Cooltrainz on track

BY GEMMA REDDELL

A solution to Auckland’s rail system problems might have been found by a Rodney resident.

Wayby resident Barry Read has developed a rail system called Cooltrainz.

It’s a self-generating electric drive railcar that could cut travel times at a lower cost than the planned Auckland Regional Council’s rail electrification.

His idea was developed after a five-hour journey from Auckland on the Silver Fern to the opening of Atiu Creek Regional Park west of Wellsford last year.

"The journey was supposed to take four hours," he says. "This was the best rail system we could offer, and ARC chairman Mike Lee said at the time: ‘This is the future’. But I thought ‘no way’."

Mr Read worked with John Britten on the rail transport hub in Christchurch, designed a road-rail crossing safety device, and an air-conditioning system for London’s underground.

He says he just didn’t accept Mr Lee’s future vision.

"It’s amazing that we’ve got this asset that no one really thinks anything of."

He says there are two things needed in a public rail system – something that can beat rush hour and something that provides comfort and safety.

"Cooltrainz is a self-generating electric rail car with new wheel technology for traction, suspension and stability," says Mr Read.

"It has new green generating technologies and uses in-wheel electric drive-motors/braking regenerators."

He says the self-generating electric drive railcars work in three ways. There is a solar generating roof, which works mainly when Cooltrainz are idle.

At each end of the railcar are fuel-tolerant turbine generators that can run on anything from kerosene to recycled fish and chip oil.

The third onboard generating system is what is termed "regenerative braking". Cooltrainz will have 12 in-wheel electric drive motors. Each time the railcar slows or stops the polarity on the motors is reversed and they become generators.

He says all systems are lightweight and modern with particular attention paid to station platforms, crossings and disabled passenger access.

"It should be able to do the same journey to Atiu Creek in 90 minutes."

He says all of the technology needed is already made in New Zealand, except part of the drive train.

"A lot of it is made in Christchurch and exported for buses and cars," he says.

Mr Read estimates a train could be built for $3 million.

"The electrification of the rail system is going to cost $1 billion, and that doesn’t give you a rail system," he says.

"They don’t even know how they are going to put the wires into Britomart yet. This would be about a quarter of the cost."

Mr Read says entertainer Ray Columbus of Omaha Flats is helping promote the idea.

"We talked about how the people waiting on the Helensville platform for their antiquated hulk to haul them to Auckland would react when a Cooltrainz from Wellsford cruised by."

"People can’t believe we are using second-hand, second-grade rail cars around this country. The Cooltrainz are perfect for New Zealand’s conditions – narrow and winding and volcanic."

He says the Auckland Regional Transport Authority allowed him to put the Cooltrainz display in Britomart, but is cautious.

"People were drawn to it and began debating the issues, which is what we want."

He says he’s had an incredible response from disability services.

"Because Cooltrainz can rise or lower to match platform heights, wheelchair users can board easily."

Mr Read returned to university this year to complete a graduate diploma in design, and to further develop the Cooltrainz concept.

"After only ever hearing talk about both environment and the disaster that is Auckland travel, I decided to do something," he says.

Mr Read is now testing the model’s aerodynamics.

For information visit www.youtube.com, keyword FutureRailNZ, or email cooltrainz@gmail.com.

High cost of electric rail

The Auckland Regional Transport Authority’s plans to electrify the rail system are estimated to cost about $1 billion.

It includes electrifying the system between the Auckland business district and Papakura, and out to Swanson.

The network is due to  be completed by 2013, but part of it might be operating in time for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Electrification includes a fleet of 140 electric train cars, 10-minute train frequencies in peak hours, new and upgraded rail stations, an Onehunga branch, strengthened bus and ferry networks, integrated ticketing and real-time passenger information.

Auckland now uses a diesel fleet.

- © Fairfax NZ News