>Cant see any problem in AN1 hauling 24 cars.
>24 cars at the most would be about 1250 tonnes , depending on whether PHN cars
>were on it or not.
>For a 3800 HP loco 1250 tonnes between Adelaide & Alice ,an AN wouldnt even
>flinch, 3 hp/tonne.
>The old southern aurora when it existed ran between Melb & Albury every nite
>in the 1970s with a single S class (1800 HP) and at times up to 900 tonnes
>although about 700 was the norm, and this line has 1:50 grades.
>Works out at 2 / 2.5 HP tonne.
>I travelled on the IP back in the early 80s between Pt Pirie and Perth behing
>GM36 with 22 cars , no problem at all.
>cheers
>MD
Ah! The Old Southern Aurora, there was something about
that Name and Train. Do your remember the recording of
a Guitar Instrumental titled "Southern Aurora" by Col
Joys band the Joyboys, it still gives me goose bumps
and memories when I hear it.
Further to my original post there was a Press report up
here that the Tenders for the Sale of AN closed Friday
25/7/97, there was a Board meeting of AN on the Ghan,
and there were Union representatives present as well,
there is concern amongst many other things that the
future of AN Apprentices currently serving their Trades
be guaranteed.
Cheers
----Tell
Alice Springs NT