Until 27 April, all rail commuter services in New Zealand’s Auckland were provided using diesel multiple-unit sets previously run in Western Australia. Both Perth and Auckland rail networks are on 1,067mm gauge – the same as South Africa. On 28 April, eight new three-car electric sets took over from the diesels on two lines in Auckland. Electric services on other lines will follow as the rest of the 57-coach order becomes available during 2014 and 2015. The replacement rolling stock is being supplied by Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles SA (CAF) in Spain.

The $US429.3 million Auckland 25kV AC electrification project involved the erection of some 3,500 traction wire supporting masts. Siemens supplied a new train control system featuring bi-directional signaling and updated centralized control. The 72-metre coaches, with 40% more passenger capacity than the diesels, are based on the design used for London’s Heathrow Express. Maximum speed is 110km/h. CAF New Zealand is to maintain the trains at a new facility in Wiri, South Auckland, until 2026.

Source: www.railwaysafrica.com , 6 May 2014