Re: Previous Happenings

[david <david@gwmail.nmit.vic.edu.au>]

I agree with David Johnson - when steam was in regular use from the year dot
untill their retirment - the tracl and land was kept in better conditon - often
weed  trains kept the line clear of growth. Hence no tree, and with regular
clearing with the railway easment, little combustionables. Today the track is
surrounded by treees, weeds etc.

That is not to say that in our eyes now it would have been "safe", but like many
historial practises, materials etc they have been superseded ( eg Asbestos one
was good, now bad etc.) - And basically one could say the steam train was the
only form of communication and the only motive power for over 100 years, and thus
ran all year.

Regards,
David Head



David Johnson wrote:

> Alex Pout wrote:
>
> > Morning all,
> > Richmond Vale, 3801 and (I presume) the Zig Zag, and other steam operators,
> > can't operate their steam locos during total fire bans.  So in the olden
> > days, when steam locos were the only motive power around much of the state,
> > how did they operate the railways across summer, especially under TFBs?  I
> > ask as a firefighter who's been to a few fires started by Richmond Vale's
> > engines, nothing serious, and as someone with a bit of an interest in
> > trains.
>
> Back in steam days, there were no trees anywhere near most lines!
>
> --
> David Johnson
> trainman@ozemail.com.au
> http://www.ozemail.com.au/~trainman/
> ------------------------------------
> These comments are made in a private
> capacity and do not represent the
> official view of State Rail.
> C.O.W.S. Page 11.