Sydney Trains C set

The C sets are a class of electric multiple units that operated on Sydney's suburban rail network from 1986 up until 2021. Built by A Goninan & Co between 1986 and 1987, they were introduced into service by the State Rail Authority, before later being operated under CityRail and Sydney Trains. A total of 56 carriages were built, with the last sets being withdrawn from service in February 2021, having been gradually replaced by Waratah A & B set trains.

Design and construction

The C sets were originally built as Series 3 K sets. The second order of K sets, which were Series 2, originally composed of 100 cars; 50 motor cars numbered C3551 to C3600, and 50 trailer cars numbered T4217 to T4266, but this was later reduced to 60 cars, with the remaining 40 cars (C3581-C3600 and T4247-T4266) placed in a new order for "Series 3 K sets". A further 16 cars were later built; 8 motor cars numbered C3601-C3608 and 8 trailer cars numbered T4267-T4274. The Series 3 K sets (later C sets) featured chopper control as an interim measure due to delays with the Tangara program. They were also used to train and familiarise staff with the new (at the time) chopper technology. These K sets were the first Sydney suburban trains to be fitted with chopper control, which gives the train smoother acceleration. Gate turn-off thyristors (GTO) were used to control power to the traction motors, hence allowing for smoother acceleration."New Suburban Train" ''Railway Digest'' September 1986 Page 273 Following the successful implementation of chopper control, these features were installed on the Tangara and later V set carriages ( DJM).

The C set carriages were also the first on the suburban network to feature fixed seating (originally covered with fabric, since replaced with vinyl). These cars also featured push-button doors requiring passengers to activate, to increase air-conditioning efficiency. These proved unpopular and the push-buttons on the doors were removed.

The C set was distinguished externally by a fibreglass moulding mounted on the front of the power carriage. It was originally in the State Rail Authority white with orange and red candy livery stripes on the lower portion. C3596 was the only power car to have its Candy-liveried front repainted in CityRail blue and yellow prior to its CityDecker refurbishment in 1998. The chopper cars were amongst the heaviest in the suburban fleet, with the power cars weighing 52 tonnes.

The total for both orders was for 56 cars:

History

In service

The first set entered service in July 1986, operating out of Mortdale Maintenance Depot, some were delivered to Hornsby Maintenance Depot, but by December 1988, all were operating out of Punchbowl Maintenance Depot as sets K40-K51.

The chopper cars were originally classed as Series 3 K sets and for a while when they entered service, they ran together with the then-force ventilated K sets. This however caused problems in service as force-ventilated cars were fitted with camshaft control and led to jerking while accelerating. By December 1990, they had been separated into their own class retargeted as C sets; C42–C54."The EMU Review" ''Railway Digest'' March 1991 Page 96 In January 1991, these were reformed as 6-car sets numbered C1–C8. By June 1991, all had been transferred to Hornsby Maintenance Depot.

One carriage, C3596 of set C5, was painted in a livery having its fibre-glass front being painted in CityRail colours, with the L7 logo.

During the late 1990s, all were refurbished by A Goninan & Co as part of the CityDecker program. This saw the interiors refurbished with white walls and ceilings, grey floors and blue seats. Power cars received a destination indicator and had the yellow apron livery applied which includes a grey front with yellow over the bottom half.

In 2001, the C sets were once again reformed into seven 8-car sets. A 6-car C Set was re-formed in late 2006 due to car T4262 being seriously damaged by an arson attack at Villawood in October 2006, however the full 8-car set later went back in operation.

In July 2017, asbestos was found in the circuit breaker panels, which was inside the driver compartment of the C sets, with all withdrawn for inspection.

From November 2017 until they were retired from service, all C Sets operated out of Flemington Maintenance Depot.

Prior to their retirement, C sets operated on the following lines:
*T2 Inner West and Leppington Line: Leppington or Parramatta to City Circle via Granville
*T3 Bankstown Line: Liverpool or Lidcombe to City Circle via Bankstown
*T8 Airport and South Line: Macarthur To City Circle via Airport or Sydenham

Retirement

The C sets were gradually phased out from September 2020 to February 2021 with the first two sets to be withdrawn being C4 and C2, being replaced by B sets. The C sets ran their final revenue timetabled service on 26 February 2021 on the Airport & South Line. A farewell to the C Sets tour by the Sydney Electric Train Society took place on 6 March 2021 visiting Mount Victoria and Hawkesbury River.

Two C sets (C1 and C5) remained as standby sets for emergencies from their retirement until 30 April 2021.

Two carriages, C3581 and T4272 were sent to Fire and Rescue NSW on 6 May 2021 for training purposes.

On 12 July 2021, three of the four remaining C Sets were transferred from Flemington to the Chullora Disposal Sidings for scrapping. As of June 2025, these 12 carriages still remain at Chullora due to the fulfilment of the previous scrapping contract. The carriages are to be scrapped in the coming weeks alongside 24 V set carriages.

Preservation

In July 2021, the Sydney Electric Train Society (SETS) announced that they would be preserving four carriages for heritage. These carriages were taken from sets C5 and C9. It is intended that they will be operational for tours operated by SETS, including the Great Northern Chopper Tour, which was initially scheduled for 28 August 2021, but was postponed due to COVID-19, with no new date announced since. The cars that were meant for heritage are currently owned by Sydney Trains and stored at the Auburn Maintenance Centre.

Notes and references

Further reading

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External links

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Technical diagrams and specifications (archived)
Transport for NSW

{{NSWLocos, state=collapsed

Electric multiple units of New South Wales
Double-decker EMUs
Sydney Trains
Train-related introductions in 1986
1500 V DC multiple units of Australia