Re: 86 Class

[Greg Rudd <grudd@mail.usyd.edu.au>]

Stuart Ellis wrote:

> Greg Rudd wrote:
>
> > John MacCallum wrote:
> >
> > > A directive from Freightcorp Management last week now places all
> > > except four 86 class engines in storage.
> > > I can't remember which four but I will find out.
> > >
> >
> > Sad.
> >
> > >
> > > I hope that the looming oil crisis will make Freightcorp change its
> > > mind about electric traction but I wouldn't hold my breath!
> > > Pope
> > >
> > > Alias   John MacCallum
> >
> > Dont think so!  They will only change their minds if it effects this
> > financial period's balance sheet as their management can only think this
> > far in advance.
> >
> > Remember Freightcorp is preparing for privitisation and wants to close
> > down Lithgow maintainence centre and make Lithgow a fueling point only,
> > so as to improve the sale price to overseas purchasers.
> >
> > -greg
>
> So if they close down Lithgow, who is going to maintain all the 81s, 80s,
> remaining electrics, and other locos attached to Lithgow.

I would think that they would like to outsource the maintainence to either
Clyde or to Gonninan (ala Westrail).  Freightcorp are already doing this in SA
with the Leigh CK contract.

> As far as I am
> aware, and a few other people should be able to back this up is that
> Freightcorp's intention is to have only two maintenance facilities. Lithgow
> and Werris Creek. DELEC has basically closed, so has Port Kembla, only
> leaving Lithgow and Port Kembla.
>

That is true.  But if Freightcorp outsources this maintainence to Clyde.
Lithgow could be shut down as the work could be done at Korragang.

>
> Stuart Ellis