Re: [Vic] Geelong Line CLOSED

["Paul Hambleton" <P.Hambleton@bom.gov.au>]

Yeah, I know but my remark referred to the "whole" network!
If they are going to spend hundreds of millions on trackwork for the new
regional rail services they should make it standard gauge.
The current broad gauge network should be progressively converted to SG. The
Connex part of the suburban network could remain BG initially while to
Bayside part is converted line by line with the regional services. Instead
of having Connex supply new BG suburban units, the Bayside Comengs should be
transferred and "Connexed" with Bayside buying new SG units as each line is
converted.
The Vline services could be handled in a similar manner.
Conversion to SG has been talked about for 100 years and even the R & J
class steam locos were designed with conversion in mind. WCR could still use
their R class.
This time, let's get it done while there is some money around.
I nearly choked on my wheaties when I saw the article in the Age (25/9/2000)
which said Portland wanted a BG connection.
Of course the problem with all this is that with the myriad of private
operators, it will be very difficult to get agreement on such a plan.
Maybe I should have started a new thread. Sorry.
Paul Hambleton
"Chris Gordon" <cmgord@VICSIG.alphalink.com.au> wrote in message
39E2EB29.D1B71415@VICSIG.alphalink.com.au">news:39E2EB29.D1B71415@VICSIG.alphalink.com.au...
> > Thanks Chris.
> > I guess nothing can be done for SG freight between Melbourne and the
West
> > however.
>
> You can run via Broken Hill (take an extra day, but it is better than
> waiting for a week or more)
>
> > The sooner the whole Victorian network is converted to SG the better.
>
> Yes, but if you look at what is planned cutting the Melbourne - Geelong
> part would have still blocked the line.
> (planned to Mildura would be via North Geelong)
>
>
> --
>
> C.
>
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