40 years since the start of Brisbane electric services

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The first EMU 01 coupled to 04 (3 car units) took part over 10th and 11th August weekend, in a re-enactment of the start of electric services from Ferny Grove to Darra on the Brisbane suburban rail system 40 years ago. Originally blue and silver the EMUs underwent refurbishment at Redbank workshops and returned with yellow fronts fitted with a skirt at the base of the front to deter train surfers. I noticed the interior of EMU 04 driver cabin was still in the original blue. The interiors were also modified with the original handles to operate the passenger door release, replaced by buttons and yellow and black chevrons on the door edges replaced plain doors. The handrails were originally silver but now powder coated in bright yellow as are the grab handles on the seat backs.

Also missing in EMU 01 are the ‘Students on concessional tickets must not occupy a seat while adults are standing' and the original ‘No smoking' signs. The top ventilator windows have been sealed shut and no longer open.
The armchairs with deep cushions and comfortable backs remain. The inter-carriage doors kept their door handle release but now have notices warning of the danger of riding between the cars. The round windows in the doors to the driver’s compartment remain but are now blocked to prevent peeking in.

The units pulled in to a very different Darra station to 40 years ago. It now has 4 platforms and is where the new line to Springfield branches off. Ferny Grove too has been rebuilt. The EMU 01 returned to Ferny Grove and then did a run down to the Gold Coast and back before retiring from service to be preserved and not broken up like other EMUs, at Ipswich workshops.

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EMU Graveyard