car at North Williamstown railway museum | |
| Manufacturer | Gloucester Railway Carriage and Wagon Company (early M cars) Martin & King (later M and T cars) Victorian Railways Newport Workshops (later M and T cars) |
| Replaced | 'Swing Door' |
| Constructed | 1956–1971 |
| Entered service | 1956 |
| Refurbished | 1982-1988 |
| Scrapped | 1988, some converted to other uses |
| Number built | 60 seven-car sets (30 first series, 30 second series), plus ten motor cars 791M-800M and six long trailer cars 891-896T (total 436) |
| Number in service | 2 stored 'M' cars, formerly used on the 'Greaser' train, currently awaiting restoration as passenger carriages by Steamrail Victoria. |
| Number preserved | 2 motors at the ARHS Newport museum |
| Number scrapped | 373 |
| Formation | M-T-T-M "Blocks" and BT-T-M "Units" |
| Fleet numbers | 501M-590M (1st series motors), 701M-800M (2nd series motors), 501-560BT (backing trailers), 601-690T and 801-890T (trailers), 891-896T (long trailers) |
| Capacity | 501M-590M: 59 seated, 172 crush 701M-781M: 65 seated, 164 crush |
| Operators | Victorian Railways |
| Depots | Jolimont Yard |
| Lines served | All Melbourne Suburban |
| Specifications | |
| Car body construction | Painted steel |
| Car length | 61 ft 1+11⁄16 in (18.64 m) over body, some 75 ft (22.86 m) trailers |
| Width | 9 ft 8+3⁄4 in (2.97 m) over body panels, 9 ft 9 in (2.97 m) over window rivets, 10 ft (3.05 m) over grab rails |
| Height | 12 ft 4 in (3.76 m) over body, 12 ft 8.75 in (3.88 m) over flettner vents |
| Floor height | 4 ft (1.22 m) |
| Articulated sections | Open gangway (added later) |
| Wheelbase | 8 ft (2.44 m) bogies at 43 ft (13.11 m) centres, total per carriage 51 ft (15.54 m); long trailers 53 ft (16.15 m) centres for total 61 ft (18.59 m) wheelbase |
| Maximum speed | 70 mph (110 km/h) in service, 80 mph (130 km/h) design maximum |
| Weight | 701M-790M & 799M: 46 long tons 0 cwt 3 qtr (46.78 t) 560T & 801T-889T: 30 LT 16 cwt 2 qtr (31.32 t) |
| Traction motors | 4 x EE528A (first series), 4 x EE539 (second series) |
| Power output | 4 x 151 kW (202 hp) (first series), 4 x 113 kW (152 hp) (second series) |
| Electric system(s) | 1.5 kV DC Overhead lines |
| Multiple working | Within own fleet only |
| Track gauge | 5 ft 3 in (1,600 mm) |