Re: Casino-Murwillumbah

[Matthew Nolan <mnolan@uq.net.au>]

David Proctor wrote:
> 
> Matthew Nolan wrote in message <3689E1E2.BACA65D2@uq.net.au>...
> 
> >This is a good timetable as it adds the extra Brisbane service and aslo
> >allows NT26 to connect with ST1, something that is not currently
> >possible. However, would it be possible to run one of these Brisbane
> >services as a limited stops. Having travelled on the XPT once to Sydney
> >from Brisbane, it makes alot of stops. If NT26 was to reduce its stops
> >to maybe Casino, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Broadmeadow and Sydney, time
> >could be saved.
> 
> Perhaps NT1/2 would be the better ones to have as limited stops - after all,
> if NT25/26 was limited stops, you would have to catch one of the overnight
> trains - and who wants to get somewhere at some god-foresaken hour?
> 
> >This would allow NT1 to arrive later in Brisbane. Its arrival time in
> >Brisbane is not very suitable. If it were to arrive at 7:00am (6:00am in
> >Summer) and leave at 8:30 with limited stops, it could make up the time
> >by Sydney.
> 
> Yes, the 0600 (0500 during NSW Summer Time) is not satisfactory - however,
> there is always the daylight service.
> 
> >By the way, why are no economy sleepers on the XPT,
> 
> The sleepers were introduced as a political measure.
> 
> > and what would be
> >the chances of adding extra carriages to the XPT (say one econ sleeper
> >and buffet car) to make a 11 car train?
> 
> The power cars would not handle it - you would need to have an extra power
> car somewhere in the consist, and it wouldn't work.
> 
> Dave P
The major problem is still that the time taken is just too long at 14
hours (that's what I found anyway). That is why a limited stops service
could rectify the problem. Sure, improved track combined with a
tilt-train would help, but this takes money and time. The proposed
schedule allows for two trains a day to work through to Brisbane, which
would give greater flexibilty for limited stops. Perhaps an endevour set
could link up with the XPT at Casino to run through to Broadmeadow to
feed the smaller stations between. With a bity of planning, I believe
the XPT could shave up to two hours off te present time.