MTR Metro Cammell EMU (AC)

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East Rail line Metro Cammell EMU (MLR) 3094/K01/K03/K05 stock 港鐵中期翻新列車
A refurbished MLR train at Sha Tin station
Interior of a refurbished MLR train
In service	1982–Present
Manufacturer	Metro-Cammell
Built at	Washwood Heath, Birmingham, England
Constructed	1980-1990
Refurbished	GEC-Alsthom (1996–1999)
Scrapped	From 2020 (E45: 1984)(E70/E92: 2020)
Number built	351 cars (29 sets and 3 surplus cars)
Number in service	120 cars (10 sets)
Number scrapped	15 (2 cars [in 1984 accident], 1 car [in 1987 depot accident]; 1 train set [Accident/Vandalism])
Successor	Hyundai Rotem EMU (R-train)
Formation	12-car (including 1 First Class car) (6 and 9 cars in the past)
Fleet numbers	1xx, 2xx, 3xx, 4xx, 5xx, 6xx
Capacity	1st & 3rd batch cars: 329 passengers per car 2nd, 5th & 6th batch cars: 332 passengers per car 4th batch cars: 72 seating passengers per car Total capacity: 3718 people per train
Operator(s)	KCR (1982–2007) MTR (2007–present)
Depot(s)
Line(s) served	East Rail line
Specifications
Car body construction	Aluminium and plastic
Car length	23,660 mm (77 ft 7.496 in) (cars with driver cab) 23,320 mm (76 ft 6.110 in) (other cars) 24,120 mm (79 ft 1.606 in) (cars with driver cab and couplers) 23,780 mm (78 ft 0.220 in) (other cars with couplers)
Width	3,096 mm (10 ft 1.890 in)
Height	3,750 mm (12 ft 3.638 in) (without rooftop equipment) 4,320 mm (14 ft 2.079 in) (with pantograph folded)
Floor height	3.5 ft (1,066.8 mm)[1]
Platform height	3.5 ft (1,066.8 mm)[1]
Doors	5 per side; 2 per side in First Class cars (originally 3 per side for all) Door centres:7,600 mm (24 ft 11.213 in) → 3,800 mm (12 ft 5.606 in) Door width: 1,400 mm (4 ft 7.118 in)
Maximum speed	Design 120 km/h (75 mph) Service 120 km/h (75 mph) ATO limitation 110 km/h (68 mph)
Traction system	GEC Traction 1982-1989: Tap changer 1989-present, K03/K05 Stock, refurbishment: GTO phase angle control
Traction motors	G315AZ DC series-wound motor (GEC Traction)
Power output	225 kW or 301.730 hp per motor 3,600 kW or 4,827.680 hp per 12 car set
Acceleration	Maximum 2.56 km/(h⋅s) (1.591 mph/s)
Deceleration	3.168 km/(h⋅s) (1.969 mph/s) (service) 5.0 km/(h⋅s) (3.107 mph/s) (emergency)
Electric system(s)	25 kV 50 Hz AC Catenary
Current collection method	Pantograph
Braking system(s)	Pneumatic
Safety system(s)	Westinghouse Brake and Signal Company Ltd AWS (former), After 1994-1998: GEC-Alsthom TBL2 (enhanced with ATP and ATS with ATO (Year:2002)
Coupling system	Tightlock coupling,
Track gauge	1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge
Notes
Bogie centres:16,100 mm (52 ft 9.858 in)

The East Rail line Metro Cammell EMU (also known as Mid-Life Refurbishment Train or MLR Train) (Chinese: 港鐵中期翻新列車) is a model of electric multiple unit built in 1980-1990 by Metro-Cammell for the original Kowloon–Canton Railway (now the East Rail line) in Hong Kong. The 29 sets are owned by and were originally operated by the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC). They have been operated by MTR Corporation (MTRC) after it merged with KCRC in 2007. Although another set of EMU trains from the same manufacturer operate on some of MTR's own lines, there are some significant differences between the two models, with the Metro Cammell EMUs of the original MTR being known as the Modernization Train.

The trains were delivered in several phases. The different phases of this series of train have entitled with different model numbers, including: 3094 stock, K01 stock, K03 stock and K05 stock. Regardless, all model numbers have an identical appearance. After the rail merger, the KCR logos on the MLR trains were replaced with those of MTR, and a revised route map was introduced in the train interiors.

Since the 2007 merger, the MLR is the second oldest variation of EMU operating on the MTR network, behind the M-Trains from 1979. It is also the only electric multiple unit of the Mass Transit Railway that does not have regenerative braking, as noted due to the lack of motor sound and the presence of air brake sounds while braking.

History[]

A Metro Cammell EMU train in original form, taken in August 1993.

The trains were ordered during the electrification of the KCR British section, now known as MTR East Rail line, in 1978. Sets E1-E45 and E46-E61 were delivered to KCRC in 2 batches in 1982–1983, when electrification was completed first between Hung Hom and Sha Tin in May 1982, and from then to Tai Po Market station before Lo Wu on August 16, 1983. KCRC also reordered further train sets in 1986 (sets E62-E86) and 1990 (sets E87-E118). In the early days of full electrification, these trains sometimes suffered from a temporary loss of electricity while passing University Station because of neutral sections (or dead zones), which led to the lack of internal batteries.

The exteriors of the trains before refurbishment featured a red stripe running down the length of the trains, and yellow driving cabs located on the first and last cars. Due to the aforementioned colour of the cab, the trains was commonly referred to as the "Yellow-heads".

Prior to the rule proclaimed in 1992 which fixed the number of cars on each trainset to 12, trains were inconsistent in terms of length, ranging from 3 to 12 cars.

Refurbishment[]

Like the DC MTR Metro Cammell EMUs, the KCR Metro Cammell EMUs underwent a major refurbishment from 1996 to 1999 to extend their lifespan, carried out by the successor of Metro-Cammell, Alstom (then known as GEC Alsthom). This reflected the significant role change of the KCR's British section, because of the development of new towns within the New Territories.

The trains were converted to fixed 12-car sets and received a new exterior livery of blue and silverish bodies with red doors; they were reassembled into either a 3+3+6 configuration (3xx 2xx 6xx 4xx 2xx 6xx 6xx 2xx 5xx 5xx 2xx 1xx) or a 3+3+3+3 configuration (3xx 2xx 6xx 4xx 2xx 6xx 5xx 2xx 6xx 5xx 2xx 1xx). The driving trailers also received rebuilt front ends, which did not feature an emergency escape door; these were removed from the driving trailers that became intermediate trailers. The doors were also increased from three doors per side to five doors per car side (excluding first class which has two doors per side). Interior refurbishments included the replacement of transverse seating by longitudinal bench seats to create more space for standing passengers (although transverse seating was retained in First Class). The freight compartment between the driving cab and First Class compartment was removed along with its doors, together with intermediate driving compartments, toilets, and gangway doors (excluding First Class). The trains also received new passenger information systems, including multi-colour LED signs displaying train destination, the next station, safety guidelines, and the time and temperature. They also have 22-inch LCD screens mounted above windows, broadcasting looping daily TV news provided by Cable TV Hong Kong (Newsline Express) and advertisements. The safety systems were changed to TBL (enhanced with ATP) from AWS in 1998 and ATC/ATO in 2002.^[2]

The only non-refurbished unit was E44 (144-244-444). E44 was not refurbished since it was the only unit left over after all other units were formed into 12 car trains. It is currently stored at Ho Tung Lau Depot, awaiting an uncertain future.

Fleet[]

Configuration of an East Rail line Metro Cammell EMU is as follows: (southbound) 1xx-2xx-5xx-6xx-2xx-5xx-6xx-2xx-4xx-6xx-2xx-3xx/1xx-2xx-5xx-5xx-2xx-6xx-6xx-2xx-4xx-6xx-2xx-3xx (northbound).

Accidents and incidents[]

Train accidents[]

1984 Sheung Shui crash incident[]

On 25 November 1984, an East Rail Metro Cammell EMU train derailed between Sheung Shui and Lo Wu station. The incident occurred when the driver, preparing to back the train up to Sheung Shui station, failed to follow a speed/stop signal while the train was exceeding the speed limit. The train crashed into a boulder buffer with the first two cars piling on top of each other. The degree of damage was so extensive that the cars never returned to service. Passengers were unloaded prior to the crash while the driver sustained only minor injuries. However, the accident caused train services to be suspended for the rest of the day and the incident spurred a series of public outcries concerning railway safety. Set E45 (which was 233-234-235) was hence commissioned as a result of the accident to replace the damaged cars.

The depot accident on 1987 included the only remaining coach no. 233 on E45, and coach no. 272 on E58. 233 took over the crashed 272 on E58 and became the current 458 in the late 90s. After then, the whole set E45 was scrapped, and a 1:1 yellow head model was included until it made room for the retired locomotive 51.

2019 East Rail line derailment[]

On 17 September 2019, a 12-car Metro Cammell EMU train servicing the East Rail line derailed while approaching Hung Hom station. Services between Hung Hom station and Mong Kok East station and the Intercity Through Train were cancelled for several days. Eight passengers were injured during the derailing. The derailment was attributed to deteriorated sleepers widening the track gauge.^[3]

Underframe cracking[]

On 21 December 2005, an East Rail Metro Cammell EMU train failed while in operation. Following examination of the train, KCRC staff detected minor cracks in the welding of mounting brackets for some underframe components. A review panel commissioned by KCRC looked into the problem from four aspects:^[4]

• the rate of change of the acceleration and deceleration of trains
• the welding of components' mounting brackets
• the profile of the track and train wheels
• suspension system

Since the full introduction of Automatic train operation (ATO) on the East Rail system in 2002, the rate of change of acceleration and deceleration resulting from ATO driving added stress to the underframe components. To allow a root cause investigation to be carried out, the use of the ATO system was suspended on 15 January 2006, leaving the operation of trains back in the hands of the train drivers, the safety of train operation under the control of the Automatic Train Protection system.^[2] This resulted in a decreased frequency (from 24 to 23 trains per hour) and lengthened trip time (increase by 90 seconds to 42.5 minutes).^[4] KCRC also temporarily transferred some staff from West Rail to cope with recent maintenance of trains.

The Environment, Transport and Works Bureau reprimanded the KCRC for not immediately notifying the Government when it found problems with its East Rail trains in 2005. Secretary for the Bureau Dr Sarah Liao said she has ordered the KCRC to inspect all its trains, and did not rule out suspending services if there are safety doubts. Dr Liao ordered the chairman to review the corporation's operations, including its management and overall system, and submit a report. KCRC Chairman Michael Tien accepted responsibility for the corporation's poor judgement in not sharing the information with the public in a timely matter.

On 21 January 2006, Michael Tien stated that the safety problems of East Rail had been controlled, and the train service was expected to operate as usual, including train service in the Chinese New Year. KCRC East Rail trains reverted to ATO operation on 6 August 2006, after the investigation confirmed that the ATO system is not a direct cause of the cracking.^[2]

Replacement[]

All 29 sets will gradually be retired from service starting 2020 and, together with the newer SP1900 EMUs built by Kinki Sharyo, will be replaced by brand-new Hyundai Rotem EMU trains ordered in December 2012. These 43 9-car "R-Trains" are manufactured by the same company as the K-Stock operating on the Tung Chung line and the Tseung Kwan O line.

Other details[]

Preserved examples[]

A 1:1 scale model was once on display at the Hong Kong Railway Museum, built from components of carriage 272 of set E58. The model has since been scrapped to make room for Locomotive 51.^[5]

Scrapped Units and Surplus Cars[]

E45 (which was 233-234-235) was supposed to be 145-245-445. After the incident, the only remaining coach was coach no. 233. Coach 233 replaced the crashed 272 in E58 and officially became coach no. 272, and then 458. Due to the extensive damage, coaches 234 and 235 were wrecked in the 1984 accident in a siding, and the only remaining historical train was E44 (144-244-444). If these were not involved, 144 and 145 would have become 644 and 645.

Gallery[]

• 

  Refurbished Metro Cammell EMU in August 2008

• 

  MTR Metro Cammell EMU at Lo Wu

• 

  First class seating in a MTR Metro Cammell EMU

• 

  LCD screen at top of window

• 

  Refurbishment plaque

• 

  KCR Metro Cammell EMU at Tai Wai

• 

  Unrefurbished E44 unit (144-244-444) stored at Ho Tung Lau Depot

References[]

External links[]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to KCR trains.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to East Rail Metro Cammell EMUs.

• East Rail Rolling Stock - Hong Kong Railway Information Centre (fan site)
• 1980s Metro-Cammell Products - Metcam.co.uk (dedicative site)
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