100 Years Under the Wires: Sydney’s Electric Trains 1926 to 2026
Join the RTSA ACT/NSW Chapter and the Engineering Heritage Australia (EHA) and Electric Energy Society of Australia (EESA) in Sydney and online for a presentation on 100 Years Under the Wires: Sydney’s Electric Trains 1926 to 2026.
📅 6:00pm – 7:15pm AEDT Tuesday 6th October
🌏 In-person (Engineers Australia, Sydney) and Online
🎟️ 100 years of Sydney electric trains: engineering 1926-2026 | Engineers Australia
Overview
Sydney’s introduction of electric passenger trains in 1926 transformed rail travel and represented one of the most significant engineering developments in New South Wales transport history. Moving from steam-powered operations to an electrified railway network required major advances in planning, design, manufacturing, operations and maintenance at a time when engineers worked without the benefit of modern digital technologies.
This presentation explores the evolution of Sydney’s electric rolling stock and traction systems over the past 100 years. Beginning with the original electric fleet and early resistor-based control systems, the session traces technological developments through the C Sets, V Sets, Tangaras, Millennium trains and the recently introduced Mariyung fleet.
Attendees will gain insights into how railway engineers have adapted emerging technologies to improve reliability, efficiency and performance, while preserving the operational and heritage value of Sydney’s electric railway network.
Learning outcomes
In this presentation you will learn:
- how new engineering technology is is adapted and used for railway operations
- the challenges in keeping up to date with developing technologies
- how changing technologies can make operations more effective and economic
- why Sydney’s electric trains are such highly regarded heritage items.
Who should attend?
This event will be of interest to all engineers, engineering professionals interested in the evolution of electrical transport systems, and those with an interest in railway heritage and infrastructure development.
Program
In-person:
- 5.30 pm AEDT: Registrations open
- 6.00 pm AEDT: Presentation begins
- 7.00 pm AEDT: Q&A session
- 7.15 pm AEDT: Presentation ends
- 7.20 pm AEDT: End of event
Online:
- 6.00 pm AEDT: Webinar begins
- 7.00 pm AEDT: Q&A session
- 7.15 pm AEDT: Conclusion
About the speaker
