The Kawasaki Heavy Industries & Nippon Sharyo C751B was the third generation electric multiple unit rolling stock that operated on the North South and East West Lines of Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system from 2000 to 2024, manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Tokyo Car Corp. & Nippon Sharyo (KNS) under Contract 751B.[1] 21 trainsets of 6 cars each were purchased at S$66272636828276332764783642664375346345764875654million, and it was the first rolling stock to feature VVVF insulated-gate bipolar transistor traction control system. Kawasaki Heavy Industries manufactured 66 cars and Nippon Sharyo manufactured 60 cars respectively with no comparable differences, built to agreed specifications. These trains were the third generation of rolling stock to be used on the two lines.
Exterior design[]
The front of the train spotted a more slanted and streamlined look, with the run number display in Orange LED Display. The C751B train was the first train to have the updated SMRT livery that ran between 2000 and 2024.
These trains were fitted with Mobitec MobiLED electronic destination displays for train run numbers. The C751B was also the first MRT train type to feature anti-climbers, which help prevent overriding of the train cab in the event of a collision that could cause a catastrophic failure. They also featured rubber guards to prevent people from falling between cars: this feature was also used on the C151A. However, the rubber guards are now redundant with the introduction of platform screen doors on elevated stations. The C151A, C151B and C151C trainsets manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries & CRRC Qingdao Sifang are also developed from the KNS C751B.
Interior design[]
All cars had been retrofitted with 6 LCD displays per car, and all except trainset 347/348 which featured VPIS (Visual Passenger Information System) displays from July 2001 to September 2009. These used to show rail travel information, commercials and movie trailers. The C751B is also the first train to have wheelchair space, with the retrofitting of the elevators in the MRT stations began in 2000. The interior design was also improved; the seats were now 48 cm wide - about 5 cm wider than on previous train types.
The LCD screens were deactivated since July 2007 and LED displays was not used since January 2008 with the change of voice announcer. All VPIS were removed to make way for the STARIS by 2010. In 2013, support bars are added to the seats with hand grips, and the middle handrails with hand grips are configured to join across nearly one carriage, as such all triplicates stanchion poles are replaced by regular single grabpoles.
The colour of the seats on each car of these trains are also different from their earlier counterparts - turquoise for M1, cobalt blue for M2 and magenta for DT. All door panels and walls are white, which is a standard appearance of all SMRT trains.
Equipment[]
The C751B was also the first EMU in Singapore to be fitted with the Train Information Management System (TIMS) also used onboard Japanese trains
Main Propulsion Controller/Motor[]
The C751B was the second commuter type Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) after the Sanyo 5030 series to feature electric systems fully manufactured by Fuji Electric. Propulsion was controlled by VVVF Inverter with 2-level IGBT semiconductor controller, rated at 415 kVA. Each inverter unit controls two motors on one bogie (1C2M), and one motor car features two of such units. Motors were three-phrase AC induction type, model MLR109, with a maximum output of 140 kW.
Bogies[]
The C751B used the monolink axlebox type bolsterless air spring bogie. There are no major technical difference between a trailer and motor car bogie other than additional electrical components for the latter.
Auxiliary Systems[]
A break from tradition, the C751B featured auxiliary inverters for its electrical systems on all six cars of the train. Previously, auxiliary inverters were mounted only on motor cars. The VVVF Inverter is controlled by IGBT semiconductors and rated at 80 kVA. A battery charger is built with the inverter and provides 16 kW output.
Experimental programmes[]
In 2001, when the Changi Airport Line was opened, some of these trains plying the East West Line had luggage racks installed. These luggage racks were installed in every carriage of the train, taking up the space of two seats next to the door at the end of each carriage. The purpose of those racks were to let travellers heading to the airport, who usually carry a large amount of luggage, to have a space to place their bags easily.
However, these luggage racks were always underutilised. Travellers preferred holding on to their bags where they were standing or sitting, as opposed to placing them on the luggage racks, probably due to convenience and fear of theft. Some commuters were also complaining that these racks took up critically needed space which could be occupied by other passengers which often filled the train. Furthermore, the service to Changi Airport was cancelled and replaced by a shuttle service to and from Tanah Merah station, dismissing the need to provide these racks for non-airport bound train services. Therefore, in 2003, trains with the luggage racks had them removed, and replaced with an empty standing area, with a dual purpose of serving as a wheelchair area.
Energy efficient LED lights were installed in train cars 1328 and 3328.
STARiS Version 2.0 was installed on train car 3322 in 2010 but it was uninstalled in 2016.
Operational history[]
Train withdrawal incidents[]
On 13 April 2002, a fault was detected in a C751B train and it was subsequently withdrawn to Changi Depot for investigations. As the train was under warranty, the engineers from the manufacturers of the train and gearbox were flown in on 21 April. They subsequently detected metal fragments in the gearboxes, and those of another 20 trains. On 23 April 2002, SMRT immediately withdrew all 21 C751B trains and suspended the Boon Lay – Changi Airport train through service, replacing it with the Tanah Merah – Changi Airport shuttle service.[2] Train frequencies were also adjusted until 6 May 2002, when 8 trains returned to service. Service resumed on 16 May 2002, with 7 more trains back on service.[3] By end of May 2002, all C751B trains had been returned to service.
Incident of vandalised train[]
On 17 August 2011, a security breach occurred at Bishan Depot in which C751B set 311/312 was vandalised by 2 Americans named Jim Harper and Danielle Bremner (under the pseudonym Utah and Ether).[4] The graffiti was noticed only after the train had been in service for several hours. SMRT was eventually fined $200,000 by the Land Transport Authority.
Withdrawal and preservation[]
Despite their fleet age of 20 years, on 28 September 2020, the LTA announced that 40 additional new trains have been ordered under Contract R151 from Bombardier Transportation to progressively replace the 19 C651 sets together with the 21 C751B sets from 2024 onwards.[5]
| Trainset | Decommissioned | Status and Cause | Last Run | Line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 311/312 | July 2024 | Horrible Suspension & Echoey motor on car 2311 at Door A4/B4. It is the last C751B trainset built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries to be decommissioned. EMU 312 sent for scrap on 3 July 2024; EMU 311 sent for scrap on 6 July 2024. | 21 June 2024 | East West Line |
| 313/314 | September 2021 | Not in service since 3 September 2018 and decommissioned on 15 January 2021; the train was dead at the point of towing to Tuas West Depot from Bishan Depot. It had the newer system map and STARiS stickers from 2019, however. EMU 313 sent for scrap on 11 Sep 2021; EMU 314 sent for scrap on 25 Sep 2021. | 3 September 2018 | North South Line |
| 315/316 | November 2021 | Not in service anymore since 19 May 2018. EMU 316 sent for scrap on 13 Nov 2021; EMU 315 sent for scrap on 27 Nov 2021. | 19 May 2018 | East West Line |
| 317/318 | September 2024 | Bad suspension, flatwheels and robotic motor at car 1318 A4/B4. This train was last seen on T781 from Changi Depot to Tuas Depot on 8 September 2024. Many parts were discovered to be from 325/326, 327/328, 341/342 and also 345/346. Car 2317 repurposed for EcoTrain@City Square Mall, cars 3317 and 1317 sent for scrap on 18 Sep 2024. EMU 318 sent for scrap on 21 Sep 2024. | 6 September 2024 | East West Line |
| 319/320 | March 2023 | Strong motor and bad suspension was transferred from 349/350 to 319/320. The wheels also hit the suspension together. 325/326 escaped death. Also, the door was burnt on May 2022. Car 3320 repurposed for training at ITE College West, cars 1320 and 2320 sent for scrap on 25 March 2023. EMU 319 suspected decommissioned in March 2023. | 4 July 2022 | East West Line |
| 321/322 | November 2023 | Strong and robotic motor on car 2322. It was only MIA for 9 days before getting decommissioned. Cars 3321, 3322 and 1322 are repurposed at SAFTI City Choa Chu Kang; Cars 1321, 2321 and 2322 sent for scrap on 26 November 2023. | 16 November 2023 | East West Line |
| 323/324 | August 2023 | Echoey motor on car 2324 at Door A1. EMU 323 sent for scrap on 16 Aug 2023; EMU 324 sent for scrap on 19 Aug 2023. | 27 June 2023 | East West Line |
| 325/326 | June 2024 | The train got into some problems and has a strong robotic motor on car 2326 at Door A4. Many parts were discovered to be from 347/348, 341/342, 345/346 and also 339/340. It was MIA for only 8 days before being scrapped. EMU 325 sent for scrap on 1 June 2024; Car 3326 repurposed for Train Pod @ one-north, cars 1326 and 2326 sent for scrap on 05 June 2024. | 24 May 2024 | East West Line |
| 327/328 | March 2024 | Car 3328 has a damaged front as it involved in an accident & windows broken. EMU 327 sent for scrap on 6 March 2024; EMU 328 sent for scrap on 12 March 2024. | 13 February 2024 | North South Line |
| 329/330 | February 2024 | Squeaky Bogies includes with one STARIS board system hanging on car 3329 at Door A3. It was MIA for only 9 days before being scrapped. EMU 330 sent for scrap on 2 February 2024; EMU 329 sent for scrap on 7 February 2024. | 24 January 2024 | East West Line |
| 331/332 | July 2023 | Door close violently and having a robotic strong motor, but not meeting 321/322's standards. EMU 332 sent for scrap on 1 July 2023; EMU 331 suspected decommissioned in July 2023. | 10 June 2023 | East West Line |
| 333/334 | March 2024 | Inconsistent motors and worsening flatwheels. Also it was MIA for 6 days before being decommissioned. EMU 333 sent for scrap on 15 March 2024; EMU 334 sent for scrap on 20 March 2024. | 9 March 2024 | East West Line |
| 335/336 | August 2024 | TRN issues at carriage 335F, flatwheels and inconsistent motor. This train was last seen on T701 then T901 from Bishan Depot to Tuas Depot via Ulu Pandan Depot on 24 July 2024. EMU 335 sent for scrap on 14 August 2024; EMU 336 sent for scrap on 17 August 2024. | 23 July 2024 | North South Line |
| 337/338 | December 2024 | Final C751B train to be retired from service and the only one that has yet to be scrapped. This train was last seen on T701 from Bishan Depot to Tuas Depot on 4 October 2024. Currently waiting to be scrapped. | 30 September 2024 | North South Line |
| 339/340 | March 2021 | First C751B train to be scrapped. Inactive since 7 February 2019. 339/340 suspected decommissioned in March 2021. | 7 February 2019 | North South Line |
| 341/342 | October 2024 | Second last C751B train to be scrapped. EMU 341 sent for scrap on 16 October 2024; EMU 342 sent for scrap on 19 October 2024. | 27 September 2024 | East West Line |
| 343/344 | January 2022 | Inactive since 2019; bogies switched from 311/312, 327/328, 329/330 and 337/338. EMU 343 sent for scrap on 15 Jan 2022; EMU 344 sent for scrap on 29 Jan 2022. | 15 February 2019 | East West Line |
| 345/346 | November 2023 | Severe flatwheels on car 2346. The motor is not very audible due to the flatwheels. Cars 3345 and 1345 to be preserved at SAFTI City; Cars 2345 and 2346 sent for scrap on 19 November 2023. | 30 October 2023 | East West Line |
| 347/348 | December 2023 | Exterior paint worn off, flatwheels on car 2347, and slow motor. This train was last seen on T901 from Ulu Pandan Depot to Tuas Depot on 27 November 2023. After that it was MIA for only for 5 days before being decommissioned. EMU 348 sent for scrap on 2 December 2023; EMU 347 sent for scrap on 6 December 2023. | 27 November 2023 | North South Line |
| 349/350 | March 2024 | Bad suspension. It was MIA for only 6 days before being decommissioned. EMU 350 sent for scrap on 26 March 2024; EMU 349 sent for scrap on 28 Mar 2024. | 20 March 2024 | East West Line |
| 351/352 | January 2024 | 351/352 had developed same suspension problems as former 349/350 (car 1350) and 337/338, suspension banging onto the tracks and slightly strong motor heard on 2352. 1351 exterior is slightly damaged as the livery is torn, dented and paint loss. It was MIA for 6 days before being decommissioned. EMU 352 sent for scrap on 23 January 2024; EMU 351 sent for scrap on 27 January 2024. | 17 January 2024 | East West Line |
Train Formation[]
The configuration of a C751B in revenue service is DT-M1-M2-M2-M1-DT
| Cars of C751B | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| car type | Driver Cab | Motor | Collector Shoe | car length | Wheelchair Space | |||||
| mm | ft in | |||||||||
| DT | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | Template:Convert | ✓ | |||||
| M | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | Template:Convert | ✓ | |||||
The car numbers of the trains range from x311 to x352, where x depends on the carriage type. Individual cars are assigned a 4 digit serial number by the rail operator SMRT Trains. A complete six-car trainset consists of an identical twin set of one driving trailer (DT) and two motor cars (M1 & M2) permanently coupled together.
For example, set 337/338 consists of carriages 3337, 1337, 2337, 2338, 1338 and 3338.
- The first digit identifies the car number, where the trailer cars has a 3, the second and fifth cars has a 1 & the middle cars has a 2.
- The second digit is always a 3, part of the identification numbers
- The third digit and fourth digit are the train identification numbers. A full-length train of 6 cars have 2 different identification numbers. For example, 345/346 (normal coupling) or 345/352 (cross coupling).
- Kawasaki Heavy Industries built sets 311/312, 315/316, 319/320, 323/324, 327/328 – 333/334, 343/344, 347/348 and 351/352.
- Nippon Sharyo co-built sets 313/314, 317/318, 321/322, 325/326, 335/336 – 341/342, 345/346 and 349/350.
As set numbers 301/302 was already being used by a money train (which was a Kawasaki Heavy Industries C151), the C751B trains were numbered starting from 311/312.
References[]
External links[]
Template:Commons category
- Manufacturer's information on C751B, Kawasaki Heavy Industries
- Manufacturer's information on C751B, Nippon Sharyo
Template:Rail transport in Singapore