Re: Previous Happenings

["Alex Pout" <alpout@optusnet.com.au>]

Chris <chrisc@fl.net.au> wrote in message 3a093c20@fl.net.au">news:3a093c20@fl.net.au...
> Sometimes they used to run a grader along each side of the tracks.(I think
> this method was used on the Oberon line) Or the railways or farmers (did
> they get paid?) used to clear or burn off on their side.
>  The SMR used to run on total fire bans in the 1970's and 80's. So
> commercial operators must have been given an exemption.

The SMR used to run along an area that my brigade still covers, graded
tracks would not be much use against sparks flying out of chimneys.  I've
seen fires cross roads in less than 2 minutes.  The only thing that I can
think of is that fire fighting agencies in NSW (at least) require permission
to access SRA./RAC land.  Possible that they were given waivers, but that
would not be likely, IMHO.

> "Alex Pout" <alpout@optusnet.com.au> wrote in message
> 3a088856$0$19433$7f31c96c@news01.syd.optusnet.com.au">news:3a088856$0$19433$7f31c96c@news01.syd.optusnet.com.au...
> > 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.
> >
> > Thanks
> > Al
> >
> >
>
>