In service 2 November 2011 Constructed 2010–2012 Number in service 17 | Manufacturer Hillside Engineering Number built 17 Fleet numbers AK, AKC (cafe) | |
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The New Zealand AK class of 17 cars was built in Dunedin's Hillside Workshops for KiwiRail's long-distance passenger operation KiwiRail Scenic Journeys consisting of 11 AK saloon cars and four AKC cafe cars, supplemented by three AKL luggage vans and four AKV open-air viewing/generator vans converted from AG vans, similar to those previously used on the Coastal Pacific and the TranzAlpine.
Contents
Two AK, an AKC, an AKL and an AKV entered service on the Coastal Pacific on 2 November 2011.
The class is used on the Coastal Pacific, the Northern Explorer and the TranzAlpine, replacing panorama 56-foot carriages. Funding of $NZ39.9 million was announced by the fifth National government in March 2009.
The class features a new white livery with the KiwiRail logo.
Due to passenger loadings falling on both South Island trains as a result of the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake, three AK, one AKC, one AKL and one AKV have been moved to the North Island for the new three-times-a-week Auckland-Wellington Northern Explorer.
Design
The class was designed by KiwiRail's mechanical design staff in Wellington. It has GPS-triggered announcements, with displays on ceiling-mounted screens and commentary at each seat in five languages: English, French, German, Japanese and Mandarin. It runs on newly designed air-cushioned P11 bogies. Seating was supplied by a Wellington-based manufacturer.
With large panoramic windows and quarter lights in the roof, the area of glass per AK car is 52 m2 (560 sq ft). To one side of each seat is a jack for headphones for the on-board commentary, and in front of each seat is a flip-down tray table. Seats facing each other in groups of four are positioned around a fixed table. Power points are provided at each seat area. Carry-on baggage can be stored overhead.
Class register
The class include the following sub-types: AK saloon car and AKC licensed café car, supplemented by AKL luggage van and AKV outdoor observation/generator car.