Had a look at the MTP today (Monday 13/10), it says in as many words, T
and Y class locomotives are the only loco's allowed across the bridge at
Stratford, (and they may run in multiple) except locomotives B61 (WCR)
and _S301_ (V/Line), (which may not be multiple with any other units).
Funnily enough, there are still maximum loads given for N, A and X class
locomotives.....
> The S is single ended and
> the B is effectively single ended (sound proofing and so on only
> carried out at one end) - the Bs are turned at Warrnambool.
Correct about the B's. The No. 1 end of the B's has been upgraded
(soundproofing is not the only issue, there are a heap of
modifications). B's can only be driven from the number 1 end, except in
unusual situations. Ditto S's, occasionally you'll see one running
'tender first' due to necessity.
> Is the suggestion that WCR is tendering for the East Gippsland
> passneger services with some option on extending to Bairnsdale ?
The Government is yet to put additional services out to tender - one
cannot buy something that aint for sale! It is no secret that we'd like
to be running more services though.
> Why only 301 and 61 ? Do they have different characteristics from the
> other WCR locos ?
To the best of my knowledge (although I'm yet to see any figures) B61 is
lighter than other B's. I've no idea why V/Line would bother making
S301 available, the chances of it running to Bairnsdale are fairly
remote!
> Further to that, what is the status of Bairnsdale freight services ?
> I thought the line was disused beyond sale in any case.
Services suspended beyond Sale.
Regards,
Craig.
-- Craig Haber albatross@harnessnet.com.au Manufacturing Systems Engineer (almost) Web Page Designer, Harness Racing, Railways, and Essendon Football Club fanatic http://www.harnessnet.com.au/