News & Discussion: Adelaide Metro Trains

[Port Adelaide Fan]

Stay switched on around electric rail and respect the wires
When: From Monday 17 June 2013
http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Announc ... -the-wires
and
http://www.infrastructure.sa.gov.au/stayswitchedon

[rubberman]

Is the substation even finished yet!?

Surely they wouldn't be installing wires (as much of it its even up yet) while the system is live, as we don't even have any trains to run under them. Trains won't be fitted out when they arrive anyway.

Suspect this is just a "always treat wires as live" lesson.

Not to mention "Oh look at all that loverly expensive copper wire up there"

[AG]

Is the substation even finished yet!?

Surely they wouldn't be installing wires (as much of it its even up yet) while the system is live, as we don't even have any trains to run under them. Trains won't be fitted out when they arrive anyway.

Suspect this is just a "always treat wires as live" lesson.

Not to mention "Oh look at all that loverly expensive copper wire up there"

Snip!

[monotonehell]

Not to mention "Oh look at all that loverly expensive copper wire up there"

Copper or aluminim?

[rubberman]

Not to mention "Oh look at all that loverly expensive copper wire up there"

Copper or aluminim?

Actually, probably a copper alloy.

Aluminium is way too soft and would wear out in no time. Using the Al for the catenary would not work either as there would be some really great corrosion at the joints.

[monotonehell]

Not to mention "Oh look at all that loverly expensive copper wire up there"

Copper or aluminim?

Actually, probably a copper alloy.

Aluminium is way too soft and would wear out in no time. Using the Al for the catenary would not work either as there would be some really great corrosion at the joints.

I would like to know now. I've Googled till my fingers hurt. Many articles about them. None of them mention composition.

[Aidan]

I'd expect it to be pure copper, as alloying increases the electrical resistance. A graphite contact surface on the pantograph means aluminium could be used, but you'd need more of it, which would make it heavier and the extra cost of supporting it would negate the savings of the cheaper material.

[monotonehell]

I'd expect it to be pure copper, as alloying increases the electrical resistance. A graphite contact surface on the pantograph means aluminium could be used, but you'd need more of it, which would make it heavier and the extra cost of supporting it would negate the savings of the cheaper material.

Finally found something that looks authorative that states what you guys have said.
http://www.emissieregistratie.nl/ERPUBL ... 0wires.pdf

[Wayno]

I would like to know now. I've Googled till my fingers hurt. Many articles about them. None of them mention composition.

I'm a Sparky by trade. I believe you can find wire specs via ASTM or similar probably more of a focus on 'strength' and 'sustainability' rather than conductability.

[Milkomeda]

Belair Line reopening date to be announced next week

[mooshie]

So it's copper for the overhead lines assuming we do the same as Switzerland and going by the link. What I find amazing is those wear numbers though! Can't believe that much copper wears off the lines every year.

[rubberman]

If you want to buy some overhead, then you can use the following standards...DIN 43141,ASTM B-47,ASTM B-116,ASTM B-9

Copper alloy mostly.

[Shahkar]

Isn't this great?

New Seaford rail bridge needing repairs on extension joints

THE Seaford rail bridge, which is part of a $291 million Noarlunga line extension, already needs repairs before train services can begin.

It's feared the repair work will delay the opening of the 5.2km Seaford rails extension, due to be completed early next year, after the discovery of problems with its expansion joints.

The State Government said there was a "manufacturing issue'' with the joints on the 1.2km long bridge, which spans the Onkaparinga River Valley.

When quizzed about the problem at budget estimates hearings in Parliament this afternoon Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis revealed the "issue'' with the joints.

"Before services even commence, obviously, the bridge goes through a commissioning stage and that commissioning stage has found some things to be remedied,'' he said in answer to questions by Opposition transport spokeswoman Vickie Chapman.

"As part of the contract the contractor is completing them and remedying the problems and delivering it to the Government in an acceptable state.''

In responding to Ms Chapman's questions the minister admitted "this is the first I have heard of any deficiency''.

Ms Chapman said there had already been a delay in the original beginning of services "which the Government previously promised would happen in 2013''.

"This latest development raises concerns about electric rail services commencing by the beginning of next year," Ms Chapman said.

[ChillyPhilly]

One positive you can draw from that: Noarlunga passengers will be rewarded for their patience with the upgrade by being able to walk onto a brand new, sparkling electric train, and not have to be faced with an old 3000 or 3100 class diesel.

[Nathan]

Surely minor issues are expected, and it sounds like the contractor is fixing them. Molehill > Mountain.