On-track trials of the new Prospector train start.
8 September 2003
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the trials would run for five weeks.
"The trials will concentrate on the new train's control and braking systems over different speeds and gradients," she said.
"These will be undertaken over various sections of line between East Perth and Kalgoorlie.
"The trials will also include tests of the propulsion systems, ride characteristics, and noise and vibration levels to specification requirements."
The train, a two-car set was made by United Goninan at its Broadmeadows factory in New South Wales.
The two railcars are the first of nine which Transwa, the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia's regional passenger division, is buying - two 2-car sets and one 3-car set for the Prospector and one 2-car set for the AvonLink.
When it is commissioned, the new Prospector is expected to complete the 653km trip to Kalgoorlie in less than six hours, shaving almost two hours from the current journey time and for the first time, making the rail trip competitive with road.