View source for Sydney Trains M set

{{Short description|Class of electric train operating in Sydney, Australia}}
{{Use Australian English|date=February 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Infobox train
| background = orange
| name = M set
| image = M10approachingCentral.jpg
| caption = M10 approaching [[Central railway station, Sydney|Sydney Central]] in March 2024
| interiorimage = File:Millennium_M_set_interior_lower_deck.jpg
| interiorcaption = Refurbished interior
| stocktype = 
| service = 2002–present
| manufacturer = [[Downer Rail|EDi Rail]]
| factory = [[Cardiff Locomotive Workshops|Cardiff]]
| replaced = [[New South Wales Tulloch double deck carriage stock|Tulloch carriages]]
| yearconstruction = 2002–2005
| yearservice = 1 July 2002
| refurbishment = 2024–present
| numberbuilt = 141 carriages
| numberservice = 140 carriages
| numberscrapped = 
| formation = 35 4-car sets
| fleetnumbers = {{plainlist|
* D1001–D1041, D1043–D1060, D1062–D1073 (driving trailers)
* N1501–N1540, N1543–N1560, N1562–N1573 (motor cars)
* M1–M35 (full 4-car sets)
}}
| capacity = 452
| operator = [[Sydney Trains]]
| depots = [[Auburn Maintenance Centre|Auburn]]
| lines = {{plainlist|
* [[File:TfNSW T2.svg|18px|link=Leppington & Inner West Line]] [[Leppington & Inner West Line|Leppington & Inner West]]
* [[File:TfNSW T3.svg|18px|link=Liverpool & Inner West Line]] [[Liverpool & Inner West Line|Liverpool & Inner West]]
* [[File:TfNSW T5.svg|18px|link=Cumberland Line]] [[Cumberland Line|Cumberland]]
* [[File:TfNSW T6 (2024).svg|18px|link=Lidcombe & Bankstown Line]] [[Lidcombe & Bankstown Line|Lidcombe & Bankstown]]
* [[File:TfNSW T7.svg|18px|link=Olympic Park railway line]] [[Olympic Park railway line|Olympic Park]]
* [[File:TfNSW T8.svg|18px|link=Airport & South Line]] [[Airport & South Line|Airport & South]]
}}
| carbody = Stainless steel
| trainlength = {{convert|81.55|m|ftin|frac=8|abbr=on}}
| carlength = {{plainlist|
* {{convert|20532|mm|ftin|frac=8|abbr=on}} (D)
* {{convert|20243|mm|ftin|frac=8|abbr=on}} (N)
}}
| width = {{convert|3030|mm|ftin|frac=8|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|4381|mm|ftin|frac=8|abbr=on}}
| floorheight = 
| platformheight = 
| entrylevelorstep = 
| doors = Plug-style, 2 per side
| wheeldiameter = {{convert|940|mm|in|frac=8|abbr=on}}
| maxspeed = {{plainlist|
* {{convert|143|km/h|abbr=on}} (design)
* {{convert|130|km/h|abbr=on}} (service)
}}
| weight = {{convert|207|t|abbr=on}}
| acceleration = 
| deceleration = 
| traction = Alstom ONIX 1500 2-level [[Insulated-gate bipolar transistor|IGBT]]–[[Variable-frequency drive|VVVF]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2002/11/Major-supplier-for-Sydneys-Millennium-Trains-20021107|title=Major supplier for Sydney's Millennium Trains|website=[[Alstom]]|date=2002-11-07|first=Helen|last=Connolly|access-date=2021-08-21|archive-date=21 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821043646/https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2002/11/Major-supplier-for-Sydneys-Millennium-Trains-20021107|url-status=live}}</ref>
| engine = 
| traction motors = 8 × Alstom 4-EXA-2144 {{convert|226|kW|hp|abbr=on}} 3-phase AC [[induction motor]]
| poweroutput = {{convert|1808|kW|hp|abbr=on}}
| transmission = 
| aux = 
| powersupply = 
| hvac = 
| electricsystem = {{1,500 V DC}} (nominal) from [[Overhead line|overhead catenary]]
| collectionmethod = [[Pantograph (transport)|Pantograph]]
| uicclass = 2′2′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+2′2′
| bogies = 
| brakes = [[Railway air brake|Automatic air]], [[Railway brake#Electropneumatic brakes|electropneumatic]] and [[Regenerative brake|regenerative]]
| safety = 
| coupling = [[Scharfenberg coupler]]
| multipleworking = 
| gauge = {{track gauge|sg|allk=on}}
}}
The '''Sydney Trains M sets,''' also referred to as the '''Millennium''' trains, are a class of [[electric multiple unit]]s (EMU) that operate on the [[Sydney Trains]] network. Built by [[Downer Rail|EDi Rail]] between 2002 and 2005, the first sets initially entered service under the [[CityRail]] brand on 1 July 2002 after short delays due to electrical defects.<ref name="AuditorGeneralJun03">{{cite web|author=RJ Sendt|date=June 2003|title=Performance Audit - The Millennium Train Project|url=http://www.audit.nsw.gov.au/publications/reports/performance/2003/millennium_train/MillenniumTrain-June2003.pdf|access-date=24 September 2007|publisher=The Audit Office of New South Wales|archive-date=22 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110822171717/http://www.audit.nsw.gov.au/publications/reports/performance/2003/millennium_train/MillenniumTrain-June2003.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2002/04/15/1018333485325.html|title=Signal failure? No, it's just the Millennium train picking up steam|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=16 April 2002|access-date=31 August 2011|author=Darren Goodsir|archive-date=8 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108183545/http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2002/04/15/1018333485325.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The M sets were built as "fourth generation" trains for Sydney's suburban rail fleet, replacing the 1960s [[New South Wales Tulloch double deck carriage stock|Tulloch carriages]] and providing extra capacity on the [[Railways in Sydney|suburban rail network]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Concept drawings for the 4th Generation 'Millennium' train|url=https://collection.maas.museum/object/358726|access-date=2021-10-15|website=collection.maas.museum|language=en|archive-date=24 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024172757/https://collection.maas.museum/object/358726|url-status=live}}</ref> The sets currently operate on the [[Leppington & Inner West Line|T2 Leppington & Inner West]], [[Liverpool & Inner West Line|T3 Liverpool & Inner West]], [[Cumberland railway line|T5 Cumberland]], [[Lidcombe & Bankstown Line|T6 Lidcombe & Bankstown]], [[Olympic Park railway line|T7 Olympic Park]] and [[Airport & South Line|T8 Airport & South]] lines.

== Design ==
[[File:Millennium train vestibule3.jpg|left|thumb|Vestibule]]
The Millennium train, just like the entire [[Sydney Trains fleet]], is a [[Bilevel rail car|double decker]]. It is a four car consist, with the middle two cars being non-control motor cars and the two outer cars being driving control trailer cars fitted with the [[Pantograph (rail)|pantograph]].<ref>[https://transportnsw.info/travel-info/ways-to-get-around/train/fleet-facilities/millennium-trains Millennium Trains] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612210622/https://transportnsw.info/travel-info/ways-to-get-around/train/fleet-facilities/millennium-trains |date=12 June 2018 }} Transport for NSW</ref> The Millennium train was the first to be equipped with an [[Variable-frequency drive|AC drive]] system unlike the [[Sydney Trains T set|Tangara]], which has a [[Chopper (electronics)|DC drive]] system. The sets usually operate in eight-car formations with two four-car sets combined.
While the Millennium train concept is an evolution of the Tangara concept (manufactured by [[UGL Rail|A Goninan & Co]]), the Millennium train introduced new features such as internal electronic destination indicators, automated digital voice announcements for upcoming stops, a return to reversible seating, surveillance cameras, wider stairways, a new safety yellow colour scheme, and push-button opened internal doors. The Millennium Train also introduced [[crumple zone]]s to absorb impact in a collision. Interiors were designed by Transport Design International.<ref name="millennium">{{cite web|title=millennium|url=http://www.designresource.com.au/TDI/Portfolio/millenium.aspx|publisher=Axis Communications|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110216050708/http://www.designresource.com.au/TDI/Portfolio/millenium.aspx|access-date=20 July 2013|archive-date=16 February 2011}}</ref>

The train also features emergency help points, allowing passengers to contact the train crew in an emergency. The help points are located on the sides of the stairwell to the upper deck. There are actually two help points in the same location, with a large one at face height with a microphone and speaker, and a lower one with a microphone only. There are also emergency door releases which were retrofitted to the trains. These allow passengers to manually open the doors in an emergency, as recommended in the report for the [[Waterfall rail accident]]. The retrofit program was stated as having been completed in November 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.onrsr.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/24549/Waterfall-Rail-Accident-Recommendations-Closed-Subject-to-Implementation-of-an-Approved-Program-or-Plan-2019.pdf|title=Waterfall SCOI Annual Status Report|date=March 2019|access-date=28 January 2020|archive-date=28 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128110612/https://www.onrsr.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/24549/Waterfall-Rail-Accident-Recommendations-Closed-Subject-to-Implementation-of-an-Approved-Program-or-Plan-2019.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

Like with the [[Sydney Trains T set|T]], [[Sydney Trains A & B sets|A and B]] sets, the M sets feature [[Scharfenberg coupler]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/media/documents/2017/Exhibit%203%20-%20RC%20Train%20Performance%20Specification%20-%20Version%2018%20at%2017%20Jan%202011%20%28incl%20full%20appendices%29.pdf|title=Exhibit 3 - Railcorp Train Performance Specification|date=17 January 2011|website=transport.nsw.gov.au|access-date=16 September 2018|archive-date=21 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421022224/https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/media/documents/2017/Exhibit%203%20-%20RC%20Train%20Performance%20Specification%20-%20Version%2018%20at%2017%20Jan%202011%20%28incl%20full%20appendices%29.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

M sets are {{convert|3.03|m|ftin|frac=8}} wide, being classed by Transport for NSW as medium-width trains, which allows them to operate within the whole [[Sydney Trains]] suburban network.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/system/files/media/asa_standards/2019/ts-toc-1-v16.0.pdf|title=Train Operating Conditions (TOC) Manual - General Instructions|publisher=Transport for NSW|department=Asset Standards Authority|year=2019|pages=42, 242|access-date=27 October 2019|archive-date=27 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027092539/https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/system/files/media/asa_standards/2019/ts-toc-1-v16.0.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

Unlike sets M2–M35, set M1 has a slightly different interior design with differently coloured doors and different seat handles likely due to M1 being the prototype M Set.

== Delivery ==
[[File:Sydney Trains 'Millennium' Train 20150124 175516.jpg|left|thumb|Stairwell]]

The cars were constructed by [[Downer Rail|EDi Rail]] at [[Cardiff Locomotive Workshops|Cardiff Workshops]]. The contract included a 15-year maintenance agreement with EDi Rail to maintain the trains at a specialised maintenance centre at [[Eveleigh Railway Workshops|Eveleigh]]. During testing and initial revenue service, they ran as four-car sets, with eight-car sets commencing service towards the end of 2002 after further testing. All 35 four-car sets were delivered by October 2005.

The initial order signed in October 1998 was for 81 carriages, in December 2002 an option was taken up for an additional 60.<ref name="AuditorGeneralJun03" /> In February 2017, Sydney Trains exercised an option to extend Downer's maintenance of the trains for a further 10 years.<ref>[https://www.railexpress.com.au/downer-signs-225m-m-set-maintenance-extension/ Downer signs $225m M-set maintenance extension] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305194112/https://www.railexpress.com.au/downer-signs-225m-m-set-maintenance-extension/ |date=5 March 2017 }} ''Rail Express'' 3 March 2017</ref>

=== Criticisms ===
The Millennium trains were criticised for having several technical problems and causing problems with Sydney Trains, they were referred to in the media reports as The "Mi-lemon" and "Millenni-Bug" as a result.{{citation needed|date=September 2024}} Some of the problems were caused by insufficient power supply on the overhead to cope with the power demands of the more technologically advanced trains causing them to shut down. Software bugs also contributed to the trains' poor reliability.

The Millennium trains were withdrawn from service in April 2003 while the problems were being rectified and a full audit was carried out.<ref name=AuditorGeneralJun03/> They were subsequently reintroduced into service in June 2003.

As of the new timetable since 20 October 2024, M Sets now run 8-car services on the [[Leppington & Inner West Line|T2 Leppington & Inner West]], [[Liverpool & Inner West Line|T3 Liverpool & Inner West]], [[Cumberland Line|T5 Cumberland]] and [[Airport & South Line|T8 Airport & South]] lines, while also running 4-car services on T5 Cumberland, [[Lidcombe & Bankstown Line|T6 Lidcombe & Bankstown]] and [[Olympic Park railway line|T7 Olympic Park]] lines.

== In service ==
=== External Carriage Camera Trial ===
[[File:M set external camera trial cityrail.jpg|left|thumb|200x200px|Trial cameras]]
In late 2008, two Millennium trains were fitted with external cameras atop of carriages near the doors, testing their use for the then-future [[Sydney Trains A set|Waratah trains]]. These cameras were subsequently incorporated into the final design of the Waratah train.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ecotransit.org.au/ets/node/204 |title=Platform Guards Irrelevant Ecotransit |access-date=8 July 2011 |archive-date=26 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726202145/http://www.ecotransit.org.au/ets/node/204 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Lines serviced ===
The Millennium trains typically operate on the following lines (normally described as Sector 2):
*T2 [[Inner West & Leppington Line]]: [[Leppington railway station|Leppington]] or [[Parramatta railway station|Parramatta]] to [[City Circle]] via [[Granville railway station|Granville]]  (Weekdays)
*T3 [[Liverpool & Inner West Line]]: [[Liverpool railway station, Sydney|Liverpool]] to [[City Circle]] via [[Regents Park railway station|Regents Park]] and [[Lidcombe railway station|Lidcombe]]  (Weekdays)
*T5 [[Cumberland Line]]: [[Schofields railway station|Schofields]] to [[Leppington railway station|Leppington]] or [[Blacktown railway station|Blacktown]] to [[Liverpool railway station, Sydney|Liverpool]]
*T6 [[Lidcombe & Bankstown Line]]: [[Bankstown railway station|Bankstown]] to [[Lidcombe railway station, Sydney|Lidcombe]]
*T7 [[Olympic Park railway line|Olympic Park Line]]: Shuttle from [[Lidcombe railway station|Lidcombe]] to [[Olympic Park railway station, Sydney|Olympic Park]] on weekdays
*T8 [[Airport & South Line]]: [[Macarthur railway station|Macarthur]] to [[City Circle]] via [[Airport Link, Sydney|Airport]] or [[Sydenham railway station, Sydney|Sydenham]] (Weekdays)

=== Maintenance Depots ===
The trains were originally maintained at [[Eveleigh]] Maintenance Centre, they are now maintained at [[Auburn Maintenance Centre]].

As with all other trains, these trains are not exclusively kept in Auburn overnight. They only need to return to the depot for maintenance, and at other times, they may be stabled at various yards on the lines that they operate, such as Blacktown, Liverpool and Rossmore yards.

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==
*{{Cite book|last1=Beckhaus|first1=John|last2=Halgren|first2=Stephen|title=Sydney's Electric Trains|publisher=Australian Railway Historical Society NSW Division|year=2007|isbn=978-0-975787-08-3}}

== External links ==
*{{commons category-inline|New South Wales M sets|Sydney Trains M set}}
*[https://transportnsw.info/travel-info/ways-to-get-around/train/fleet-facilities/millennium-trains Technical diagrams and specifications] Transport for NSW

{{NSWLocos}}

[[Category:Electric multiple units of New South Wales]]
[[Category:Double-decker EMUs]]
[[Category:Sydney Trains]]
[[Category:Train-related introductions in 2002]]
[[Category:1500 V DC multiple units of Australia]]