Enterprise Train Phase 3. Overhaul of Coupler System.

Descriptions

Translink, comprising of Northern Ireland Railways, Metro and Ulsterbus, is the all-embracing title for integrated public transport operations in Northern Ireland. Translink operate a fleet of 45 trains, approximately 1400 buses and coaches. The train fleet includes two cross border (Belfast-Dublin) train-sets which entered service in 1997. Irish Rail also run and operates 2 train-sets to the same specification.Cross border Enterprise trains which operate Belfast to Dublin comprise of 4 train-sets, the normal configuration of which is:-1 Class 201 GM diesel locomotive1 MK 3 Generator Van4 Class 9000, De-Dietrich carriages, standard class.1 Class 9000, De-Dietrich carriage, Catering car.1 Class 9000, De-Dietrich Carriage, 1st Plus.1 Class 9000, De-Dietrich Carriage, DVT including 1st plus compartment.Of the 4 train-sets, 3 operate each day with one train-set in maintenance or operational spare. The train service operates at an approximately 2 hourly frequency with a journey time of two hours for the 110 miles covered. As an InterCity train there is a limited number of intermediate stops, 5 being the maximum.These trains have been in passenger service for 16 years and are due a half-life overhaul and refurbishment. This will include system overhaul, interior refurbishment and re-livery.The Dellner tight lock coupler were fitted by De-Dietrich who manufactured the trains. The couplers have been subject to an earlier overhaul, 2007-2010.Technical Description as below:-The Dellner coupler is designed to enable rail vehicles to couple automatically resulting in a rigid and fully latched connection. In addition, with the designed pivot arrangement it allows for both horizontal and vertical track variations. Uncoupling of the mechanical head is accomplished at the coupler itself using a manual release. Once the rail vehicles have moved apart, the couplers are automatically reset and ready to be coupled again.The Automatic Coupler consists of the following major items:1) Coupler Head2) Draft Gear3) Side StopThe Coupler HeadThe Coupler Assembly is made from cast steel, which ensures optimum strength. It consists of the coupling/uncoupling and locking/unlocking mechanisms. All parts are fully serviceable and replaceable.The horizontal and vertical positioning of the fixed Coupling is controlled by the two struts placed underneath the Autocoupler, both anchored centrally mid way along the coupler, and Right and Left hand sides of the buffer beam, at the other.Draft GearThe tractive and compressive loads are transmitted to vehicle from the mechanical coupler head connection through the draft gear to the bearing bracket.The draft gear is furnished with gas hydraulic buffer to take buff loads and Ring Spring set to take draft loads. Buff loads up to 1500 kN absorbed by the gas hydraulic buffer and draft loads up to 400 kN is absorbed by the Ring Spring set. The maximum stroke is 50 mm in the buff direction and 23 mm in the draft direction. Thus the draft gear gives increased comfort and protects the coupler and vehicle in an emergency situation. The buffer restores automatically to the normal position after being exposed to loads.A pivot in the rear end of the draft gear also allows the coupler to move horizontally, vertically and around its centreline. A renewable plastic wear plate attached to the underframe, supports he draft gear.Side StopThe Side Stops serve as horizontal movement limitations.Shearing DeviceThe Autocouplers are retained in the underframe by shearing devices, which are designed to shear in order to reduce the impact of a collision.The scope of this tender is for the full overhaul of 60 off couplers. This will include replacement of the plastic wear plate that supports the gangway.The supplier will also be responsible for the return of modules to York Road and to provide warranty support.This project is subject to tight time constraints, must complete by November 2015. Short turnaround times for equipment is essential.