Train Numbering in NSW

[David & Julie Donald <dsjmd@hermes.net.au>]

A recent report would indicate that ATN is going to use the ROA train numbering
system for their wheat haulage traffic in NSW; the reference was to a train with
a number of xJWx e.g. 3JSW3), which would seem to suggest a train from Junee to
Port Kembla/Inner Harbour.  This decision by ATN would seem to be in contrast to
the situation with Freight Australia who have been using the traditional NSW
numeric numbering system, yet fits in with NRC who have been using the ROA
numbering system for their internal NSW traffic.
The question must be asked as to who makes decisions on such matters, or do the
operators either have a choice or put forward their preferred options.  I would
also ask whether this is the first official use of "J" (for "Junee") in the
system.

The decision/attitude by Freight Australia would seem to fall in line with their
attitude in Victoria, and the attitude previously held by V/Line Freight,
whereby all interstate trains (either Albury - Melbourne or Melbourne -
Wolseley) literally had two numbers, being their ROA number (primarily used for
the non-Victorian component of the journey) and then their internal Victorian
number which was used when the train was operating within Victoria.  It would
seem that, with ARTC now providing Train Control on the interstate routes, this
duplicity of numbering has disappeared for NRC-hauled services, but remains for
those interstate trains that are operated by Freight Australia or other
operators.

It is perhaps worth noting that both Austrac and LVRF are using the standard NSW
numeric numbering system for their internal NSW traffic (leaving aside the
Metropolitan trip services, and that would seem to be another story completely),
whilst Silverton is adopting the ROA system for the Eleura ore traffic - this
latter situation is perhaps quite understandable given that Silverton is
operating this traffic either in conjunction with, or under contract to, NRC.

Does anyone know what numbering system NRC is using on their Hunter Valley coal
traffic ??

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Regards

David Donald
Springwood, NSW

dsjmd@hermes.net.au