[Ausloco] Re: Echuca happenings

["alan holding" <charters@origin.net.au>]

G'day all,

Renovations are continuing apace at the Echuca loco shed currently.
The new slate roof (slate ex the Blaneau Ffestiniog region in Wales) is virtually finished on the eastern slope of the roof and the western slope is yet to be completed. Roof repairs included substantial replacement of heavy roof timbers,  eaves and new decking under the slate. Some $300,000 will be used to complete the work. Its a very big roof indeed...

My very reliable sources tell me that West Coast Railway is "eyeing off" the progress closely, with a view to relaying track from the active turntable into the three-road shed for future rail-based usage. 

Additionally, the Port of Echuca Authority yesterday announced the receival of a $150,000 grant ex the Vic. Govt. plus the hoped-for receival of a further $78,000 from the Feds. to complete the relaying of the connection of the mainline to the Port wharf. Some 800 metres of track is to be re-laid. The line to the Port wharf was opened in 1886 and torn up in the early 70's. 

This means that this time next year should see R 711/R 766 operating the "last Sunday in the month" West Coast Railway service (a current service) from Melb. to Echuca & return, into the wharf precinct itself to disgorge its passengers straight onto the waiting paddlesteamers. Currently, the train remains some 1 km away from the Port wharf at the Echuca station and the "punters" are transported to the boats by unmentionable means.(read - "trucks with seats").

Upon the completion of the track relaying, A2 996 currently standing on the Echuca Wharf and with a current boiler ticket, could then be moved to the Echuca loco shed for final restoration in readiness for mainline broad gauge workings.
That's, of course, providing that Echuca is still connected to the broad gauge network by then. Supposition on my part of course, but a couple of years is a long time in modern rail development terms - despite rail infrastructure being grossly underfunded these days!

Finally, the June long-weekend will see three separate steam preservation groups in Echuca with Y 112, J 515 and an R class possibly present on Sunday 11th.. Shuttles will be run in all directions in conjunction with the "Annual Steam, Horse & Vintage Rally which attracts big crowds.

See Ya   AH      


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]


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