>David Bromage wrote:
>
>> What is the fate of the DEB sets and other cars at Redfern? It would be
>> extremely foolish to sell or scrap anything before the Olympics.
>>
>
>They are all to be auctioned off (some time after the U sets arrive from Clyde yards)
>
>It will probably be the last carriage auction in quite some time in NSW.
>
>--
>David Johnson
Sorry, D.J., you have it wrong!
The DEB sets, along with the two car 620 class sets, have been out of
service for a number of years. Those still at Port Kembla have been
heavily vandalised, whilst the others are basically "worn out". The
cost of commercially restoring the vehicles back to operational
cndition for a very limited period of service is not economically
viable. It should also be remembered that the capacity of a four car
DEB set is quite low, not even that of a two car Xplorer.
Apart from five cars which are being retained for heritage purposes (a
four car set plus a spare power car), the remaining DEB set cars will
be firstlly offered to "eligible railway museum groups" in accordiance
with a policy which has been agreed to by the Association of Railway
Preservation Groups. Hopefully, this will take place before the end of
the current calendar year. Following a discussion with the ARPG,
it is likely that the DEBs will be offered as four car sets, ranging
from "good" to "poor" (the latter having no engines, major components
missing, condemned wheels, etc.). Those not disposed of in this
manner would then be offered for disposal by tender or auction - these
would obvioulsy be those vehicles which are in the worst condition).
Thus, there is every opportunity for the "eligible railway
preservation groups" to restore their DEB set back to operational
condition and "cash in" under the open access arrangements over NSW
rail tracks if they feel that there is indeed a dollar to be made in
the Olympic year. May-be even David Bromage could support his
favoured NSW preservation group in acquiring a DEB set for use during
this period!
As to replacing existing trains, be they Endeavours, L or K sets,
etc., there is always the local poliitics that an "antiquainted
train" is being utilising in their area. Personally, I would hate to
see a restored DEB set thrashed day in and day out on the 1 in 37
grades of the Carlingford line with its standing starts of the ruling
grade. Just what acceleration would it have and what additional
running time would be required?
Possibly the most suitable place for any restored DEB (and 620 class)
sets to operate would be on the Dapto-Kiama-Bomaderry corridor, where
the grades are reasonably easy and there are generally adequate
utrn-round and reconvery allowances. This could release up to four
Endeavour sets, which would be extremely useful to "build up"
Southern Highlands and Hunter Valley services during this period.
But, how do you convince the South Coasters that they are not
returning to inferior stock?
Peter Neve
>