You can always tell someone who is passionate about their work, because they're always willing to talk about it. Glad you're getting the access - you deserve it from the work you've put in.
absolutely chuffed to see you getting access to these sites! I hope they continue to bring you in - such an awesome resource for the public to see the work being done.
Thanks Lachie, yes hopefully this will be the first of many visits like this! It helps Sydney Metro spread awareness of the work that is happening and it’s obviously good for my channel as well!
Thanks Reece, yes I put some extra effort into this one, especially with the cutaway / B roll bits and the audio too. It was fun reducing some of the background noise for the Q&A bits with Hugh!
Paul, you’re getting the official recognition you so richly deserve. Thanks for asking all the questions buzzing in my head. I don’t know how you do it! Really enjoyed this after watching endless true crime videos (and falling asleep while bedridden with the flu). Still from California. Thanks so much.
Thanks David! Some of those questions have been in my head for years, and also when you notice things (such as the rigid bar), that sparks questions. (no pun intended!) Hope you feel better soon and always lovely to hear from international viewers!
@@TransportVlog Paul, yeah, the rigid overhead pipe was intriguing. I’m sure it’s more expensive than the conventional catenary, but I wonder if there’s more wear and material fatigue? An awkward question to ask, I’m afraid. I hope you’ll get to see the underwater section sometime in the near future. So much anticipation!
You must have been so excited to have had this opportunity and you completely did it justice! I am excired that your passion, enthusiasm and hard work in making the content that you produce has been recognised by the Sydney Metro team and I encourage the Sydney West Metro, Parramatta Light Rail, Sydney Western Airport Metro and slightly off your normal commuter rail topic, the Sydney Western Freight line project to give you a 'private' viewing opportunity! Great video Paul and kudos to the fact that you have replied to almost all the comments, certainly shows your passion!
Thanks Brett, Yes I will thrilled to bits to be invited to go inside Chatswood Dive Site. Parramatta Light Rail invited me to see the new CAF tram late last year, and I've met some of the Sydney Metro people involved with Sydney Metro West. So I reckon you'll see more videos like this over the coming months, and Sydney Western Freight line could be an interesting one. One thing I don't mind is a long commute, as long as its by train! Yes I do enjoy responding to the comments and it's just about possible to reply to all of them at the moment!
Thanks for your lovely comments! Yes it's wonderful to get this type of recognition for my work and I'm looking forward to the next opportunity to go behind the scenes!
Thanks, Paul for yet another great video and so pleased you had the cooperation of the Metro management. I wondered about the rigid power bar as opposed to the overhead wires that move so as not to wear out a particular area on the pantographs.
You're very welcome Geoff. Yes, it was lovely to be invited by Sydney Metro to view the dive site and tunnels. I felt very special! Yes, the reasons for using a rigid bar has been a question I've wanted to ask since I first saw one at Bella Vista station in 2019!
Hi Paul, thanks for another fantastic video! It's really great that your efforts have been recognised first by the PLR team and now by Sydney Metro! I look forward to many more updates as SMW and SMWSA pick up pace! And a little bit of an explainer about the kinematic envelope and how it factors into tunnel design just in case you're interested.... The kinematic envelope is the space which a train could occupy when running along a track. When calculating/modelling it, you have to take account of the things you mentioned like speed, suspension and curvature but another important factor is track movement. Ballasted track is not fixed in place and tends to shift over time. Slab track on the other hand is fixed so there is very little movement. Because the kinematic envelope for ballasted track has to take movement into account, it's a bit larger than slab track. Now, in tunnels, there is a whole host of equipment attached to the lining like Hugh mentioned. We want to build the tunnels as small as possible to keep costs down, while making sure there's still enough space to fit the equipment without it clashing with the kinematic envelope because then it could be struck by a train. So, using slab track in tunnels helps minimise the tunnel diameter because the kinematic envelope is smaller than ballasted track. Slab track also has other benefits in tunnels but I'll stop the lecture here!
Thanks! yes its wonderful to be getting the recognition from PLR and Sydney Metro. I have been making some contacts within Sydney Metro West too. Thanks for your extra information on Kinematic Envelope and how slab track keeps this movement to a minimum. I took a trip to Lithgow last week and noticed that most (if not all) of the track in the tunnels between Bell and Lithgow was slab track, and quite a few of the short cuttings between the tunnels had track slabs as well.
Great video Paul and well done for getting access behind the scenes. I'm looking forward to more like this (as well as your usual highly informative and detailed walkarounds).
Thanks William, glad you enjoyed it! - Yes I have many more interesting videos in the pipeline, including one for Brisbane and hopefully one for Melbourne too!
Amazing engineering! I’m supplies Sydney metro gave you opportunity to film this amazing project and I hope Sydney metro gives you opportunity to film inside, Marrickville dive site, Waterloo, Central, Martin Place, Pitt Street, Barangaroo, Victoria Cross and Crows Nest and I hope to see more videos of Sydney Metro
Top shelf Paul! Great Metro has provided access to you. Looking forward to seeing some Metro West if you get to have a look. Special mention to Hugh for such good information.
Thanks Darren, yes plan to cover the remaining Metro West stations and do a general update on how the station boxes are progressing over the next few months.
Another fantastic video Paul.... I have enjoyed them all... love the tunnels especially all the old ones on the City Circle.... when I lived in Sydney I used to go to all the City Circle stations ( my faves were Museum and St James) and sit there for hours just watching the trains travel through.....always loved the gush of wind announcing the arrival of a train, I was always down the arrival end, ha ha.... also I reckon the rigid bar with the copper contact was a great idea,,, so take care, stay safe and will look forward to your next one cheers :)
Thanks Lorraine, yes the City Circle is great and I'm a fan of St James and Museum Stations as well. Yes the rigid bar makes a lot of sense. I first noticed it at Bella Vista Station just after metro northwest opened in 2019, and had always wondered why they are used in the tunnels.
Thanks Vijay, glad you appreciate the work involved and it’s lovely to get the recognition for this too, and being able to see the tunnel and dive site first hand for a lovely reward!
Thank you Paul and congratulations on such an exciting and revealing look inside these new metro Tunnels . I am so looking forward to boarding some time soon down the line T Crows Nest.. Magnificent work.
Thanks Tacit, I must admit, I didn't give much thought to filming underground! I just filmed in the same way as usual with no flash and using my iPhone. The temporary lighting was pretty good. I guess it has to be for the construction workers to see what they're doing! I was impressed with how well the audio came out, as there was a fair bit of noise in the tunnels!
The next train to arrive on Platform 1 goes to Chatswood via Central, First Stop Penrith, then all stations to Rooty Hill, then Blacktown, Seven Hills, Westmead, Parramatta, Granville, Clyde, Auburn, Lidcombe, Strathfield, Burwood, Redfern, Central, Town Hall, Wynyard, Milsons Point, North Sydney, St Leonards, Artarmon, and Chatswood.
Noise in the tunnels was originally a big problem when the Eastern suburbs Railway first opened in 1979. They installed noise reduction after passengers complained about getting headaches from the loud noise.
I am an avid public transport fan and I love watching your videos. I really want to move to Sydney in the future and the active investment in the metro especially just seems like all the motivation I need
Hi Paul, Wow!! That must have been an exciting tour. Thanks for sharing. Many years ago, my dad and I actually walked along the Cahill Expressway tunnel from Circular Quay to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, not long after the Cahill Expressway had officially opened. We only found a sign saying "No Pedestrians" at the bridge end and had to walk all the way back the same way, as there was no other way out. It was quite a memorable experience!!! Anyway, take care and all the best from Rob in Melbourne Australia.
Hi Rob, yes it certainly was! Yes that must have been memorable. Now there are a set of stairs at the bridge end, and quite a few people do walk along Cahill Expressway footpath. I rode my bike on it once during a special cycling event! That was pretty cool!
@@TransportVlog From memory, at the bridge end was right near a former tram stop, which allowed passengers to use the stairs from the bridge down to Millers Point and the Rocks area. It is also located just next to the former tram tunnel entrance to Wynyard.
Feb 21: news from a metro worker. Last weekend they tested the overhead wires between Chatswood/Sydenham going live, and it went well. By April testing will commence instead of June. Towards end of the year they would have done 6 months of testing. Stay tuned.
Thanks for the update. I was there last week, and the overhead wires didn't look quite finished, so I guess they must be now! Great to hear that testing will start in April. Looking forward to seeing metro trains at this end of the line!
I can't wait to board on the New Sydney Metro Rail Line from Chatswood Train Station to Sydenham Train Station once the New Sydney Metro Rail Line from Chatswood Train Station to Sydenham Train Station open I gonna board on the Sydney Metro
Yes I'm hoping to get to Melbourne in March. I'm already editing a video for Cross River Rail in Brisbane, so that will be my first "interstate" video!
Paul .. any inside info on when they will start trialing trains under the city? Also how will they be delivering new carriages? Do they come by ship? Then transported down to somewhere to be place on the tracks?
I reckon test running will be later in the year. We might see the occasional train going through the tunnel section under manual control sooner, especially to test all the infrastructure at Trains Facility South. Yes the new trains come by ship and then by road. Many have been delivered already and I believe some are already in service on Metro North West.
I live just 500m away from Cherrybrook metro ... my family & I have been using North West Sydney Metro regularly since it opened in May 2019. Looking forward to going straight from Cherrybrook to Sydney CBD when this line opened in 2024. I wonder though when it will open next year (early or mid or late 2024). As I still remember with the North West Sydney Metro line ... the testing was done for more than 6 months. It is already 8 April 2023 and there seems to be a lot to be done in each station.
Hi Herman, must be wonderful to live so close to the metro and Cherrybrook is one of my favourite stations! Apparently testing is starting later in April, so that could opening in early in 2024. The stations below ground are more or less finished, with platform screen doors, lifts and escalators all in place. They look unfinished because of the over-station developments happening above, but the stations could open whilst work on these developments continue. Also the line could open with some stations, rather than all from day 1. I think the Bankstown line conversion will happen later, perhaps even opening in 2025.
Hi Peter, Sydney Metro reached out to me! However, I've been keeping in touch with the public affairs team over the last few months, so that might have helped.
Paul, Good to see you getting noticed by Transports NSW and being offered access. With regarding the over head wiring, I noticed it does not go in a exact straight line. Is this to ensure the pantograph does not get warm out?
@@andrewr2825 I heard they didn’t do that on a section of the Rouse Hill to Chatswood line until engineer realise it and they had to redo the section. Looking forward to when they start testing the trains in the tunnels and then parking some at Sydenham.
Looks incredible. Amazing work Paul. Thank you so much for allowing us in with you. If only they made the tunnels just 1 extra metre bigger. 7 metres in diameter not 6 metres, (I have my reasons ☺️) It would of been perfect. Nevertheless looks amazing. 🤗
@@TransportVlog you are most welcome thank you. YES, it would make it the same size as the Chatswood to Epping run. Unfortunately, I think the government deliberately selected a smaller size tunnel to have a physical incompatibilty with the rest of the Sydney rail network. Even though the metros will remain stand alone always. Its logical to have mathamatical consistency in public infrastructure. Larger tunnels would of also allowed for better air flow at higher speeds, avoid rocking of trains, future equipment being installed, larger tunnels for maintence equipment, track repairs, passenger evacuations. I guess I should be grateful we at least got a rail line in the first place 😊.
Hi Paul, this is such an interesting episode. Even for me, who has no technical knowledge or ability of any kind. I must confess that your wonderful presentations have converted me from a Metro hater to an interested Metro observer. I was interested in the term "Kinematic Envelope" as Kinema is an old term for cinema. There is a Kinema (cinema) in Narooma on the South Coast of NSW. They show Kinematic movies ( Cinematic), and interestingly, the Kinematic Envelope diagram shown in this video is shaped like an old Kinema (cinema). I predicted some time ago that the Metro management would reach out to you, and I am so happy that they have. You can't hide your excitement because you're like a kid in a candy shop. I can't wait for the next instalment from Paul the Metro King.
Thanks John, Glad you enjoyed it! Kinematic Envelope was a new term for me too!, and interesting that it comes from the word "cinema". Yes it's wonderful that Sydney Metro reached out to me, and it was a lovely reward for all my Chatswood Dive Site and other Sydney Metro videos! Yes I was excited and it was such a cool thing to do.
I knew a worker in the Epping/Chatswood project. It took a year to fit out the tunnel after it was constructed. No doubt this is well underway to make it work in 2024.
@@TransportVlog the tunnel you were in had most essentials installed like cables, overhead electricity and pipes installed already. Hopefully this is like that through to Sydenham already.
In the original Epping to Chatswood tunnels which were converted over to Metro use, those access platforms that ran the length of the tunnels were actually designed as evacuation pathways - they were not simply maintenance walkways. That may be the case in the new sections but that guy misrepresented the original intent of the infrastructure.
Hi Kevin, thanks for that. Yes it's quite possible that the purpose of the maintenance walkways was different for the Epping to Chatswood Line, especially as evacuating a train from the front or back would be much harder on a Waratah, Tangara etc.
Thanks. I was invited by Sydney Metro. Quite a few Sydney Metro employees watch my videos and my channel is now large enough to make it worth their while to do this, as it’s great publicity for them and it helps my channel grow too!
Great video. Though don’t think the Sydney Metro guy explained WHY the rigid overhead in the tunnel. Main reason of course is to reduce maintenance costs, but the reason it used used in the tunnels and NOT in the open is in the tunnels the temperature doesn’t vary by much so rigid system can be used. But in the open there is a wide variation of temperatures and wind etc so a catenary system is required to give the line flexibility to withstand wind and temperature variations but still able to be tight enough to allow pantographs to keep good contact.
Hi Ashley, Glad you enjoyed this video and thanks for the extra information on the rigid bar system. I'll include this when I do a front of train video on the tunnel sections of Sydney Metro North West.
Great question! I think it's easier to bore smaller tunnels, and it also allows more flexibility to go around building foundations. In the CBD, the southbound tunnel goes under Elizabeth Street and the northbound tunnel under Castlereagh Street, so they are quite far apart. Single tunnels seem to be common practice on most new metro systems these days. I'm sure there are other reasons that I'm not aware of, but hope this helps for now!
I think it went to a variety of different locations for reuse. The reason for the temporary shed was to store the spoil until it could be moved away. Only a certain number of truck movements were allowed, so it wasn't always possible to get the spoil away immediately, hence the need to store it on site for a few days.
Nice video Paul. I like this Chatswood Dive Site. The Sydney Metro between Chatswood and Bankstown are still under construction until 2024 but getting a huge Upgrade Update. On the Bankstown Line, The Orange Sydney Trains Signs will be replace into Blue Signs on the Sydney Metro. The connection site of the Chatswood Dive Site is connected to a tunnel for a construction frequency that head north to the Bankstown line with an underground tunnel tracks will be the same as the Northwest Line between Tallawong and Chatswood, and it will be an impacted Sydney Metro Diversion of Sight. For each tunnel, they have Tunnel Ventilation Fans used for tunnel construction of the Sydney Metro. The actual tunnel portal is an underground Sydney Metro development of the Northwest Line, which was an operational facility of the Sydney Metro Construction of sight. The Southbound tunnel is going to the Bankstown line and Central as a transit route to the tunnel down sight of the tunnel. The original sight is the Sydney Metro Construction Upgrade at Central, the Bankstown line and the tunnel that goes after Chatswood station. The high voltage on the Sydney Metro has a concrete track to the Sydney Metro Tunnel Package. Some of the Sydney Metro is impacted to Hunter Street and three station of Eastern Tunnel Package near the sight of Martin Place station. The opportunity of Sydney Metro is impacted of the Chatswood Dive Site through the Tunnel of Southbound to Bankstown, Central or the Dive Site of Chatswood Station. This video is interesting, I like it and it’s very cool and nice. Nice video Paul, and Keep going. You are making great content.
No matter how many times I watch the supposed reasons for this project, I am still baffled by the decision of prior governments to construct a separate rail system with separate operators, seperate knowledge pools and separate fleets and then claim its more beneficial than a DD line. I'm sorry, it isn't. Please change my mind on this, I hate to see so many billions thrown into what I can only see so far as a waste.
@paintbrushguy the double deckers would would be 10 - 15 minute slower than the metro .. that is a game changer. I can currently get on a bus from Baulko/north rocks and if there is no traffic I am in the city with 25 minutes. With a double decker stopping at all stations it would be around 1 minute slower per station than a metro train. The current media from the the metro says it will take around 35m from Castle Hill to the city. That is very quick and there will be no traffic like the bus
@paintbrushguy have you been on a metro station in the North West? The door are lucky to be open for less than 30 second and the acceleration of the metro is much quicker than the double decker snail rail
Old time table pre Metro for the double deckers had Epping to Chatswood take 16 minutes. Metro it takes 13 minutes. That is for a small section. Metro from castle hill to city once city extension is open is anticipated to be 35 minutes. Old snail rail would be 45m plus. You can do thar quicker on a bus with no traffic. Metro times smash the old snail rail.
@TheTrainGuy4 - It is much easier to bring in new technology such as CBTC and driverless trains on a new dedicated railway. Look at Crossrail in London for the challenges involved in integrating 3 different signalling systems. I tend to think of Metro is a different type of service to conventional trains. In London, they have conventional trains and tube trains. Tube trains run on dedicated lines within minimal junctions and that allows up to 30 trains per hour, which wouldn't be possible otherwise. Sydney Metro could potentially run at 24 trains per hour through the CBD, and I think the existing Sydney Trains lines though Wynyard and Town Hall would struggle to achieve that. Finally, I'm very pleased that Sydney is building more railways and that's got to be a good thing in itself!
Downgrading the Bankstown line would be a disgraceful waste. There should be a new line going to a different destination. Also the fact that the new airport will not be directly connected to Sydney airport is an idiotic decision.
Thanks for explaining Kinematic Envelope. As someone with no knowledge of any of this stuff, is it me or are the tunnels really big relative to the train already? I feel like the "Kinematic Envelope" is quite big/conservative/overkill? Especially compared to like London's tube with really small clearance space. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loading_gauge#/media/File:Why_London_Underground_is_nicknamed_The_Tube.jpg
Hi William, you're very welcome. Modern tunnels have to be wide enough to include a walkway on one side. As the tube is much older, the tunnels never included a walkway. The only exception is the newer part of the Jubilee Line from Westminster to Stratford. Tube trains also have a smaller loading gauge, especially in height, except for the sub-surface lines which are similar to metro trains in terms of loading gauge. Hope this answers your question.
You can always tell someone who is passionate about their work, because they're always willing to talk about it. Glad you're getting the access - you deserve it from the work you've put in.
Thanks David, yes it was a very nice treat and a lovely reward for all the work I'd done, especially on the Chatswood Dive Site videos.
absolutely chuffed to see you getting access to these sites! I hope they continue to bring you in - such an awesome resource for the public to see the work being done.
Thanks Lachie, yes hopefully this will be the first of many visits like this! It helps Sydney Metro spread awareness of the work that is happening and it’s obviously good for my channel as well!
Wow!! Sydney Metro is obviously impressed with your work to give you much access. This will just help your TH-cam content even more. All the best.
Thanks Gary, yes they certainly are, and this was a lovely way to recognise my efforts. Yes I'm sure it will help my channel grow.
So cool! One of your best so far!
Thanks Reece, yes I put some extra effort into this one, especially with the cutaway / B roll bits and the audio too. It was fun reducing some of the background noise for the Q&A bits with Hugh!
Paul, you’re getting the official recognition you so richly deserve. Thanks for asking all the questions buzzing in my head. I don’t know how you do it!
Really enjoyed this after watching endless true crime videos (and falling asleep while bedridden with the flu).
Still from California. Thanks so much.
Thanks David! Some of those questions have been in my head for years, and also when you notice things (such as the rigid bar), that sparks questions. (no pun intended!) Hope you feel better soon and always lovely to hear from international viewers!
@@TransportVlog Paul, yeah, the rigid overhead pipe was intriguing. I’m sure it’s more expensive than the conventional catenary, but I wonder if there’s more wear and material fatigue? An awkward question to ask, I’m afraid.
I hope you’ll get to see the underwater section sometime in the near future.
So much anticipation!
WE LOVE PPE ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Great video - well-deserved access - a real win-win situation for Sydney Metro and yourself PLUS for us viewers!
Thanks Mark, yes absolutely! Sydney Metro certainly see the benefits in making videos like this possible!
Good to see your passion and selfless hard work getting recognised.
Thanks Ankit! - It was a lovely reward!
You must have been so excited to have had this opportunity and you completely did it justice!
I am excired that your passion, enthusiasm and hard work in making the content that you produce has been recognised by the Sydney Metro team and I encourage the Sydney West Metro, Parramatta Light Rail, Sydney Western Airport Metro and slightly off your normal commuter rail topic, the Sydney Western Freight line project to give you a 'private' viewing opportunity!
Great video Paul and kudos to the fact that you have replied to almost all the comments, certainly shows your passion!
Thanks Brett, Yes I will thrilled to bits to be invited to go inside Chatswood Dive Site. Parramatta Light Rail invited me to see the new CAF tram late last year, and I've met some of the Sydney Metro people involved with Sydney Metro West. So I reckon you'll see more videos like this over the coming months, and Sydney Western Freight line could be an interesting one. One thing I don't mind is a long commute, as long as its by train! Yes I do enjoy responding to the comments and it's just about possible to reply to all of them at the moment!
You have outdone yourself this time Paul. Very educational as well as informatonal. Thanks for this and to Hugh.
Glad you enjoyed it Luke, and it was lovely to have Hugh in the video as well!
Nice work Paul thanks
Thanks! You're very welcome.
Thank you Paul for the time you put into your videos
You're very welcome Sean. Glad you enjoy them
Paul, it's about time you got the recognition your channel deserves, you've made the Big Time.👍😁
Thanks for your lovely comments! Yes it's wonderful to get this type of recognition for my work and I'm looking forward to the next opportunity to go behind the scenes!
Well done Paul. I'm so happy for you that all your really hard work has lead to a behind the scene invite from Sydney Metro. Well played mate!
Thanks Danielle, yes it's a lovely reward for all the work involved!
Others have said it, but thanks, Paul, for keeping us updated in the Northern Hemisphere.
You’re very welcome Andrew. Hope it all makes sense to you on the other side of the world!
Sensational work, Paul!
Thanks Josh!
Another awesome video Paul! So happy to see you get access
Thanks Neil. Glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for explaining dive site!
You're very welcome Yvonne
Thanks, Paul for yet another great video and so pleased you had the cooperation of the Metro management. I wondered about the rigid power bar as opposed to the overhead wires that move so as not to wear out a particular area on the pantographs.
You're very welcome Geoff. Yes, it was lovely to be invited by Sydney Metro to view the dive site and tunnels. I felt very special! Yes, the reasons for using a rigid bar has been a question I've wanted to ask since I first saw one at Bella Vista station in 2019!
Thank you Paul 👍
You're very welcome
Great video. Nice to see some of the parts of these system come together
Thanks Kenneth, glad you enjoyed it.
Hi Paul what a great vid so glad they gave you access to the tunnels
Thanks Greg, yes I felt very privileged!
Great work Paul and great to see the value of your posts recognised by Sydney Metro!
Thanks Maddo! Yes absolutely!
Another great vid, Paul. Congrats on getting the opportunity to visit the sites via NSW Metro.
Great footage and audio too, felt Luke a tag along tour!
Thanks Kaz, glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks Brett, yes I’m glad the audio came out well. I was a little nervous about that, as I hadn’t done an interview with two mics before!
Brilliant, how did I miss this.
Glad you found it now!
Excellent video. It must have been so interesting seeing it all like that. The progress is impressive. 😊
Thanks Pauline, yes it certainly was! Glad you enjoyed this video!
Hi Paul, thanks for another fantastic video! It's really great that your efforts have been recognised first by the PLR team and now by Sydney Metro! I look forward to many more updates as SMW and SMWSA pick up pace!
And a little bit of an explainer about the kinematic envelope and how it factors into tunnel design just in case you're interested.... The kinematic envelope is the space which a train could occupy when running along a track. When calculating/modelling it, you have to take account of the things you mentioned like speed, suspension and curvature but another important factor is track movement. Ballasted track is not fixed in place and tends to shift over time. Slab track on the other hand is fixed so there is very little movement. Because the kinematic envelope for ballasted track has to take movement into account, it's a bit larger than slab track. Now, in tunnels, there is a whole host of equipment attached to the lining like Hugh mentioned. We want to build the tunnels as small as possible to keep costs down, while making sure there's still enough space to fit the equipment without it clashing with the kinematic envelope because then it could be struck by a train. So, using slab track in tunnels helps minimise the tunnel diameter because the kinematic envelope is smaller than ballasted track. Slab track also has other benefits in tunnels but I'll stop the lecture here!
Thanks! yes its wonderful to be getting the recognition from PLR and Sydney Metro. I have been making some contacts within Sydney Metro West too. Thanks for your extra information on Kinematic Envelope and how slab track keeps this movement to a minimum. I took a trip to Lithgow last week and noticed that most (if not all) of the track in the tunnels between Bell and Lithgow was slab track, and quite a few of the short cuttings between the tunnels had track slabs as well.
Great video Paul and well done for getting access behind the scenes. I'm looking forward to more like this (as well as your usual highly informative and detailed walkarounds).
Thanks William, glad you enjoyed it! - Yes I have many more interesting videos in the pipeline, including one for Brisbane and hopefully one for Melbourne too!
Awesome video and insight. Thanks Paul and Sydney Metro!
Thanks Aaron, Glad you enjoyed it!
Amazing engineering! I’m supplies Sydney metro gave you opportunity to film this amazing project and I hope Sydney metro gives you opportunity to film inside, Marrickville dive site, Waterloo, Central, Martin Place, Pitt Street, Barangaroo, Victoria Cross and Crows Nest and I hope to see more videos of Sydney Metro
Yes it certainly is Nick! Yes I'm sure this will lead to other opportunities and I'm very keen to see one of the new stations!
wow another great job well done
Thanks Gary!
Top shelf Paul! Great Metro has provided access to you. Looking forward to seeing some Metro West if you get to have a look. Special mention to Hugh for such good information.
Thanks Darren, yes plan to cover the remaining Metro West stations and do a general update on how the station boxes are progressing over the next few months.
Excellent Paul
Thanks David
Another fantastic video Paul.... I have enjoyed them all... love the tunnels especially all the old ones on the City Circle.... when I lived in Sydney I used to go to all the City Circle stations ( my faves were Museum and St James) and sit there for hours just watching the trains travel through.....always loved the gush of wind announcing the arrival of a train, I was always down the arrival end, ha ha.... also I reckon the rigid bar with the copper contact was a great idea,,, so take care, stay safe and will look forward to your next one cheers :)
Thanks Lorraine, yes the City Circle is great and I'm a fan of St James and Museum Stations as well. Yes the rigid bar makes a lot of sense. I first noticed it at Bella Vista Station just after metro northwest opened in 2019, and had always wondered why they are used in the tunnels.
this was awesome
to see!
Just awesome. Having the time of your life too!
Thanks, yes it was a very memorable day!
Great work Paul
Thanks Yazan
Awesome video & you deserve all the recognition that comes your way. You are putting in a lot of effort to bring out these videos. All the very best.
Thanks Vijay, glad you appreciate the work involved and it’s lovely to get the recognition for this too, and being able to see the tunnel and dive site first hand for a lovely reward!
Thank you Paul and congratulations on such an exciting and revealing look inside these new metro Tunnels . I am so looking forward to boarding some time soon down the line T Crows Nest.. Magnificent work.
You’re very welcome Jack. Yes it was so cool to see inside the tunnels. Not long now before it opens!
Well done Paul. I think it is fair to say you are now to Sydney what Geoff Marshall is to London.
Thanks Ken, that’s a lovely compliment. Geoff was one of the people that inspired me to do this!
Im impressed you got access to this. Really Interesting thanks Paul
Yes it was wonderful to get a look inside. Glad you enjoyed this video.
Awesome to see you getting a look behind the scenes and taking us with you, Keep the awesome quality informative videos coming Paul.
Thanks Norry, yes will do!
Great clip covering lots of interesting details that bring the project alive. It's seems you've also now mastered the genre of 'underground film'.
Thanks Tacit, I must admit, I didn't give much thought to filming underground! I just filmed in the same way as usual with no flash and using my iPhone. The temporary lighting was pretty good. I guess it has to be for the construction workers to see what they're doing! I was impressed with how well the audio came out, as there was a fair bit of noise in the tunnels!
The next train to arrive on Platform 1 goes to Chatswood via Central, First Stop Penrith, then all stations to Rooty Hill, then Blacktown, Seven Hills, Westmead, Parramatta, Granville, Clyde, Auburn, Lidcombe, Strathfield, Burwood, Redfern, Central, Town Hall, Wynyard, Milsons Point, North Sydney, St Leonards, Artarmon, and Chatswood.
Wow! Great update!
Thanks Luna
Very interesting behind the scenes look. Thanks for sharing Paul
You're very welcome Giuseppe!
Very interesting seeing behind the scenes. I’m sure you found it so. Hope you get some more visits in
Hi Alex, yes it was very interesting and Hugh really knew his stuff. Yes I'm sure this will lead to more visits like this! Glad you enjoyed it!
Wow; great access video. Thanks.
Thanks Andrew, glad you enjoyed it.
What a sick af video! Great to see this kind of detail and information!!!🎉🎉🎉
Thanks Donn. Glad you enjoyed it.
Fantastic video - and so cool to see you recognised by Sydney Metro! Can’t wait to see the next video 👏 🎉
Thanks! 😃 glad you enjoyed it!
Noise in the tunnels was originally a big problem when the Eastern suburbs Railway first opened in 1979. They installed noise reduction after passengers complained about getting headaches from the loud noise.
Yes I guess they learned from the ESR! Many of the Tube tunnels in London are very noisy too!
I am an avid public transport fan and I love watching your videos. I really want to move to Sydney in the future and the active investment in the metro especially just seems like all the motivation I need
Yes, I'm sure you'll love Sydney, especially in 2024 when the metro opens! It's a wonderful city and there is so much to see and do!
Hi Paul, Wow!! That must have been an exciting tour. Thanks for sharing. Many years ago, my dad and I actually walked along the Cahill Expressway tunnel from Circular Quay to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, not long after the Cahill Expressway had officially opened. We only found a sign saying "No Pedestrians" at the bridge end and had to walk all the way back the same way, as there was no other way out. It was quite a memorable experience!!! Anyway, take care and all the best from Rob in Melbourne Australia.
Hi Rob, yes it certainly was! Yes that must have been memorable. Now there are a set of stairs at the bridge end, and quite a few people do walk along Cahill Expressway footpath. I rode my bike on it once during a special cycling event! That was pretty cool!
@@TransportVlog From memory, at the bridge end was right near a former tram stop, which allowed passengers to use the stairs from the bridge down to Millers Point and the Rocks area. It is also located just next to the former tram tunnel entrance to Wynyard.
Great video. Thanks, most informative!
You’re very welcome John. Glad you enjoyed it.
great video Paul
Thanks Udayakumar
Great video of the New metro tunnel Paul.its great insight & tour.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
Loved the behind the scenes look at this project.
Thanks William, glad you enjoyed it.
Congrats on being recognised for your work, very interesting vlog.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
great video paul!!
Thanks Haniel!
Feb 21: news from a metro worker. Last weekend they tested the overhead wires between Chatswood/Sydenham going live, and it went well. By April testing will commence instead of June. Towards end of the year they would have done 6 months of testing. Stay tuned.
Thanks for the update. I was there last week, and the overhead wires didn't look quite finished, so I guess they must be now! Great to hear that testing will start in April. Looking forward to seeing metro trains at this end of the line!
I really enjoyed this video I can't wait to use the metro when it's running
Thanks Mervyn, glad you enjoyed it. Yes me too. It’s getting closer.
I can't wait to board on the New Sydney Metro Rail Line from Chatswood Train Station to Sydenham Train Station once the New Sydney Metro Rail Line from Chatswood Train Station to Sydenham Train Station open I gonna board on the Sydney Metro
Great job! Perhaps you could get a trip into Melbourne to cover the Melbourne Metro tunnel.
Yes I'm hoping to get to Melbourne in March. I'm already editing a video for Cross River Rail in Brisbane, so that will be my first "interstate" video!
Paul .. any inside info on when they will start trialing trains under the city? Also how will they be delivering new carriages?
Do they come by ship? Then transported down to somewhere to be place on the tracks?
I reckon test running will be later in the year. We might see the occasional train going through the tunnel section under manual control sooner, especially to test all the infrastructure at Trains Facility South. Yes the new trains come by ship and then by road. Many have been delivered already and I believe some are already in service on Metro North West.
I live just 500m away from Cherrybrook metro ... my family & I have been using North West Sydney Metro regularly since it opened in May 2019.
Looking forward to going straight from Cherrybrook to Sydney CBD when this line opened in 2024.
I wonder though when it will open next year (early or mid or late 2024).
As I still remember with the North West Sydney Metro line ... the testing was done for more than 6 months.
It is already 8 April 2023 and there seems to be a lot to be done in each station.
Hi Herman, must be wonderful to live so close to the metro and Cherrybrook is one of my favourite stations! Apparently testing is starting later in April, so that could opening in early in 2024. The stations below ground are more or less finished, with platform screen doors, lifts and escalators all in place. They look unfinished because of the over-station developments happening above, but the stations could open whilst work on these developments continue. Also the line could open with some stations, rather than all from day 1. I think the Bankstown line conversion will happen later, perhaps even opening in 2025.
good video mate
Thanks 👍
Congratulations on getting the access. Did you approach them or did they reach out to you?
Hi Peter, Sydney Metro reached out to me! However, I've been keeping in touch with the public affairs team over the last few months, so that might have helped.
@@TransportVlog Perseverance pays off, now you've had access to one more should follow. Keep up the good work
Paul,
Good to see you getting noticed by Transports NSW and being offered access.
With regarding the over head wiring, I noticed it does not go in a exact straight line.
Is this to ensure the pantograph does not get warm out?
That’s exactly the reason!!👍🏻
@@andrewr2825 I heard they didn’t do that on a section of the Rouse Hill to Chatswood line until engineer realise it and they had to redo the section.
Looking forward to when they start testing the trains in the tunnels and then parking some at Sydenham.
Yes that’s right Fittipaldi. I covered this in this video if you want to know more th-cam.com/video/sfyHwZGLfuI/w-d-xo.html&feature=share
Oops! That would have been a rookie mistake! Yes looking forward to seeing some metro trains at Trains Facility South.
Ride the north shore line past every weekday and always try to see an angle down that ramp, now i dont have to 😀
Yes absolutely! - Now you know what it looks like inside!
Looks incredible. Amazing work Paul. Thank you so much for allowing us in with you. If only they made the tunnels just 1 extra metre bigger. 7 metres in diameter not 6 metres, (I have my reasons ☺️) It would of been perfect. Nevertheless looks amazing. 🤗
Thanks Jake, Glad you enjoyed this behind the scenes look inside the tunnels! Would that make it the same size as the Epping to Chatswood tunnels?
@@TransportVlog you are most welcome thank you. YES, it would make it the same size as the Chatswood to Epping run. Unfortunately, I think the government deliberately selected a smaller size tunnel to have a physical incompatibilty with the rest of the Sydney rail network. Even though the metros will remain stand alone always. Its logical to have mathamatical consistency in public infrastructure. Larger tunnels would of also allowed for better air flow at higher speeds, avoid rocking of trains, future equipment being installed, larger tunnels for maintence equipment, track repairs, passenger evacuations. I guess I should be grateful we at least got a rail line in the first place 😊.
Hi Paul, this is such an interesting episode. Even for me, who has no technical knowledge or ability of any kind. I must confess that your wonderful presentations have converted me from a Metro hater to an interested Metro observer. I was interested in the term "Kinematic Envelope" as Kinema is an old term for cinema. There is a Kinema (cinema) in Narooma on the South Coast of NSW. They show Kinematic movies ( Cinematic), and interestingly, the Kinematic Envelope diagram shown in this video is shaped like an old Kinema (cinema). I predicted some time ago that the Metro management would reach out to you, and I am so happy that they have. You can't hide your excitement because you're like a kid in a candy shop. I can't wait for the next instalment from Paul the Metro King.
Thanks John, Glad you enjoyed it! Kinematic Envelope was a new term for me too!, and interesting that it comes from the word "cinema". Yes it's wonderful that Sydney Metro reached out to me, and it was a lovely reward for all my Chatswood Dive Site and other Sydney Metro videos! Yes I was excited and it was such a cool thing to do.
I knew a worker in the Epping/Chatswood project. It took a year to fit out the tunnel after it was constructed. No doubt this is well underway to make it work in 2024.
Yes that’s right. The fit out will take a while, but hopefully we’ll see some test trains before the end of the year.
@@TransportVlog the tunnel you were in had most essentials installed like cables, overhead electricity and pipes installed already. Hopefully this is like that through to Sydenham already.
In the original Epping to Chatswood tunnels which were converted over to Metro use, those access platforms that ran the length of the tunnels were actually designed as evacuation pathways - they were not simply maintenance walkways. That may be the case in the new sections but that guy misrepresented the original intent of the infrastructure.
Hi Kevin, thanks for that. Yes it's quite possible that the purpose of the maintenance walkways was different for the Epping to Chatswood Line, especially as evacuating a train from the front or back would be much harder on a Waratah, Tangara etc.
Paul. When are the trains running from chatswood to central. Thanks
Hi James, testing has started, but at the moment, opening is planned to be between July and October next year.
Nice video! How were you able to do this?
Thanks. I was invited by Sydney Metro. Quite a few Sydney Metro employees watch my videos and my channel is now large enough to make it worth their while to do this, as it’s great publicity for them and it helps my channel grow too!
Will the Nelson street Bridge be rebuilt again or is it gone for good?
The Nelson Bridge is gone for good! There is an underpass fairly close by, so I don’t think it will be much of an issue for local residents.
Great video. Though don’t think the Sydney Metro guy explained WHY the rigid overhead in the tunnel. Main reason of course is to reduce maintenance costs, but the reason it used used in the tunnels and NOT in the open is in the tunnels the temperature doesn’t vary by much so rigid system can be used.
But in the open there is a wide variation of temperatures and wind etc so a catenary system is required to give the line flexibility to withstand wind and temperature variations but still able to be tight enough to allow pantographs to keep good contact.
Hi Ashley, Glad you enjoyed this video and thanks for the extra information on the rigid bar system. I'll include this when I do a front of train video on the tunnel sections of Sydney Metro North West.
Hi Paul, do you know why both tracks (northbound and southbound) aren't in the same tunnel?
Great question! I think it's easier to bore smaller tunnels, and it also allows more flexibility to go around building foundations. In the CBD, the southbound tunnel goes under Elizabeth Street and the northbound tunnel under Castlereagh Street, so they are quite far apart. Single tunnels seem to be common practice on most new metro systems these days. I'm sure there are other reasons that I'm not aware of, but hope this helps for now!
Central is now open by22:4 in central Redfern Sydenham bankstown
Hi Yufei, I don't quite understand what you're saying. Can you elaborate?
This guy is now a government certified genuine expert being granted access to all areas, totally deserved too…
Yes that's right! Hopefully more behind the scenes opportunities will come my way this year!
Hey Paul, where has the tunneling mob dumped all the spoils that they removed from the twin tunnels they dug?
I think it went to a variety of different locations for reuse. The reason for the temporary shed was to store the spoil until it could be moved away. Only a certain number of truck movements were allowed, so it wasn't always possible to get the spoil away immediately, hence the need to store it on site for a few days.
Nice video Paul. I like this Chatswood Dive Site.
The Sydney Metro between Chatswood and Bankstown are still under construction until 2024 but getting a huge Upgrade Update.
On the Bankstown Line, The Orange Sydney Trains Signs will be replace into Blue Signs on the Sydney Metro.
The connection site of the Chatswood Dive Site is connected to a tunnel for a construction frequency that head north to the Bankstown line with an underground tunnel tracks will be the same as the Northwest Line between Tallawong and Chatswood, and it will be an impacted Sydney Metro Diversion of Sight. For each tunnel, they have Tunnel Ventilation Fans used for tunnel construction of the Sydney Metro. The actual tunnel portal is an underground Sydney Metro development of the Northwest Line, which was an operational facility of the Sydney Metro Construction of sight. The Southbound tunnel is going to the Bankstown line and Central as a transit route to the tunnel down sight of the tunnel. The original sight is the Sydney Metro Construction Upgrade at Central, the Bankstown line and the tunnel that goes after Chatswood station. The high voltage on the Sydney Metro has a concrete track to the Sydney Metro Tunnel Package. Some of the Sydney Metro is impacted to Hunter Street and three station of Eastern Tunnel Package near the sight of Martin Place station. The opportunity of Sydney Metro is impacted of the Chatswood Dive Site through the Tunnel of Southbound to Bankstown, Central or the Dive Site of Chatswood Station. This video is interesting, I like it and it’s very cool and nice. Nice video Paul, and Keep going. You are making great content.
Thanks Brendan, glad you enjoyed it and thanks for your other comments as well.
Submarine says: Dive Dive Dive
must feel sureal to walk on track like that knowing that it wont be long till automated trains thunder along that full of people
Hi Dan, Yes it was a little strange! We had a keep a look out for "high-rails" which are a type of construction vehicle!
@@TransportVlog are high rails those cars with train wheels that can drop down?
funny to me that both people are british in this video
Yes absolutely! We did chat informally about life in Australia on our way back to the site office.
Tunnel boring machine TBM used were Made in China.
No matter how many times I watch the supposed reasons for this project, I am still baffled by the decision of prior governments to construct a separate rail system with separate operators, seperate knowledge pools and separate fleets and then claim its more beneficial than a DD line. I'm sorry, it isn't.
Please change my mind on this, I hate to see so many billions thrown into what I can only see so far as a waste.
Metro much quicker than double decker rail from the Hills district
@paintbrushguy the double deckers would would be 10 - 15 minute slower than the metro .. that is a game changer.
I can currently get on a bus from Baulko/north rocks and if there is no traffic I am in the city with 25 minutes.
With a double decker stopping at all stations it would be around 1 minute slower per station than a metro train.
The current media from the the metro says it will take around 35m from Castle Hill to the city. That is very quick and there will be no traffic like the bus
@paintbrushguy have you been on a metro station in the North West? The door are lucky to be open for less than 30 second and the acceleration of the metro is much quicker than the double decker snail rail
Old time table pre Metro for the double deckers had Epping to Chatswood take 16 minutes.
Metro it takes 13 minutes. That is for a small section.
Metro from castle hill to city once city extension is open is anticipated to be 35 minutes.
Old snail rail would be 45m plus.
You can do thar quicker on a bus with no traffic.
Metro times smash the old snail rail.
@TheTrainGuy4 - It is much easier to bring in new technology such as CBTC and driverless trains on a new dedicated railway. Look at Crossrail in London for the challenges involved in integrating 3 different signalling systems. I tend to think of Metro is a different type of service to conventional trains. In London, they have conventional trains and tube trains. Tube trains run on dedicated lines within minimal junctions and that allows up to 30 trains per hour, which wouldn't be possible otherwise. Sydney Metro could potentially run at 24 trains per hour through the CBD, and I think the existing Sydney Trains lines though Wynyard and Town Hall would struggle to achieve that. Finally, I'm very pleased that Sydney is building more railways and that's got to be a good thing in itself!
Downgrading the Bankstown line would be a disgraceful waste. There should be a new line going to a different destination. Also the fact that the new airport will not be directly connected to Sydney airport is an idiotic decision.
IT SHOULD'VE BEEN FINISHED. WHAT A WASTE OF MONEY
Thanks for explaining Kinematic Envelope. As someone with no knowledge of any of this stuff, is it me or are the tunnels really big relative to the train already? I feel like the "Kinematic Envelope" is quite big/conservative/overkill? Especially compared to like London's tube with really small clearance space. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loading_gauge#/media/File:Why_London_Underground_is_nicknamed_The_Tube.jpg
Hi William, you're very welcome. Modern tunnels have to be wide enough to include a walkway on one side. As the tube is much older, the tunnels never included a walkway. The only exception is the newer part of the Jubilee Line from Westminster to Stratford. Tube trains also have a smaller loading gauge, especially in height, except for the sub-surface lines which are similar to metro trains in terms of loading gauge. Hope this answers your question.