> Chris Stratton wrote:
>
> > rdulin@hotmail.com wrote in message <6h6kic$7k9$1@nnrp1.dejanews.com>...
> > >Hi all,
> > >
> > >About a month ago I went on a 3801 Limited trip to Robertson. A
> > >great day's trip, but it left me with some questions...
Well, if you where n this trip, it should've been obvious to you. I was chasing the
trip so I know what the routine was. Also having worked for 3801ltd I know how they
operate.
> > >
> > >Why don't they get a better hose at Picton? It took a long time
> > >to refill the tank with what appeared to be a garden hose.
> >
>
> They carry a fire hose and fitting for non sheduled watering so I doubt they
> were using a garden hose.
This is the hose they would've used. the reason they use this is that the cost of
upgrading the watering facilities would be to much. The also use this time to let
the passengers go and visit robertson, that's what part of the trip was designed
for. It would not matter how much water they could flow in a minute, cause they had
to wait for 3801 to return, so they have no need to rush.
>
>
> > >We had 3830, and (I think) 9 carriages on our train. When we arrived
> > >at Robertson, we passed 3801 (with about four carriages) going the
> > >other way (on the Cockatoo Run). After lunch, 3801 steamed back into
> > >Robertson (having been to Moss Vale), running tender first.
> > >It was then attached to the back of our train, and we ran down the
> > >long mountain with 3801 in the middle of the train.
> > >
> > >Why did they do this? Surely it wasn't just so I could look out the
> > >window and see a steam loco either way I looked?
Still looks good though.
> >
> > This is done so that only one train runs down the mountain and thus reduces
> > track occupancy. They couple the trains together with one loco in the middle
> > to save time shunting at Robertson, as it would take a bit of shunting
> > around to get both locos at the front of the train, and then they would have
> > to do the reverse at Unanderra.
> > The tender first running is unusual as they normally run around the triangle
> > at Moss Vale so the loco is engine first both ways. This is what was done
> > last weekend with 3830.
They have decided that it is cheaper not to turn the loco if the can avoid it.
> > I think 3830 will be on the Cockatoo Run this weekend as it is still at Port
> > Kembla after last weekend's trips.
The other reason, is it is cheaper for them to run one BIG train then to trains. the
reason 3801 wasn't turned is cause RAC (rail access corporation) charges a hefty fee
to use these facilities, it also saves them turning the loco that night. at Port
Kembla,
> > >
> > >And why did the 48 class diesel join (the back of) our train at Waterfall -
> > >which seemed to be *after* the steepest part of the trip.
>
> The 48 was used to assist with the operation of the train. From memory that
> train went to Hornsby via the shore and the 48 allowed the train to become a
> push pull arangement. After the passengers were ofloaded the train reversed
> direction without the need to run around. The 48 would have also assisted the 38
> that had not been recoaled all day and as such reduced the need for the
> remaining coal.
The main reason this was, the train ran into Hornsby carriage sheds I believe? This
means that there is no way to run around the train. this also applies to when it got
back there. so they could run straight out and back to Eveleigh.
The reason the train wet this way was that is basically the only way to get from
Waterfall to Hornsby without taking the train through the underground (no it did not
go via the north shore). You have to join the goods line at meeks road, go along the
goods line and go up through Enfield, Chullora junction and then through Flemington
junction and then onto the main north at Strathfield. Or you can change from the
goods line to the main and go through Bankstown like you did. All depends where the
operations manager from 3801ltd wants the train to go.
>
>
> > >Why did we travel so fast? We kept catching up to whatever was in front
> > >of us and having to wait at red signals. I slower but steadier trip would
> > >have been less frustrating. Is it because the crew like going fast?
The thrill. You where also caught up in another delay, I am not sure of the cause
but you did regain much time after that. more speed running!
> > >
> > >And out of interest, where (in Sydney) can they turn steam locos? We
> > >seemed to take some fairly circuitous routes to keep the loco at the
> > >front and pointing the right way (I presume running a steam loco around
> > >the city circle is out of the question, and the only turntable I know of
> > >is at Lithgow).
> >
> > Is the turntable at Eveleigh out of service?
> > Couldn't they run around the Olympic Park loop :)
I don't think steam is permitted on the olympic park line :-}
> >
>
> No the Eveligh turntable is fine. Why go out all the way to Olympic Park loop
> when the Meeks Road triangle is much closer to Eveligh or Sydney.
Enfield. Sefton park (ever done?), Lidcombe (ditto) and a few others I can't think
of, as long as they have a turntable or a triangle they should be able to do it but
doubt it has been done at some of these localities.
>
>
> Hope this info is helpfull.
> Cheers
> Bob
-- Bye for now, Eben.