Re: Puffing Billy, Zig Zag and the Mt Lyell Abt

["Chris" <chrisc@fl.net.au>]

A classic case of rail museum empire building (PBR & ARHS), they originally
get it for nothing and then won't let it go for restoration  to operational
condition because someone else will have control.
I think the ZZR had to pay for their loco though.

Chris

"B." <gunzel412@dingoblue.gunzel.net.au> wrote in message
3a1e3a4f$0$19410$7f31c96c@news01.syd.optusnet.com.au">news:3a1e3a4f$0$19410$7f31c96c@news01.syd.optusnet.com.au...
> <jshugg@westpac.com.au> wrote in message
> 8va0n2$apd$1@nnrp1.deja.com">news:8va0n2$apd$1@nnrp1.deja.com...
>
> > I'm wondering if the company rebuilding the Abt railway in
> > western Tasmania has approached Puffing Billy for the return
> > of steam loco Abt No. 5 which rests in the Menzies Creek
> > museum, and/or the ex Mt Lyell carriages (which have been
> > regauged a foot narrower).  Does this equipment belong to
> > Puffing Billy or is it owned by the ARHS?
>
> The ABT Loco is owned by the ARHS Vic Div, IIRC.  The Lyell Cars
> are owned by either the ETRB or the PBPS.
>
> > Similarly, the Zig Zag Railway people use the diesel V13
> > which used to operate on the Mt Lyell railway;  have they
> > been approached?
>
> > If the price was right, and/or suitable substitutes could be
> > offered to PBR and ZZR, might those organiations consider
> > sending the equipment back to Tassie?
>
> > Maybe this is a dead issue if the Abt reconstruction people
> > feel that the 2 Abt locos and 1 diesel they already have will
> > be enough.
>
> I'm lead to believe that the 'synthetic' Lyell Cars built for the
> ABT are actually slightly larger than the genuine article.  They
> are also built with much more metalwork in them, instead of
> timber.
>
> --
> B.
>
> Email - gunzel412 at dingoblue dot net dot au
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>
>