Re: [VIC] Hurstbridge line, working museum?

["emd567" <emd567@mitmania.net.au>]

It is much the same at Bundanoon on the NSW main south
Tyers 3 wire block instruments and mechanical 2 position semaphore signals
Semi interlocked points still controlled from 24 lever frame in signal
box on the station.

Then to Wingello where there are mostly Single light Colour light signals
(still some semaphore)
Tyers 3 wire block instruments
Up and down refuge points still worked from mechanical semi interlocked
frame (24 lever)

Then finally to Medway Junction with Tyers 3 wire block instruments one way
and autos the other way.
Staff and Ticket working on the branch to South Marulan Limestone Quarry.
But a route set panel in the signal box ( SLCL signals and motorized
points )
The line to the quarry can see a dozen trains each way a day and is probably
the
busiest staff and ticket location in the state with the possible exception
of Stockinbingal to Ariah Park during wheat season(AFAIK it is S&T but maybe
electric staff).

--
On the south Danny


"Sam Eades" <eadess@yahoo.com> wrote in message
3895114D.2181BCAF@yahoo.com">news:3895114D.2181BCAF@yahoo.com...
> Who would have thought in 2000, that such antiquities would still
> survive like those on the Hurstbridge line! The further you go on the
> Hurstbridge line, the further back in time you seem to go!
>
> Starting at Flinders Street, platform 1, with nice new tiles and lifts,
> you encounter the most modern signalling Hillside trains has to offer,
> LED. LED signals will tke you out to Jolimont, when you start to slip
> back in time to 3 position Semaphore automatic signals. Then at Victoria
> Park, you are jolted back into the present with remote controlled points
> and access gates at the stabling sidings.
>
> After leaving the METROL operated Clifton Hillthings are pretty much
> standard (apart from the short section of single line at Rosanna,
> operated under that curious safeworking system of "Yard limits") until
> you arrive at Greensborough.
> This is where things get interesting: the ritual of the signaller
> rushing out and giving the staff (which (s)he has just withdrawn from
> the electric staff instrument ) to the driver. The driver the has
> permission to start travelling further back into time, with 2 position
> signals.
> At Eltham, an even older system will take over, staff and ticket. Not
> only that, but Eltham is completely controlled by 2 position Semaphore
> signals, as well as mechanical points!
> After eltham, we come to Diamond Creek, this is about as far back in
> time as Safety will allow us to travel as we approach a Non interlocked
> station. Yes, that's right, in 2000, we have come from LED signals to a
> non interlocked station, complete with plunger locked points, all on our
> commute into Hurstbridge!
>
> This line is often taken for granted, but long may this extrmely safe,
> reliable system go on (how long has it been since there was an incident
> involving 2 trains on this line?)! All we need to do is restore a
> red-rattler to run regular service with!
>
> Sam Eades
>