Electric multiple unit (Queensland Rail)

In Queensland, the Electric multiple units (EMU) are a class of electric multiple units manufactured by Walkers Limited, Maryborough for Queensland Rail between 1979 and 1986. They were the first EMUs in Queensland and some remain in service on the Queensland Rail City network.

All currently serviceable units feature air-conditioning, button operated doors, fabric covered padded seating, passenger information displays, emergency intercoms, and a public address system.

History
In 1977 Walkers Limited, Maryborough were awarded a contract to build 13 EMUs with electrical equipment to be supplied by ASEA. These were the first EMUs in Queensland, entering revenue service when the first part of the Brisbane rail network was electrified between Ferny Grove and Darra in November 1979. Further orders saw the fleet total 88 units with the last delivered in December 1987.

The remaining EMUs are in revenue service around Brisbane, operating on Queensland Rail suburban lines in either three or six car formation. Although the EMUs were intended only for suburban operation, before the introduction of the 700 Series they were occasionally found operating interurban services if other rollingstock was not available.

Alterations
Multiple alterations and upgrades were performed on all Electric Multiple Units over their time in service. Many of the upgrades are focused towards compliance with disability standards, although some are general improvements. QR implemented standardisation measures on the EMUs and periodically refurbished the interiors and drive equipment.

General improvements
Due to the age of the EMU fleet some changes have been made to running equipment for operational or maintenance reasons. All driving cabs have been modified to accept flat panels of glass on the sides rather than the original molded panels and bumpers to reduce damage in collisions, particularly with animals. The units have also received redesigned front cab ends, with a sloped front lip which make train surfing by standing on the front lip impossible. The units have also received bright yellow doors and front cab ends for increased visibility. Dot-Matrix destination displays have replaced the original calico blinds. Inside, the EMUs have received a new interior colour scheme with new carpets, seat fabric, and floors in the vestibule area. The small top section of the windows which could originally be opened are now only used in emergency situations.

Units 01-04 and 60-88 have a black band around the glass on the driver cab ends. These units are affectionately referred to as bandicoots. Units 60 and 67 also had the black band on the guard cab end, for unknown reasons. The rest of the fleet reverted to the original flat yellow cab ends in their last refurbishment.

Disability compliance
The Queensland Rail EMUs were introduced before the Australian Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and originally featured very few of the disability standards introduced in the intervening years. As such significant alterations have been made to bring these legacy units into compliance.

The original seating arrangements have been altered surrounding the front-most and rear-most doors of the train as these areas are used as assisted boarding points. Some seats have been removed and others replaced with auto retract folding types to create more space for passengers in wheelchairs. Additional handrails surrounding the new wheelchair spaces have been added for safety. The seating arrangement is unchanged elsewhere inside the trains.

The majority of the units have been retrofitted with push-button operated doors, while EMU60-65 and 67-69 retained the use of traditional handle operated doors. The replacement buttons feature integrated lighting and small speakers. Different flashes, beeps and display messages are emitted to alert passengers when the doors are activated or closing. Parts of the interior have all been painted bright yellow such as the doors and poles inside the train, for higher visibility and enhanced safety.

Dot-Matrix displays have been added alongside new automated voice announcement systems on all units. The EMU was originally fitted with VAS in the mid-90s and was upgraded around 2012 when the DTI system was fitted. These systems are used to address passengers with information such as the current and next station as well as alerting passengers where to transfer for other services. Many signs have been changed to include braille for sight impaired passengers.

Accidents
On 23 March 1985, two EMUs collided head-on near Trinder Park. A train driver and a passenger were killed, and 31 others were injured. The units involved were EMU11 and EMU27; both were repaired and returned to service.

On 14 March 1996, EMU28 derailed after hitting a freight train near the former Mayne Junction station. EMU28 was later repaired and returned to service.

On 21 September 2001, a freight train derailed near Petrie and collided with two empty EMUs, EMU05 and EMU60. Two carriages from EMU05 and one carriage from EMU60 were not repairable, and EMU05 was the first EMU unit to be officially withdrawn from service. The remaining three carriages were combined and returned to service as EMU60. It was withdrawn from passenger service in November 2018.

On 14 September 2012, unit EMU41 collided with a truck at Banyo. EMU41 was repaired and returned to service afterwards.

Withdrawals
The first EMU unit withdrawn from service was EMU 05 as a result of an accident in September 2001.

Following the introduction of the New Generation Rollingstock fleet in 2017, EMU units are being progressively withdrawn, starting with EMU units 60–79 (which only have single driving cabs and, as a result, could only operate as part of a six car combination). EMU units 06, 16 and 72 have been taken to the North Ipswich Railway Workshops. In 2019, Queensland Rail organised a farewell tour for EMU units 01 and 04, with their final service being from Varsity Lakes to Bowen Hills on 11 August 2019; both will be retained for historical purposes. There are a varying amount of EMU units also currently stored at the Woombye stabling yard.