Re: Rail group questions use of Cowra to Blayney route

[mauried@tpg.com.au (Maurie Daly)]

In article <AI6L4.542$TI6.406381@news0.optus.net.au> dbromage@fang.omni.com.au (David Bromage) writes:
>From: dbromage@fang.omni.com.au (David Bromage)
>Subject: Rail group questions use of Cowra to Blayney route
>Date: Wed, 19 Apr 2000 00:02:40 GMT

>A local rail group has questioned whether the reopened Cowra to Blayney
>rail route is a "toy" line because it is not being used.

>http://www.abc.net.au/news/regionals/orange/monthly/regor-18apr2000-3.htm


They have a good point.
I have also wondered exactly what this re opened line is going to be used for.
Without the southern leg of the Demondrille Triangle its useless for diverting 
freights thru to Melb ,and given the quite severe grades on the line and the 
fact that it cant handle main line locos ,(NRs ,81s ,82s) its not too clear 
who could actually run trains on the line anyway.
One wonders whether as it was an easy line to re open and like the Gulgong - 
Mudgee - Kandos re opening ( I also cant see what this line is going to carry 
either) ,which was also easy one to open , you cant help think that both lines 
are being done for political purposes, (ie so the Govt can say it is re 
opening lines.)
Re opeing the Cooma line would be more useful ,as would re opeing Armidale 
to Tenterfield or Coota to Tumut but of course these are both a bit harder 
to do.

For a really laterally thinking organization then re laying and re opeing 
Griffith to Roto with the re instating of the western leg of the triangle 
along with re opeing Narrandera to Tocumwal would be a far sighted move.
This requires unfortunately an ability to think further than the good of the 
State though.

cheers
MD