(08-31-2016, 01:22 PM)bpoland Wrote: Looks good! Did I read somewhere that this vehicle will be tested on our tracks, even though it's for Metrolinx? Or will we have to wait for them to make the first one for us?
From what I understand, the first 2 trains (which are Metrolinx'), will go to the Bombardier test facility in Millhaven (near Kingston), and that's where the Metrolinx team will play with them for the foreseeable future. Toronto has no trackwork anywhere on their system that these trains can run. I believe our first train (FLEXITY Freedom Serial No. 3) will also go to Millhaven for high-speed (BBD internal) testing, before coming here.
Trains will go through a burn-in phase, required by our Project Agreement, on our "test track" which is the portion of the line from Northfield to Erb/Caroline, which is nearly complete and powered up.
You could think of it this way: When an automobile manufacturer makes a new car, they put it out for a few test laps at their own proving grounds after assembly and before offering it for sale - that's what's going to happen in Millhaven over the next few months. Make sure the wheels don't fall off, that kind of thing. When the customer decides to buy the car, they take it for a test drive around the block and kick the tires, making sure the stroller fits in the back and the seats recline - and that's what will happen early next year on our Northfield-Erb/Caroline test track.