Two days ago observed testing on a slightly rising upgrade to the north section of double track between the Eshkol-University intersection on the north and the Shimeon HaTzadik intersection on the south, crossing one grade crossing and a trailing point crossover.
The cars are Alstom modular units. The variety used has five body sections and three trucks, possibly all powered; or, if only front and rear are powered, then higher than usual horsepower. (The starter line is mostly level, but future lines will have steep grades.) The car seems to accelerate as fast as a PCC. It is not quite as quiet as a good PCC, but close, and certainly quieter than any of the Boeing cars that use to run in Boston. It has MU capability, and I did see two-car operation. Since there is the typical ultra-modern streamlined ends without train doors, I suppose this means an operator in each car. The colors are brushed dull stainless steel and black trim.
Couplers pivot to be stored sidewase. There may be cover plates to cover the openings, but I did not see any.
Section 1: Operators cab and sixteen cross seats arranged 2 by 2 front then back then front then back, the first front being good railfan seats to see over the shoulders of the operator. Truck under this section.
Section 2. Two doors each side with four seats facing the aisle on each side between the doors.
Section 3. Center section, with the double-end car symmetrical, sixteen cross seats arranged like the end sections. 4 repats 2, and 5 repeats 1.
Comfortable seats, blue upholstery.
There is also an operators door in sections 1 and 5, on the left side for quick crew swaps.
About 1.7 miles of the 24-mile line (approximately) are wired and up for testing.
The big nice suprise was the bell. Digitalized old time trolley bell sound, just like New Orleans.
Gee, the first electric railway operaton I have observed in almost 14 years!
http://www.orenstransitpage.com/otpisraelpics/jlemlightraillrv.htm
Dave,
I know this project is running quite behind but can you provide any details on project schedule, opening date and additional routes? Thanks.
wanswheel http://www.orenstransitpage.com/otpisraelpics/jlemlightraillrv.htm
Dave and Wans: The blue color lights in the windows. Is that a tint or are the lights actually blue? Is this some kind of security thing or if you told us you would have to kill us?? It does appear there are a few incadescent or fluros there?
In daylight the windows look blue to me. Photos of the test run at this link.
http://www.demotix.com/news/272920/jerusalem-light-rail-test-run
Mike
In the daylight, the windows seem the usual light grey, typical of most transit vehicle windows, just a bit to screen out some sun glare but no change in color. However, the uphostery is blue, and the lights are the typical blue fluorescent rods.
The middle of 2011 seems the target gate for passenger service now.
Downtown (Jaff Road) is still pretty messy from construction. The only grassed area, very park-like, is where the tracks run next to the Old City Walls between the City Hall, Safra Square, and the main Arab commercial center. Elsewhere the PRW is paved with paving blocks and all rail everywhere is girder rail. Switches have two movable points. The overhead so far is all simple wire, no catenary continuous messanger plus contact wire.
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.