>In article <34d4950c.3211621@news.chariot.net.au> chester@chariot.net.au (Chester) writes:
>>From: chester@chariot.net.au (Chester)
>>Subject: Melbourne-Adelaide Steam Rail Tour, why not?
>>Date: Sun, 01 Feb 1998 15:41:26 GMT
>
>>Can some one please tell my why there has not been a Melbourne to
>>Adelaide steam run since the conversion to standard gauge?
>>Is it incorect clearnces, lack of interest or something else?
>
>>thank you
>>David Chester
>
>Its to expensive to run a steam train that far with out a very large full
>train.
>
>David Malcolm
Also the fact that neither the SAR or VR had any standard gauge
locomotives - from an historical point of view there are no steam
locomotives appropriate to the line. On the other hand, the
standardisation really turns it into a new railway - the VR western
line truly is part of history now - I'd say anything goes.
Any loco used would have to be brought, at some expense, from NSW.
There would be some novelty value in seeing the first 38 through
Dimboola, Serviceton and so on but whether this would be enough to get
the punters to part with their hard-earned is something else.
Another idea would be to use 'classic' diesel power, or even get a
carriage or two attached to a regular frieght train hauled by classic
diesels - Back to back Cs, BL/700 combo, or even a pair of S class.
Might work out cheaper than using steam.
David A.
David_Arblaster@dse.vic.gov.au | David Arblaster,
mercury@netspace.net.au | Melbourne, Australia
"What does it mean when a man unearths an ancient urn but buries
his thermos flask in the process ?" Michael Leunig