View source for Comeng (train)

{{Short description|Electric multiple unit operating on the Melbourne rail network}}
{{Use Australian English|date=August 2011}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox train
| name = Comeng
| image = Alstom Comeng 571M at Westona.jpg
| caption = [[Alstom]]-refurbished Comeng 571M on a Werribee-bound service near Westona Station, November 2023
| interiorimage = Stage 3 Alstom Comeng 677M interior at Werribee (1 March 2025).jpg
| interiorcaption = Interior of an Alstom-refurbished Comeng with life extension upgrades
| stocktype = Electric Multiple Unit
| service = 28 September 1981 – present
| manufacturer = [[Commonwealth Engineering]]
| factory = [[Dandenong rolling stock factory|Dandenong]], [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]]
| refurbishment = {{plainlist|
* [[Alstom]] & [[Downer Rail|EDi Rail]] (2000–2003)
* [[UGL Rail]] (2017–2021)
}}
| replaced = {{plainlist|
* [[Tait (train)|Tait]]
* [[Harris (train)|Harris]]
}}
| successor = {{plainlist|
* [[High Capacity Metro Train]]
* [[X'Trapolis 2.0]]
}}
| formation = 3-car sets (M–T–M)
| fleetnumbers = {{plainlist|
* 301M–468M, 471M–554M, 561M–680M, 691M–698M
* 1001T–1084T, 1086T–1127T, 1131T–1190T, 1196T–1199T
}}
| operator = [[Metro Trains Melbourne]] (2009–present)
{{collapsible list|title=''Previous:''
|[[Victorian Railways|VicRail]] (1981–1983)
|[[Metropolitan Transit Authority (Victoria)|The Met/MTA]] (1983–1989)
|[[Public Transport Corporation|The Met/PTC]] (1989–1999)
|[[M-Train|M>Train]] (1999–2004)
|[[Connex Melbourne|Connex]] (1999–2009)
}}
| depots = All Metro Trains depots{{specify}}
| lines = {{plainlist|
*{{rcb|Melbourne|Craigieburn|croute}} {{rcb|Melbourne|Upfield|croute}} {{rcb|Melbourne|Sunbury|croute}}
*{{rcb|Melbourne|Frankston|croute}} {{rcb|Melbourne|Werribee|croute}} {{rcb|Melbourne|Williamstown|croute}}
*{{rcb|Melbourne|Flemington Racecourse|xroute}}
*{{rcb|Melbourne|Sandringham|croute}}
}}
| yearconstruction = 1981–1988
| yearscrapped = 2021–present
| numberbuilt = 570 carriages (190 sets)
| numberservice = 333 carriages (111 sets)
| numberpreserved = 
| numberscrapped = 226 carriages
| carbody = [[Stainless steel]]
| trainlength = {{convert|71.2|m|ftin|frac=16|abbr=on}}
| carlength = {{plainlist|
* {{convert|24|m|ftin|frac=16|abbr=on}} (motor carriages)
* {{convert|23.2|m|ftin|frac=16|abbr=on}} (trailer carriages)
}}
| width = {{convert|3.05|m|ftin|frac=16|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|3835|mm|ftin|frac=16|abbr=on}}
| floorheight = 
| platformheight = 
| entrylevelorstep = 
| doors = 3 per side
| maxspeed = {{convert|115|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|141|t|abbr=on}} (max)
| capacity = 210 seated, 765 [[crush load]] per 3-car unit
| acceleration = {{convert|0.8|m/s2|abbr=on}}
| deceleration = {{plainlist|
* {{convert|0.85|m/s2|abbr=on}} (service)
* {{convert|0.95|m/s2|abbr=on}} (emergency)
}}
| coupling = [[Scharfenberg coupler|Scharfenberg]]
| traction = {{plainlist|
* Resistance control (301M–468M, 471M–554M, 561M–680M)
* Chopper control (691M–698M)
}}
| aux = 
| traction motors = 8 × [[GEC Traction|GEC]] G317AZ {{convert|124|kW|abbr=on}} (continuous) [[Universal motor|series-wound]] [[DC motor]]
| poweroutput = {{convert|992|kW|abbr=on}} (continuous)
| gauge = {{track gauge|1600mm|lk=on}} broad gauge
| notes = <ref name="Vicsig: Comeng Trains" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cmsportal.metrotrains.com.au/docnum.aspx?id=A8520|title=WTT NETWORK CONFIGURATION: METRO ROLLING STOCK|website=Metro Trains Document Portal|format=PDF|access-date=10 February 2019|archive-date=21 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921224902/https://cmsportal.metrotrains.com.au/docnum.aspx?id=A8520|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Winkler |first=Geoff |title=Comeng electric suburban trains |url=https://www.victorianrailways.net/suburban/comeng/comeng.html |access-date=2024-03-10 |website=Victorian Railways}}</ref>
| electricsystem = {{1,500 V DC}} (nominal) from [[overhead line|overhead catenary]]
| collectionmethod = [[Pantograph (transport)|Pantograph]]
| uicclass = Bo′Bo′+2′2′+Bo′Bo′
| bogies = {{plainlist|
* Bradford Kendall B.K.12390 (tread brake, motor cars)
* Bradford Kendall B.K.12391 (tread brake, trailer cars)
* [[Alstom Transport Deutschland|Linke-Hofmann-Busch]] (disc brake)
* Alstom (disc brake replacement)
}}
| brakes = [[Railway air brake|Electro-pneumatic]] and [[Dynamic braking|rheostatic]]
{{plainlist|
* [[Westinghouse Brake and Signal Company Ltd|Westinghouse]] [[Westcode]] [[Brake shoe#Railway tread brake|tread brakes]] (first order)
* [[Knorr-Bremse]] disc brakes (second order)
}}
}}

The '''Comeng''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|k|ɒ|m|ɛ|n|dʒ}} {{respell|KOM|enj}}) is a class of [[electric multiple unit]] (EMU) operating on the [[Railways in Melbourne|suburban railway network]] of [[Melbourne]]. Built by their namesake [[Commonwealth Engineering]] (abbreviated as Comeng), the trains were introduced in 1981 as a replacement for the [[Tait (train)|Tait]] and [[Harris (train)|Harris]] trains. In total, 190 three-car trainsets were built, although only 111 remain in service and are expected to be retired by 2030.

The fleet underwent two major refurbishments. The first, a mid-life refurbishment, was carried out from 2000 to 2003 by [[Alstom]] and [[Downer Rail|EDi Rail]]. The second, named the Comeng Life Extension Project, completed between 2017 and 2021, aimed to extend the trains' lifespan to meet their gradual replacement by the [[High Capacity Metro Train|High Capacity Metro Trains]] and the [[X'Trapolis 2.0]] trains. Alongside these upgrades, a number of minor improvement programs were also conducted on the trains to further enhance their efficiency, safety, and reliability.

== Description ==
{{section or|date=October 2024}}

Comeng trains are single deck and are semi-permanently coupled as [[Metro Trains Melbourne#Classification and configuration|M-T-M]] (motor-trailer-motor) sets. Most frequently, they are coupled as M-T-M-M-T-M (six-car) sets. Comeng trains have power operated doors that must be pulled open by hand but are closed by the driver. The trains were the first suburban trains in Melbourne to have air-conditioning in the passenger saloon.{{or|date=October 2024}} (The older [[Hitachi (Australian train)|Hitachi trains]] had driver only air-conditioning fitted more recently.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://vicsig.net/suburban/train/Hitachi |title=Vicsig: Hitachi Trains |access-date=8 June 2014 |url-status=live |archive-date=31 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160731061121/http://vicsig.net/suburban/train/Hitachi }}</ref>)

They operate in larger numbers on the Northern, Caulfield, Cross City and Sandringham group lines. Since 2017, it has been rare to see Comengs on the Burnley and Clifton Hill group lines which are serviced almost exclusively by newer [[X'Trapolis 100|X'Trapolis]] trains. The design of Melbourne's Comeng trains is closely related to that of [[Adelaide Metro]]'s [[Diesel-electric transmission|diesel-electric]] [[3000 class railcar]]s.{{or|date=October 2024}}

The Comeng fleet has begun retirement, with many sets being transferred to [[North Shore, Victoria|North Shore]] and [[Tottenham, Victoria|Tottenham]] to be stored. The stored sets eventually being transferred to [[Laverton, Victoria|Laverton]], [[North Bendigo]] or McIntyre for scrapping. The fleet will eventually be replaced by the [[High Capacity Metro Trains]] (HCMT) and [[X'Trapolis 2.0]] fleet.{{or|date=October 2024}}

== History ==
[[File:Burnt out Comeng.jpg|left|thumb|A now-scrapped unrefurbished Comeng set in its original [[Metropolitan Transit Authority (Victoria)|Metropolitan Transit Authority]] livery]]
In 1979, the operator of the Melbourne rail network at the time [[Victorian Railways|VicRail]], placed an initial order for 100 new 3-car train sets, with the intention of replacing the last of the [[Tait (train)|Tait sets]] and the majority of the [[Harris (train)|Harris]] sets. The contract was awarded to [[Commonwealth Engineering]], with the trains being manufactured at Comeng's [[Dandenong rolling stock factory]].{{cn|date=May 2024}}

The first Comeng set, 301M-1001T-302M, entered service on 28 September 1981. By the middle of 1984, 76 sets had been delivered, and some of the older trains, including the last of the Tait rolling stock, had begun to be phased out. Following the operational problems and subsequent failed refurbishment of the Harris fleet, the initial order was increased from 100 to 190 3-car sets, with the aim of completely replacing both the Tait and Harris sets by 1988.<ref name="ABS 1985">{{cite book|title=Victorian Year Book 1985|date=1985|publisher=Australian Bureau of Statistics|issn=0067-1223|page=525|url=http://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/ausstats/free.nsf/0/6F9556F0FAD1EEBDCA257FE70015201D/$File/240_13012%20-Vic%20YrBook-1985_Transport.pdf|access-date=4 January 2018|chapter=Transport|journal=Victorian Year-Book|archive-date=4 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104132531/http://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/ausstats/free.nsf/0/6F9556F0FAD1EEBDCA257FE70015201D/$File/240_13012%20-Vic%20YrBook-1985_Transport.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

Set 381M-1041T-382M was the first delivered in the Metropolitan Transit green and yellow scheme, though the sets including 27T and 28T had been repainted (with those cars renumbered 1027T and 1028T respectively) before then.<ref>Newsrail April 1984 p.120</ref> Notably, when the 41st set was delivered the front panels of the motor carriages were still silver-framed rather than yellow.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://vicsig.net/photo/3051|title=Vicsig – Photos|access-date=12 July 2019|url-status=live|archive-date=12 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712172302/http://vicsig.net/photo/3051}}</ref>

The 45th set delivered had custom decals applied to the sides celebrating the halfway point through the order. On the side (above each door) was the quote "45th Super Train from The Met", and the sides also displayed the number 45 in large Numerals below the windows. This was found on two sets, 477M-1089T-478M and 479M-1090T-480M. These had been removed by 1 February 1991. 477M-1089T-478M still remains in service, but 479M-1090T-480M was stored at North Shore before being scrapped in early 2022.<ref>Newsrail April 1991 p121</ref>

The final Comeng set to enter service was 697M-1199T-698M on 24 July 1989.{{cn|date=May 2024}}

=== Refurbishment ===
;2000 – 2003
[[File:Comeng477.jpg|left|thumb|200x200px|An [[M-Train|M>Train]] liveried Comeng 477M as delivered after refurbishment by [[Downer Rail|EDi Rail]]. The brand went defunct in 2004, leaving [[Connex Melbourne|Connex]] to take over all Comeng operations.]]
[[File:D2 0371E2E1R1 comengtooronga.jpg|left|thumb|200x200px|A [[Connex Melbourne|Connex]] liveried Comeng set, probably 568M-1134T-567M, as refurbished by [[Alstom]] between 2000 and 2003, arrives into Tooronga station.]]

Between 2000 and 2003, the two train operators at the time, [[Connex Melbourne|Connex]] and [[M-Train|M>Train]], had [[Alstom]] and [[Downer Rail|EDi Rail]] respectively refurbish the trains.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/MediaRelArc02.nsf/d025c300601da9dc4a25688e00143d49/d55a893fa46c1d7a4a256aad0080aac9%21OpenDocument%26Click%3D |title=Minister for Manufacturing Industry: '$150 Million Investment in Rail Manufacturing' – 17 August 2001 |access-date=7 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927010646/http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/MediaRelArc02.nsf/d025c300601da9dc4a25688e00143d49/d55a893fa46c1d7a4a256aad0080aac9%21OpenDocument%26Click%3D |archive-date=27 September 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.aric.com.au/index.cfm?pageid=search&sub=details&id=33 |title=Australian Railway Industry Corporation: EDI Rail |access-date=8 June 2014 |archive-date=22 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422074042/http://www.aric.com.au/index.cfm?pageid=search&sub=details&id=33 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Alstom and EDi Rail sets have a number of differences, including:

* Interior arrangement – The interior [[LED display]]s on the M>Train trains were in the middle, as opposed to being at both ends of the carriage on Connex sets.
* Upholstery – Seats in M>Train trains were given a blue texture, while Connex opted for rainbow-textured seats, with scattered letters spelling out "Connex".
* Seating arrangement – Both operators designed their carriages different seating layouts.
* Exterior front panels – Information on the train's terminus is displayed on top of the window on M>Train fleets, while Connex trains have them displaying on the right window (in pre-refurbishment style).
* Cab layout – The EDI Rail refurbished trains retained a second full-size seat on the right-hand side of the cab, originally used for the guard, whereas the Alstom sets only have a small seat, the same size as the passenger ones.
* Cab fittings – The EDi Rail trains also have a windscreen-wiper on both sides, the Alstom sets only having one on the driver's side.
* Light fittings – The Alstom refurbished trains have grated light coverings, while the EDi type retained the original flat coverings.
[[File:EDi Refurb Comeng Horn.ogg|thumb|Former horn of an EDI refurbished Comeng, a Roy Victor Butler (RVB) 3 Chime Horn. This was replaced with the newer Zöllner Makrofon 370 in late March 2024]]

Both sets had [[Closed-circuit television|CCTV]] and emergency assistance panels introduced and installed as part of the refurbishment program.<ref>[http://www.doi.vic.gov.au/DOI/Internet/transport.nsf/AllDocs/FFA3D0CED06297F14A256B7200065E5A?OpenDocument Department of Infrastructure] {{webarchive|url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20090520045847/http://www.doi.vic.gov.au/DOI/Internet/transport.nsf/AllDocs/FFA3D0CED06297F14A256B7200065E5A?OpenDocument|date=20 May 2009}} New and refurbished trains and trams</ref>

After [[Connex_Melbourne|Connex]] assumed responsibility for all of Melbourne's suburban train network in 2004, the EDI refurbished trains (from [[M-Train|M>Train]]) had the [[M-Train|M>Train]] exterior logos removed with a new [[Connex Melbourne|Connex]] logo in its place alongside a repainted front panel. The trains also later received [[Connex_Melbourne|Connex]] blue and yellow side stripes, new seat fabric with the [[Connex Melbourne|Connex]] branding.

=== Concorde program ===
;2006 – 2007
From December 2006 both fleets were allowed to run system wide. The electronics of both Comeng types were altered to make them electronically compatible with each other, with both the PID voices and display formatting altered. Both types of Comeng can run system wide and can run in [[multiple unit]] with trains of the same or different type.

=== Interior rearrangements ===
;2009
From the beginning of March 2009, Connex ran a test set of carriages with new seating arrangement on city lines.<ref>{{cite news |last=Johnston |first=Matt |date=13 March 2009 |title=Commuters get to try new look Connex trains |url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,,25178794-2862,00.html |newspaper=Herald Sun |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120908211425/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/commuters-take-pole-position/story-fna7dq6e-1111119116347 |archive-date=8 September 2012 |access-date=14 March 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The new arrangements removed 44 seats, making room for more standing on the train. The changes were made to accommodate the increased patronage on the Melbourne rail network.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.connexmelbourne.com.au/news.php?newsid=537|title=Connex demonstrates a new train layout|work=12 March 2009|publisher=Connex Melbourne|access-date=14 March 2009|archive-date=26 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090626003723/http://www.connexmelbourne.com.au/news.php?newsid=537|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Door upgrades ===
;2014 – 2015
Comeng trains still require passengers to manually open saloon doors to enter and exit the trains. Pneumatic air pressure keeps the doors closed whilst the trains are in motion, and is released by the driver when the carriages stop at station platforms. Prior to 2014, the doors were fitted with large "door knob" style handles. These made it relatively easy for unruly passengers to force the doors open, including while the train was in motion. All carriages were retrofitted with a new flat slim handle designed to make doors more difficult to force open. This followed an incident at [[Watergardens railway station]] where teenagers forced open a door on a moving train and one jumped out, injuring himself. Alan Osbourne, then director of [[Transport Safety Victoria]] (TSV), informed Metro that the Comeng trains would be taken out of service if their doors were not made impossible to force open by 2017.<ref name="Age Mar 2014">{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/ageing-trains-targeted-by-vandals-and-transport-safety-victoria-20140314-34rxs.html|title=Ageing trains targeted by vandals and Transport Safety Victoria|last1=Carey|first1=Adam|date=15 March 2014|work=The Age|access-date=23 July 2019|archive-date=4 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104132509/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/ageing-trains-targeted-by-vandals-and-transport-safety-victoria-20140314-34rxs.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Life extension ===
{{section or|date=July 2023}}
;2017 – 2021
{{Multiple image
| image1            = Comeng train operating a service to Flinders Street Station arriving at Platform 1 at Hawksburn Station, South Yarra (53187079413).jpg
| caption1          = Alstom Comeng
| image2            = Comeng train running a service to Flinders Street arriving at Platform 1 at Hawksburn Station, South Yarra (cropped).jpg
| caption2          = EDI Comeng
| footer            = Life extension refurbishments were carried out between 2017 and 2021
| align             = left
| direction         = vertical
}}
From 2017 to 2021, the entirety of the existing Comeng fleet undertook a $75 million life extension refurbishment program with a number of upgrades taking place in order to allow the fleet to operate reliably and safely for at least another decade prior to their retirement.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Train upgrades keep performance on track for Metro |url=https://www.metrotrains.com.au/train-upgrades-keep-performance-on-track-for-metro/ |access-date=3 July 2023 |date=9 October 2020 |website=www.metrotrains.com.au |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wong |first=Marcus |title=Comeng Life Extension project |url=https://railgallery.wongm.com/comeng-life-extension-project/ |access-date=3 July 2023 |website=Wongm's Rail Gallery |language=en}}</ref> These upgrades were carried out in stages (1, 2 & 3), focusing on external, internal, mechanical and safety system upgrades.

Stage 1 of the life extension refurbishment works revolved only on exterior modifications, with much of the mechanical and safety systems remaining the same and their interiors largely unaltered from their 2014/2015 modifications. 25% of the existing Comeng fleet undertook only the stage 1 life extension refurbishment. The stage 1 upgrades include:

* LED marker lights
* New vinyl stickering with [[Public Transport Victoria|PTV]] branding identity livery on the exterior fibreglass front panels.
* Removal of external handles and step ladders at the leading end of all motor cars to reduce instances of [[train surfing]].
{{Multiple image
| direction         = vertical
| image1            = Unrefurbished Comeng train interior.jpg
| caption1          = Original (pre 2000's)
| alt1              = Interior of an unrefurbished Comeng set (pre 2000's)
| image2            = EDI Comeng Interior.jpg
| alt2              = EDI Comeng with Connex interior after transfer from M>Train
| caption2          = EDI Comeng with Connex interior after transfer from M>Train
| image3            = 434M Interior.jpg
| alt3              = An EDI Comeng set that has received stage 2 Upgrades. Note that there are no new passenger information displays (PIDs).
| caption3          = EDI Comeng – Stage 2 upgrades
| footer            = Stage 1 upgrades did not affect the interior of the trains as they were only external changes.
}}

Stage 2 of the life extension refurbishment works concentrated on both interior and mechanical upgrades, with 75% of the existing Comeng fleet undertaking the stage 2 refurbishment. In addition to the stage 1 upgrades, the stage 2 upgrades include:

* Updated upholstery – Seats in [[Connex Melbourne|Connex]] rainbow-textured pattern were updated to [[Public Transport Victoria]]'s corporate identity in either blue or orange (priority seating) geometric design.
* Additional and upgraded grab handles and poles.
* Concertina style enclosed gangways between carriages.
* Improved saloon lighting and additional handholds.
* Door upgrades.
* Improvements to the driver's panel.

Stage 3 of the life extension refurbishment works focused on communications and additional mechanical upgrades, with 31% of the Comeng fleet, namely the disc brake units, having been further enhanced with these upgrades. These sets will more than likely be the last Comeng sets to remain in service when they will be eventually retired. In addition to the stage 2 upgrades, the stage 3 upgrades include:<ref name="ComengX">{{Cite web |date=14 December 2019 |title=Metro is putting brand new technology on some of Melbourne's oldest trains, to give passengers a better idea of where they're going |url=https://x.com/9NewsMelb/status/1205753699932368896 |access-date=1 October 2024 |website=X (Twitter) |language=en}}</ref>

* New external LED destination signs.
* New dynamic Passenger Information Screens which displays real time data.<ref name="ComengX"/>
* Improved safety enhancements, including an upgrade to high definition CCTV cameras with better clarity and a wider field of view, and new emergency help points.<ref name="ComengX"/>
* Improvements to hearing aid links with a new and upgraded speaker and onboard announcement system.<ref name="ComengX"/>
* Improvements to the overall air compression system powering the brakes, doors, pantographs and traction systems.

The life extension refurbishment program was completed by the end of 2021 with 75% of the Comeng units having undergone the stages 2/3 upgrades. As of June 2023, all stage 1 sets, along with some stage 2 sets have been scrapped, having since been replaced by the [[High Capacity Metro Trains]].

[[File:Comeng 678M Zollner Makrofon 370 horn (1 March 2025).jpg|thumb|The Zollner Makrofon 370 horn on Comeng 678M]]
[[File:Comeng car 694M stored.png|thumb|Chopper Comeng carriage 694M stored at Newport Workshops]]

=== Horn Upgrades ===
;2023 – 2024

In May 2023, 12 Comeng sets were trialled with a new Zöllner Makrofon 370 single tone horn, sounding similar to an [[X'Trapolis 100]] horn, to replace the Roy Victor Butler (RVB) 3 chime horn. After it was deemed successful, from November 2023, the rest of the Comeng fleet started to receive the new horns, and was completed in late March 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=VICSIG |url=https://vicsig.net/suburban/train/comeng |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=vicsig.net}}</ref>

== Retirement ==
{{more citations needed section|date=May 2024}}
[[File:Comeng at carlsruhe.jpg|thumb|Two P classes haul two 3 car Comeng units to North Bendigo for scrapping.]]
[[File:Comeng.jpg|thumb|Stored Comeng Trains in Tottenham Yard]]
[[File:Scrapped comeng.jpg|thumb|Scrapped carriages piled up at InfraBuild Recycling in Laverton North]]
In November 2017, none of the remaining Comeng chopper carriages including the (691M-698M) motors and (1196T-1199T) trailers were included in the new Metro contract, which saw them retired out of service. Half of these units were stored at Newport Workshops, while the other half have been supplying parts to the remaining Comeng units in service.{{cn|date=May 2024}}

In 2018, Comeng set 313M-1007T-314M and 367M-1034T-368M were withdrawn from service and stored at Newport Workshops.{{cn|date=May 2024}}

In 2019, it was revealed that if the [[X'Trapolis 2.0]] was made, the Comengs could be out of service as early as 2026.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/new-train-designs-revealed-but-contract-under-threat-20190715-p527eh.html|title=New train designs revealed, but contract under threat|last=Jacks|first=Timna|date=15 July 2019|website=The Age|language=en|access-date=15 July 2019|archive-date=15 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715232339/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/new-train-designs-revealed-but-contract-under-threat-20190715-p527eh.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However, it is most likely that the final Comeng set will be withdrawn closer to 2030.{{cn|date=May 2024}}

On 21 August 2021, retired Comeng sets 321M-1107T-320M and 363M-1032T-364M were transferred to North Shore. These sets were replaced with the High Capacity Metro Trains, starting a long process of the retirement of Comeng sets, likely to take most of the decade. As of 27 April 2022, 44 3-car Comeng sets have been retired out of 189 3-car sets in service at the formation of [[Metro Trains Melbourne]].{{cn|date=May 2024}}

On 9 February 2022, the first Comeng unit was scrapped since 2014. This saw the scrapping of set 338M-1092T-484M at Dandenong South. Subsequently, there have been 70 3-car Comeng sets scrapped as of 30 May 2024.{{cn|date=May 2024}}

On 12 June 2022, the last of the Stage 1 Comengs (331M-1050T-400M & 393M-1048T-394M) were transferred to Newport Workshops to be decommissioned.<ref name="Vicsig: Comeng Trains" />

All remaining Comeng sets of the earlier 'tread brake' variety are now EDI refurbishments. These are internally referred to as 'Westcode' sets, while the disc brake variety is known as 'Knorr'. As of September 2022, all Alstom refurbished sets in the Westcode group had been withdrawn. As by this date, one chopper set (693M-1197T-694M) has been scrapped.<ref name="Vicsig: Comeng Trains" />

In June 2023, all Alstom tread brake Comeng sets have been scrapped, having only receiving the stage 1 life extension upgrades. 359M-1030T-360M was the final stage 1 Alstom refurbished set to be scrapped.<ref name="Vicsig: Comeng Trains" /> By this date, the remaining chopper sets have all been scrapped.<ref name="Vicsig: Comeng Trains" /> 

As of 3 April 2025, this leaves only 56 Alstom refurbished disc brake sets and 57 EDI refurbished tread brake sets in revenue service. All of the Comeng trains in revenue service are most EDI stage 2 sets and almost all Alstom stage 3 sets. All of these sets retired were all Stage 1 and some Stage 2 sets.<ref name="Vicsig: Comeng Trains" />
[[File:2-car Lemong (Lemonwealth Engineering).jpg|alt=Knorr Comeng in ECOM (yellow & black) livery.|thumb|Comeng (585M-586M) at Macaulay Light Repair Centre after being converted for use on infrastructure evaluation carriages.]]
On 7 May 2025, 633M-1167T-634M and 585M-1143T-586M were withdrawn from service, and 1167T and 1143T were scrapped, while the motor carriages, 633M-634M and 585M-586M were converted as two car sets and were retained for use on infrastructure evaluation trains on the suburban network. The two motor carriages on 633M-634M and 585M-586M are both expected to remain in some form of service far longer than other members of the class.<ref name="Vicsig: Comeng Trains" />

== Stored carriages ==
{{Refimprove section|date=July 2023}}
[[File:Comeng car 368M stored Newport.png|thumb|Car 368M stored at [[Newport Workshops]] awaiting scrapping]] 70 Comeng carriages have been scrapped or removed from service.<ref name="Vicsig: Comeng Trains">{{Cite web |url=https://vicsig.net/suburban/train/Comeng |title=Vicsig: Comeng Trains |access-date=8 June 2014 |url-status=live |archive-date=30 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160730102014/http://vicsig.net/suburban/train/Comeng }}</ref>

Eight carriages have been scrapped prior to the major withdrawals (from 2021 onwards): 315M, 388M, 1165T, 1109T, 533M, 305M, 1003T and 306M. 315M was burnt out at [[Hurstbridge railway station|Hurstbridge]] on 9 April 1983, along with [[Tait (train)|Tait]] 472M,<ref>{{cite magazine|date=September 1983|title=Delays, Derailments, etc.|magazine=Newsrail|publisher=Australian Railway Historical Society|page=247}}</ref> 388M was hit by [[V/Line]] locomotive [[V/Line N class|N457]] at [[Officer railway station|Officer]], 1165T was burnt out at [[Northcote railway station|Northcote]], 1109T was damaged in a collision with Comeng 634M at [[Epping railway station, Melbourne|Epping]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://vicsig.net/index.php?page=suburban&section=rollingstock&carriage=1109&cartype=T&traintype=Comeng |title=Vicsig: Comeng-1109T |access-date=8 June 2014 |url-status=live |archive-date=29 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160829110516/http://vicsig.net/index.php?page=suburban&section=rollingstock&carriage=1109&cartype=T&traintype=Comeng }}</ref> while 533M was burnt out by vandals at [[Merlynston railway station|Merlynston]] in April 2002.<ref name="Vicsig: Comeng Trains" /> Both 1109T and 533M were stored at the [[Ballarat North Workshops|Ballarat Workshops]] and were scrapped in August 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://forums.vicsig.net/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=2912 |title=Vicsig: August 2010 scrappings |access-date=15 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720155627/http://forums.vicsig.net/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=2912 |archive-date=20 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In November 2012, 305M-1003T-306M crashed into a truck at Abbotts Road in Dandenong South. These cars were stored in Dandenong South near the crash site, visible from the Cranbourne Line until May 2014, when they were scrapped.

Following the Dandenong South collision, set 583M-1022T-589M was withdrawn and stored at Newport Workshops. This set was trailing 305M-1003T-306M but received significantly less damage. It never re-entered service and was later scrapped during the major withdrawals, being the first disc brake series set to be scrapped.

Another four carriages have been stored: 500M, 671M, 672M, and 1186T. 500M was burnt out at [[Sandringham railway station|Sandringham]] in 2002<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://vicsig.net/index.php?page=suburban&accident=500m |title=Vicsig: 500M burnt out at Hampton |access-date=8 June 2014 |url-status=live |archive-date=13 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210313083352/https://vicsig.net/index.php?page=suburban&accident=500m }}</ref> and can be seen in a yard close to the [[North Williamstown railway station|North Williamstown]] station side of the Newport railway workshops. 671M was partly burnt out at [[Gowrie railway station|Gowrie]] in 1994. Spare cars 672M and 1186T, which were made redundant after 671M was burnt, underwent a prototype refurbishment before being stored. 671M is currently in use by [[Fire Rescue Victoria]] for firefighter training.

On 25 February 2019, EDI Comeng 333M collided with a buffer stop at the end of a stabling siding at Newport. The train was withdrawn from service and previously stored EDI Comeng 314M was modified to run with 1017T and 334M. 333M was coupled with existing retired cars 313M and 1007T, and was stripped of useable parts in preparation for scrapping.

== In popular culture ==
* An Alstom refurbished Comeng in Connex colours can be seen in the background of a carriage scene on the TV series ''[[How I Met Your Mother]]'', Season 9, Episode 1 (set in New York).<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.danielbowen.com/2013/09/29/himym-comeng-train/|title = Yes, that was a Melbourne train in a US sitcom… but can anybody name the station? #MetroTrains|website = Daniel Bowen|date = 29 September 2013|access-date = 27 August 2016|archive-date = 28 August 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160828145028/http://www.danielbowen.com/2013/09/29/himym-comeng-train/|url-status = live}}</ref>
* 2 withdrawn Alstom refurbished Comengs can be seen in the background of the Australian TV series, ''[[Superwog]]'', Season 1, Episode 6, "The Zombie Apocalypse", which was filmed at Newport Workshops.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Superwog: Series 1 Episode 6 The Zombie Apocalypse |url=https://iview.abc.net.au/show/superwog/series/1/video/CO1717V006S00 |access-date=12 January 2023 |website=ABC iview |language=en |archive-date=12 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112094858/https://iview.abc.net.au/show/superwog/series/1/video/CO1717V006S00 |url-status=live }}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Comeng (train)}}
* [http://www.pjv101.net/cd/pages/c432m.htm Comeng M carriages at Peter J Vincent]
* [http://www.pjv101.net/cd/pages/c433m.htm Comeng T carriages at Peter J Vincent]

{{VRLocos}}

[[Category:Melbourne rail rollingstock]]
[[Category:Electric multiple units of Victoria (state)]]
[[Category:1500 V DC multiple units of Australia]]
[[Category:Train-related introductions in 1981]]