QR4000 Class; Coal haulage - not QR?; 1281; 1620; DH71

["Bruce Russell" <russellbe@cqnet.com.au>]

Aus loco discussion mailing list


The first 4000 Class loco (4001) arrived in Callemondah, Gladstone, early
(approx. 0130) on Sunday morning 24 October 1999.  It is believed to be
testing between Gladstone and Rocklands (junction of Central line, near
Rockhampton).   The next 3 or 4 locos are supposed to be arriving within the
next few weeks.

Apparently Price Waterhouse Coopers have sent out a draft Invitation for
Offer seeking Expressions of Interest to bid for the haulage of coal between
Ensham and Gladstone, Jellinbah East to Gladstone, and South
Blackwater/Blackwater/Cook/Jellinbah/Curragh/Ensham to Stanwell (Power
Station).

EE gold loco 1281, "Century", hauled two trips around Rockhampton on
Saturday 6 Nov.  The first trip was R'ton to Lakes Creek and return to
celebrate 100 years since the opening of the Alexandra Bridge (across the
Fitzroy River)on 6 Nov 1899.  The second trip was from R'ton to Stanwell
Power Station, around the balloon loop and through the coal unloader, and
back to R'ton.  Ahhhh.... the delight of an EE along the mainline at speed.

1281 currently resides in Callemondah (Gladstone) where it is apparently
used as a shunt loco and even makes trips across to Gladstone from time to
time.

1620 was rumoured to have failed again and hence banished to Redbank.
However according to travellers on the Friday night (5/11/99) tilt train,
1620 was idling with lights on at Callemondah depot.

DH71 stills sits at the stop blocks at R'ton loco. However it is rumoured
that it will be rebuilt to operating condition - no time frame known.
Apparently sufficient parts, including a motor, have been acquired to
resurrect it.

Cheers,

Bruce


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