MTR Metro Cammell EMU (AC)

History

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, and from then to Lo Wu respectively. KCRC also reordered further train sets in 1986 (sets E62-E86) and 1990 (sets E87-E118). These trains may suffer from temporary loss of electricity while passing neutral sections (or dead zones) due 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 the design of the front part of the first and last cars, which encapsulated the driver's cab, was commonly referred to as the "Yellow-cab" due to its aforementioned colour.

Prior to the rule proclaimed in 1994 which fixed the number of cars on each trainset to 12, trains were inconsistent in terms of length, ranging from six cars (two EMUs), nine cars (three EMUs) to 12 cars (four EMUs).

Refurbishment

Like the MTR Metro Cammell EMUs (Modernization Train), KCR Metro Cammell EMUs have undergone major refurbishment from 1996 to 1999 to extend their lifespan, carried out by the successor of Metro-Cammell, Alstom. The trains were converted to fixed 12-car sets and received a new exterior livery of blue bodies and red doors. 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) and the addition of two doors to each side of every compartment (excluding 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.

Also, the safety systems were changed to TBL (enhanced with ATP) from AWS in 1998 and ATC/ATO in 2002.

The refurbishment reflected the significant change of role of KCR's British section, because of the development of New Territories new towns. The refurbished trains are also known as Mid-Life Refurbishment Train (MLR Train).

The only non-refurbished train was E44 (144-244-444), which has since been scrapped.

Fleet

Configuration of East Rail Line Metro Cammell EMU is (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).

Train accidents

On 25 November 1984, an East Rail Line 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 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.

Underframe cracking

On 21 December 2005, an East Rail Line 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:

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 January 15, 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. 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). KCRC also temporarily transferred some staff from West Rail Line 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.

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.

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.

After refurbishment

Prior to the removal of the driving compartments, coaches 1xx became 6xx, and 3xx became 5xx, but the 6-car trains became 6xx.