Written By: Alex Thorn
Photos By: Ian Green
Page Last Updated: 14/7/20
Built for V/line in 1984, the Plasser EM100 track inspection vehicle is designed to detect faults with rails that would be otherwise undetectable. The Plasser design was international, being used around the world as well as other parts of Australia. It is powered by a diesel engine and can conduct tests while running at relatively high speeds. Each line is tested by the vehicle approximately every 3 months.
EM100 passes Y157 at Inglewood. (3/98)
Photo By: Ian Green |
EM100 in South Dynon. (10/5/12)
Photo By: Ian Green |
Originally, the unit was classed as EM100 and wore an all over orange V/line livery. Green and white striping ran along the body and ends of the unit. Writing saying ‘track recording car’ was written on either side of the car. A pantograph was originally fitted to the roof of the unit, but this has since been removed. The pantograph may have possibly been used to test overhead wiring systems. Knuckle couplers are provided on each end for the event of a failure or some other necessary reason. The unit was not designed to haul a train and operates by itself. To test the track, small retractable wheels are run along the track to record consistencies and any possible faults.
EM100 would visit just about every line on the broad gauge system. It was later passed on to Victrack ownership and painted in a simple white and orange livery in 2001. The livery included Victrack signage.
In 2012, it was again repainted into a grey, black and yellow livery with Metro decals after a refurbishment at Bendigo Workshops. It retained its EM100 identification before being renumbered IEV100 in 2013. This came about when IEV102, an overhead inspection vehicle, was introduced to service. IEV stands for ‘Infrastructure Evaluation Vehicle’. Today, the unit is maintained by Metro Trains Melbourne, and leased to V/line to conduct testing over their system. Standard gauge bogies are also provided, allowing it to also test standard gauge track for V/line.
In recent times, Metro has been looking into purchasing a replacement infrastructure vehicle as the now 35 year old unit is beginning to have reliability issues.
EM100 would visit just about every line on the broad gauge system. It was later passed on to Victrack ownership and painted in a simple white and orange livery in 2001. The livery included Victrack signage.
In 2012, it was again repainted into a grey, black and yellow livery with Metro decals after a refurbishment at Bendigo Workshops. It retained its EM100 identification before being renumbered IEV100 in 2013. This came about when IEV102, an overhead inspection vehicle, was introduced to service. IEV stands for ‘Infrastructure Evaluation Vehicle’. Today, the unit is maintained by Metro Trains Melbourne, and leased to V/line to conduct testing over their system. Standard gauge bogies are also provided, allowing it to also test standard gauge track for V/line.
In recent times, Metro has been looking into purchasing a replacement infrastructure vehicle as the now 35 year old unit is beginning to have reliability issues.
IEV100 at Riversdale. (7/6/13)
Photo By: Ian Green |
IEV100 in the Dock Road at Caulfield. (27/5/15)
Photo By: Ian Green |
Locomotive Status
Road No.IEV100
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LiveryMetro
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OwnerMetro/VicTrack
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Begun Service1980
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Current StateOperational
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All information sourced from The Age, Vicsig and Railpage.