Re: VFT/VHST - third time lucky?

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

On Tue, 19 Dec 2000 23:13:28 GMT, dbromage@fang.omni.com.au (David
Bromage) wrote:

>Colin Weaver (weaver@powerup.com.au) wrote:
>
>
>> David Bromage wrote:
>> > 
>> > Colin Weaver (colingw@my-deja.com) wrote:
>> > > The only part of ATEC which I think will carry any volume of passengers
>> > > will be Brisbane - Toowoomba, and even that is likely to be on 3'6"
>> > > following the same corridor (or as dual gauge).  QR will have to run
>> > > diesels or separate the 3'6" and standard gauge tracks if they want
>> > > electric - ATEC want to run double stacked containers which I doubt
>> > > would be compatible with the  25KV overhead!
>> > 
>> > QR is proposing to build its own sg line to Toowoomba, which would be
>> > electrified.
>
>> The information on the ATEC web site (http://www.aire.com.au) suggests
>> that QR will be involved as a joint venture partner.
>
>> As for QR undertaking to build its own electrified standard gauge to
>> Toowoomba, all I can say is that would make no sense at all!
>
>It was specifically an electrified sg line for coal haulage and has been
>on the cards for some time.
>
>> Firstly, there's a lot of 3'6" gauge trackage beyond Toowoomba
>
>Which would eventually also be regauged as the first step in regauging the
>entire state. Queensland nearly regauged the entire state in the 50s.


You have gotta be kidding.
Reguaging from narrow guage to standard means new earthworks and a
complete set of new sleepers.
In short not much less than the cost of an entire new rail system.
Not a chance in hell.
And for what possible purpose?

>
>> Secondly, QR operates no standard gauge rollingstock other than the
>> gauge convertable GSPE and some test runs of gauge convertable freight
>> stock more recently.
>
>They can build new stock. If it's specifically for coal haulage, they
>would want to increase net tonnage per train.

>
>Cheers
>David