Tasman Limited

["Scanlon, Ben" <bscanlon@isr.gov.au>]

The discussion of various pipe dreams regarding train ferries and travel by
train through Tasmania is interesting.

I doubt the withdrawal of the Tasman Limited was a particularly sad day for
Tasmania.  The train attracted few passengers most of the time (it did more
business from railfans in its last few weeks than it had done over its last
year).  Most Tasmanians probably wouldn't have cared too much about its
withdrawal.  You can get from Launceston to Hobart in 2 hrs by car, by rail
the journey took 4.5 hrs.  

It is a scenic line, no doubt, but I doubt the viability of running
passenger trains.  The suggestion of standardising the line and using rail
ferries would be very expensive.  With all the 1:40 grades and sharp curves
in Tasmania, it would probably be cheaper to build a new railway.

Cheers

Ben