Re: Sleeping Car (heating)

[tote <tote@ozemail.com.au>]

Conversely, I spent 3 years of my apprenticeship in the early eighties
travelling to  block release TAFE in Newcastle from Orange. On the return
Journey I caught the flier from Newcastle and then the Western Mail to Orange.
For some reason the Parkes section of the train usually had an BAM but the Dubbo
cars were TAMs. I can recall several nights when it was too cold to have any
body parts outside the blankets.At least the BAMs had a hot shower at the end of
the car.
Regards
Tote

Marc Hunt wrote:

> At times at SM Sydney platform staff such as myself were "Shanghai'd" into
> working as Conductors on night Express and Mail's when staff shortages would
> have delayed the service.
>
> I myself have worked The Southern Aurora, South Mail, Western Mail, North
> Mail, North Coast Mail, Gold Coast Motorail, Brisbane Limited, North Parcels
> Express and the big one The Indian Pacific.
>
> My memories of working The Western Mail are of very hot November -December
> evenings making berths up in MAL Sleepers and feeling pity for the poor
> passengers as there was not a breath of fresh air to be had in those teak
> paneled sweat boxes. The regulations directed that we would make up the
> berths with 2 sheets, one blanket and a bed cover ! An with an extra blanket
> was to be made available for those requesting it.
>
> The only thing worse than a MAL was the BAM/ACM's used on the North Mail.
> After arrival at Moree the train would be re-marshalled and then would be
> placed back at the platform to sit in the sun all day until the evening
> departure.
> Try making 22 berths in 50 degree heat in a fake timber paneled sauna bath !
>
> Ahh those were the days my friends ...
>
> --
> Marc Hunt
> nospam-march@pip.com.au