Re: Rail group questions use of Cowra to Blayney route

[Bruce Greening <bgreeni@attglobal.net>]

Maurie Daly wrote:

> 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

RAC is currently studying the feasibility of reopening a number of lines, includding Cowra - Eugowra,
Grenthorpe - Greenfell, Cootamundra - Tumut and Narrandera - Tocumwal. Also looking a a portion of Roto -
Hilston to serve a new cotton gin along the line.

That far sighted enough for you?

--
Bruce L. Greening
bgreeni@ibm.net