Re: XPT failed again

[Bob <gioia@fastlink.com.au>]

Maurie Daly wrote:

> ST4 on saturday 17 th failed on one engine at Bowning on the up.
> Whilst this isnt that catastrophic , the XPT can make on one engine,it just
> runs late , the regularity of failures seems to me to be on the increase,at
> least down this way.
> It was a hot day , 36C
> Is there a fundamental cooling problem with the XP power cars,ie radiators too
> small, fans to small etc .
> What normally happens when the XPT is a total failure,ie both power cars die.
> Does Countrylink have any agreements with other rail operators to get locos to
> rescue the dead train.
> On the main south now,at least south of Goulburn there isnt very much chance
> of simply grabbing a spare loco from somewhere.
> NR would be about the only source.
>
> cheers
> MD
>
> --------------------------------------------------
> Maurie Daly
> Department of Communications Lab.
> Canberra
> Australia
> mauried@commslab.gov.au
> ph 6 2791331
> --------------------------------------------------

  I hear an XPT was assisted up Cowan bank the other day by the XPT shunter 7301.
By the top of the bank the 73 was boiling its head off. What sort of a service
have we been downgraded to when a 600hp shunting engine is sent out to assist an
express passenger train. It would appear that XPT failures are now a daily
occurance. Bring back the loco hauled sets!
                                                    Bob