Re: New NSW Timetable Site

[dbromage@fang.omni.com.au (David Bromage)]

Hubert Lam (hubert@imap4.com) wrote:
> Canberra XPT?

> How much quicker does it get to Canberra, or did it take just the same
> time as today's Xploders?

Quicker in the first instance and quicker than current Xplorer times, but
later times were slower than the original Xplorer schedule. The timing for
S21/S22 Canberra XPT on introduction in 1984 was 4:06 down and 3:59 up. By
1988 it was 4:10 down and 4:08 up. The first Xplorer schedule was 4:07
down and 4:06 up, but this was an improvement over the intervening
loco-hauled service.

They were using the XPT for the wrong purpose. It wasn't designed to run
stopping trains. S22 stopped at Bowral, Mittagong and Picton. The XPT is
designed for fast sprints, and would have been best used running express
Goulburn - Moss Vale - Campbelltown - Strathfield.

The worst example of XPT use was S9/S10 South XPT which replaced the South
Mail.

Cheers
David