ALL consolidated SMRT/NEL/KT.. simisai BREAKDOWNS here!

[Beregond]

when our mrt track start having crack, lets see them shipping the whole track back.

[Mustank]

Will have another inquiry?

[Watwheels]

The Hong Kong MTR will be experiencing what we have very soon. That's why this is big news to them.

[Mustank]

 

https://www.gov.sg/factually/content/why-are-mrt-trains-being-shipped-back-to-its-manufacturer

 

Why are MRT trains being shipped back to manufacturer?

 

Why are MRT trains being shipped back to their manufacturer?

Defects were found during a check of new trains manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries and CSR Sifang in late 2013. There were a few hairline cracks on the car-body. These are superficial cracks (like those that show up on the walls of a new house). They are not structural cracks and are not safety-critical. No cracks were found on other train components after further inspections.

 

Are these defects dangerous?

The defects are hairline cracks (due to material impurity that occurred during manufacturing) and are not safety-critical. They do not affect the train’s systems, performance or passengers’ safety.

 

Are the trains still under warranty?

Yes, they are still under the manufacturer’s warranty. As such, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is sending the trains in small batches back to the manufacturer for rectification. This is the appropriate thing to do to ensure we get the value for our money.

 

How can you be sure the trains are safe?

To ensure that trains are safe for passenger service, all defects are monitored closely. Monthly safety assessments are also conducted by LTA and the manufacturer before trains are put into service.

 

LTA also commissioned an external third party assessment in 2013 which had confirmed that the trains are safe to operate. As advised by the third party assessment, there has also been close monitoring of the crack propagation rate.

 

Why send back only one train at a time and not all 26 trains?

To ensure adequate train availability, only one train (six train cars) is sent back for repair at any one time. Starting next year, two trains will be sent back concurrently as we will have more new and upgraded trains to maintain train availability.

 

Why do the trains have to be sent back to China for repair?

The most effective way to address the defects is to replace the entire car-body shell. However, due to the lack of facilities and space for such replacement works of such nature at our Singapore train depots, the trains were sent back for repairs.

 

Why transport these trains in the dead of night?

Our trains are big and massive equipment. They are transported at night, with auxiliary police officers clearing the way ahead, to minimise obstruction and inconvenience to road users. Likewise, new trains that arrive in Singapore are transported on our roads at night.

 

Then why cover them up in green covers?

The green covers are to protect the trains, just as how we would bubble-wrap or enclose in boxes and styrofoam-pad electronic equipment and machinery that we want to transport overseas.

 

Will the repairs really take 7 years?

No, LTA has negotiated with the manufacturer and it will be able to speed up the process. Trains are being sent in batches and the rectification work will be completed in 2019. Each train car body replacement takes up to four months.

 

Was there really a case of a battery explosion?

The battery housing cover for one train undergoing testing before being put into service, flew open due to a build-up of gases. Immediate action was taken to improve the battery housing design for all affected trains.

 

What about shattered train windows?

No defects were found on train windows (the large ones behind passenger seats). However, cracks on draughtscreens (the glass panel at the side of a row of seats) were found on five trains. These were due to errors during the installation process which caused stress pressures on the glass, and unrelated to the incidents of hairline cracks on the trains.

 

For additional information: LTA's Facebook

 

Source: Ministry of Transport

[BanCoe]

It is a BIG COVER UP operation using all those canvas!

 

Whoever selected and accepted the defective products must cum clean.....

Canvas means........................... Cover All.......... whatever..................(fill in the blanks question paper)

[Playtime]

The strategy is to try and make this about foreign interference in domestic matters and the drone in restricted area

Yup.

If you remember.

Back in GCT time, he use the upgrading for votes tactics big time.

The US media retorted and even the US govt commented that is not the right way to run election.

GCT went big time in MSM saying is foreign interference and a crisis for singapore.

LTK shot back that it is a crisis for the pap of their own making, not a crisis for singapore about foreign interference. Don't mix party with nation. Shut him up pretty fast.

 

Expecting the same similar tactics coming.

Shoot the messenger.

Play "national crisis".

 

The script writers surely working over time now. The best ones are in govt. . Not in TCS.

Saw should by now have received a reminder not to talk or give any interviews.

[Kusje]

AFAIK, none of the incoming new MRT trains were ever wrap up like the returning ones, regardless of the vendors.

 

That also includes the latest driver-less models from France to the 1st generation trains  in the 1980s - majority were moved during night time when traffic is light.

 

In fact, this is the 1st known case of having trains being return and to suspect this is all "secret" operation because the carriages are wrap and moved during night time is to me nothing more than juicing up an "investigative" journalism.

 

And by your reference that the contract involving "state own enterprise" is indeed, in line with what I had suspected about this HK-origin news - This is all about politics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reason for wrapping : To protect the trains

New trains not wrapped - multiple instances

Old trains must be wrapped - 1 instance

 

This makes sense to you? If there is no intent to cover up, then why must they wrap up the old trains? Obviously the reason given (protecting the trains) has been debunked.

[Darryn]

why no sound no air from smrt and local media to report cheapo trains got problem in prior?

if ownself reported first ... probably can sugarcoat the message and manage expectations/reactions

why must wait until hk media pecah lobang ... when someone pecah lobang ...

no matter how it's already in bad publicity ...

in today edge of new media and internet ... they still believe can cover up?

they think sinkies only read ST and watch ch 5 news? muahahaha

Hubris lor...

they are obviously so much cleverer than the rest of us, they have a fantastic strategy to keep the news quiet, how is it possible they were found out?

 

Also - take note of something,

It took an illegal action to collect some of the evidence about this - which quite possibly speaks volumes about many things...

 

And something else to think about is this press release...

 

On 22 September 2015 an announcement was made of 12 new trains at a cost of $136.8 million.

So my questions would be...

1. If not for the returns - would these 12 trains still be needed?

2. 12 NEW trains in 2015, but 26 trains returned in 2016...that leaves a deficit of 14 trains - so we now have LESS trains than are required? 

How does this impact train frequency and ongoing maintenance? 

Is preventative maintenance going to be cut back to make up the "shortfall" in trains available?

 

And why - when this press release was made of the NEW purchase, was there no mention at all of the pending returns?

 

It's not a very pretty picture is it?

 

And here's another press release...

 

 

The NSEWL’s infrastructure will also be upgraded and replaced for enhanced service reliability. Two key projects LTA and SMRT embarked on in 2013 are the replacement of timber sleepers with concrete sleepers and upgrading of the signalling system. This year, LTA together with SMRT will also look at system wide renewal of the third rail. When completed, commuters can expect a smoother MRT journey. 

 

Can announce about sleeper replacement, and signalling - but cannot announce about the special inspections the trains were getting? 

 

I was watching "Catch me if you can" (the original) over the weekend - the recurring point there was that magic is all about misdirection...seems kinda apt in this situation

 

Edited July 7, 2016 by Darryn

[inlinesix]

The Hong Kong MTR will be experiencing what we have very soon. That's why this is big news to them.

 

HK MTR not going to experience the same shit we are facing.  HK media will blow any of this shit out of proportion.  HK MTR will shrink ball..

[Kusje]

https://www.gov.sg/factually/content/why-are-mrt-trains-being-shipped-back-to-its-manufacturer

 

Why are MRT trains being shipped back to manufacturer?

 

Why are MRT trains being shipped back to their manufacturer?

Defects were found during a check of new trains manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries and CSR Sifang in late 2013. There were a few hairline cracks on the car-body. These are superficial cracks (like those that show up on the walls of a new house). They are not structural cracks and are not safety-critical. No cracks were found on other train components after further inspections.

 

If this is true, then why do they need to even repair the trains? Superficial cracks only right?

 

Are these defects dangerous?

The defects are hairline cracks (due to material impurity that occurred during manufacturing) and are not safety-critical. They do not affect the train’s systems, performance or passengers’ safety.

 

Ditto

 

Are the trains still under warranty?

Yes, they are still under the manufacturer’s warranty. As such, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is sending the trains in small batches back to the manufacturer for rectification. This is the appropriate thing to do to ensure we get the value for our money.

 

How is it value for money? If there is a defect but it doesn't affect operations and aesthetic, then isn't  the "value for our money" method to just ask for some compensation?

How can you be sure the trains are safe?

To ensure that trains are safe for passenger service, all defects are monitored closely. Monthly safety assessments are also conducted by LTA and the manufacturer before trains are put into service.

 

LTA also commissioned an external third party assessment in 2013 which had confirmed that the trains are safe to operate. As advised by the third party assessment, there has also been close monitoring of the crack propagation rate.

 

Why send back only one train at a time and not all 26 trains?

To ensure adequate train availability, only one train (six train cars) is sent back for repair at any one time. Starting next year, two trains will be sent back concurrently as we will have more new and upgraded trains to maintain train availability.

 

Why do the trains have to be sent back to China for repair?

The most effective way to address the defects is to replace the entire car-body shell. However, due to the lack of facilities and space for such replacement works of such nature at our Singapore train depots, the trains were sent back for repairs.

 

Why transport these trains in the dead of night?

Our trains are big and massive equipment. They are transported at night, with auxiliary police officers clearing the way ahead, to minimise obstruction and inconvenience to road users. Likewise, new trains that arrive in Singapore are transported on our roads at night.

 

Then why cover them up in green covers?

The green covers are to protect the trains, just as how we would bubble-wrap or enclose in boxes and styrofoam-pad electronic equipment and machinery that we want to transport overseas.

 

Then why are the new trains not wrapped when transported over to Singapore? They don't need protection?

 

Will the repairs really take 7 years?

No, LTA has negotiated with the manufacturer and it will be able to speed up the process. Trains are being sent in batches and the rectification work will be completed in 2019. Each train car body replacement takes up to four months.

 

Was there really a case of a battery explosion?

The battery housing cover for one train undergoing testing before being put into service, flew open due to a build-up of gases. Immediate action was taken to improve the battery housing design for all affected trains.

 

What about shattered train windows?

No defects were found on train windows (the large ones behind passenger seats). However, cracks on draughtscreens (the glass panel at the side of a row of seats) were found on five trains. These were due to errors during the installation process which caused stress pressures on the glass, and unrelated to the incidents of hairline cracks on the trains.

 

For additional information: LTA's Facebook

 

Source: Ministry of Transport

 

[Vratenza]

https://www.gov.sg/factually/content/why-are-mrt-trains-being-shipped-back-to-its-manufacturer

 

Why are MRT trains being shipped back to manufacturer?

 

Why are MRT trains being shipped back to their manufacturer?

Defects were found during a check of new trains manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries and CSR Sifang in late 2013. There were a few hairline cracks on the car-body. These are superficial cracks (like those that show up on the walls of a new house). They are not structural cracks and are not safety-critical. No cracks were found on other train components after further inspections.

 

Are these defects dangerous?

The defects are hairline cracks (due to material impurity that occurred during manufacturing) and are not safety-critical. They do not affect the trainâs systems, performance or passengersâ safety.

 

Are the trains still under warranty?

Yes, they are still under the manufacturerâs warranty. As such, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is sending the trains in small batches back to the manufacturer for rectification. This is the appropriate thing to do to ensure we get the value for our money.

 

How can you be sure the trains are safe?

To ensure that trains are safe for passenger service, all defects are monitored closely. Monthly safety assessments are also conducted by LTA and the manufacturer before trains are put into service.

 

LTA also commissioned an external third party assessment in 2013 which had confirmed that the trains are safe to operate. As advised by the third party assessment, there has also been close monitoring of the crack propagation rate.

 

Why send back only one train at a time and not all 26 trains?

To ensure adequate train availability, only one train (six train cars) is sent back for repair at any one time. Starting next year, two trains will be sent back concurrently as we will have more new and upgraded trains to maintain train availability.

 

Why do the trains have to be sent back to China for repair?

The most effective way to address the defects is to replace the entire car-body shell. However, due to the lack of facilities and space for such replacement works of such nature at our Singapore train depots, the trains were sent back for repairs.

 

Why transport these trains in the dead of night?

Our trains are big and massive equipment. They are transported at night, with auxiliary police officers clearing the way ahead, to minimise obstruction and inconvenience to road users. Likewise, new trains that arrive in Singapore are transported on our roads at night.

 

Then why cover them up in green covers?

The green covers are to protect the trains, just as how we would bubble-wrap or enclose in boxes and styrofoam-pad electronic equipment and machinery that we want to transport overseas.

 

Will the repairs really take 7 years?

No, LTA has negotiated with the manufacturer and it will be able to speed up the process. Trains are being sent in batches and the rectification work will be completed in 2019. Each train car body replacement takes up to four months.

 

Was there really a case of a battery explosion?

The battery housing cover for one train undergoing testing before being put into service, flew open due to a build-up of gases. Immediate action was taken to improve the battery housing design for all affected trains.

 

What about shattered train windows?

No defects were found on train windows (the large ones behind passenger seats). However, cracks on draughtscreens (the glass panel at the side of a row of seats) were found on five trains. These were due to errors during the installation process which caused stress pressures on the glass, and unrelated to the incidents of hairline cracks on the trains.

 

For additional information: LTA's Facebook

 

Source: Ministry of Transport

We don't expect MOT to come up with a press release to say they admit to a coverup and they were caught with their pants down, do we?

 

Remember, this is a no blame culture government who is always right.

[Mockngbrd]

 

 

With this kind of deplorable situation, you think they can make sound technical judgement and evaluation of the trains they buy??

i can. buy the most expensive! Must be best!

 

 

meanwhile....

 

 

See see look look...oh many many defect

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Faster zao... *arm chio*

Edited July 7, 2016 by Mockngbrd

[Kusje]

i can. buy the most expensive! Must be best!

 

No la.

 

They will write the tender specs like this:

 

"exact same train as Hong kong MTR"

[Pinobii]

The Hong Kong MTR will be experiencing what we have very soon. That's why this is big news to them.

Must be they dont want to buy China trains, thats why dig out all the problems

[Duckduck]

first time i ever heard of a PRC coy which will do a 1-1 exchange for a product sold.

 

if only all coys were like this.

[Darryn]

This is really not a big deal --

the best equivalent I can draw for a car owner discussion board,

Your new car comes with a faint scratch in the paint that can be polished out...

Should you take it to the AD to repair or should you just get the car polished?

Would you tell your CO knowing that she will KPKB and scold or would you just drop by one day to have it fixed up?

Nothing to see here, there is no cover up because there is nothing worthy of a cover up, taking trains out of service and returning them is a trivial matter.  I doubt the bosses were even notified - the exec in charge of scheduling maintenance is probably handling all of this.

[Staff69]

[Kusje]

first time i ever heard of a PRC coy which will do a 1-1 exchange for a product sold.

 

if only all coys were like this.

 

1-1 exchange if the product is faulty and can cause death, I have heard of.

 

1-1 exchange when the defect is supposedly minor, doesn't affect safety or performance, that's a first.