> On Tue, 25 Nov 1997 15:00:32 +1100, "Garry R. Ford"
> <garry@merddyn.apana.org.au> wrote:
>
> >Brisbane had the most modern convential trams in the world
> >right up to its close.
>
> Several Japanese cities had much more "modern" conventional control
> cars in the late 50s and early 60s.
>
> >Since the streets haven't widened any the same will still apply.
> Its
> >also quite possible existing trackwork will be re-used since over
> 90%
> >of the system remained in place after closure (in mass concrete).
>
> The experience of those who have tried to reuse buried concrete
> trackwork in overseas locations has been universally disppointing.
>
I only quote from Modern Tramway at the time. Beside which, I don't
think any Japanese city had trams more modern than the Phoenix Class
and even 494 onwards. (They may have had power operated doors which
the later 400's were designed to have in any case especially had the
PCC equipment they were designed for been installed. [Ref. BCC files
on their design and Edward Buzacott their designer.)
Yes, I'm sketical of those who suggest its resuse, especially as a lot
was almost worn out on the main drags, currently recommended for
re-introduction of trams upon.
It may actually be academic, as my successor as Chairman of Transport
Policy Committtee informed me last night that he was told the gauge is
to be 3ft 6ins at the briefing some months ago. This does not tally
with the press announcement on launch day that the BTMS is to run its
trams on the new system (unless of course part of the work which
starts next year on restoring the historic fleet also involves a gauge
reduction) Dual gauge could also be an option on say a New Farm /
Newstead loop service or the lke I suppose.
The reason this came to light was because the original plan I drew up
for the re-introduction of tramways / light rail for the S.E.
Queensland area (actually light rail from south of the Tweed
[eventually Balina] to Gympie via the coast with local street tramways
in the three major areas - Gold Coast City, Brisbane City (includes
parts Redland Shire and perhaps Redcliffe City and parts Pine Shire)
and Sunshine Coast called for the investigation of the gauge being 3ft
6ins to permit integration with existing heavy rail network, should it
prove feasible to build light rail vehicles capable of operating on
dual 25KVAC and some suitable strret voltage. That is part of the
National Party's transport policy. I suggested this to facilitate ease
of operation on some of the longer light rail routes proposed -
Beenleigh via Freeway or Logan Road to city; Redland Bay via Capalaba
and old Belmont Steam Tramway to Norman Park thence city;(This route
actually cuts across the corner of Clem Jone's back yard but not
enough to resume his house;-) ), Windor Stn area (start city) to
Redcliffe via Stafford, Chermside, Aspley, Mango Hill, Doyles Rocks
area and possibly South Brisbane Stn to Ipswich via U of Q,
Indooroopilly, Moggill. These routes, first planned in late seventies
by BTRG, were added to town plan in mid 80's. QR tracks would be used
to access the city area initially. I also said common profiles (if
possible) and gauges would permit easy transfer of rolling stock to a
central workshop facility. Likewise with the street tramways. This was
not a hard and fast decision however, as I myself prefer 4ft 81/2ins
and said so because of commonality of this gauge world-wide, apart
from the use of BTMS fleet for historic purposes.
For more details I refer you to Wanted-Brisbane dead or alive, 2nd
edition, published for the Brisbane Tramway Research Group and The
National Party of Australia - Queensland Division in March 1993. It is
obtainable in most State Libraries on the east coast, U of Q Library
and other universities in S.E.Q., and several east coast parliamentary
libraries.
I await definite confirmation on the gauge now as Simon's report last
night (although briefing priior to BTMS involvement) since he wants
3ft 6ins and the way it is in the policy document, supports this view.
National Party Minister / MP's are not compelled to follow party
policy to the letter (only use it as a guide), so its quite possible
the gauge has been changed to the more common 4ft 81/2ins to
accommodate BTMS fleet and to take advantage of this being a more
common gauge for buying "off the shelf" components for, thus keeping
prices lower.
It is very doubtful that off the shelf cars will be used since the
narrow streets and tight curves (40ft radius) needed on the Brisbane
System - even on the newly proposed one - will dictate pointed noses
as on the FM's if the cars are to have any carrying capacity at all
without being in more than two sections.
Cheers
Garry