91 waggon coal train

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

Just a few lines to tell of the 91 wagon trail that will start this
Sunday. While this trial has been done previously under test conditions
it will now be run as a regular train for the next 4 weeks. The train
will be Unit 25 consisting of 91 PHCY wagons for a tare tonnage of
2093,gross mass when loaded of 10920 tonnes and total length 1483
metres. The train is to be hauled only by 9005,9021 and 9026 in any
combo with 9022 as a replacement should a substitute loco be required.
the reason that only these locos are permitted is that they now have
special software that enhances their performance and has increased their
tractive effort. If the train should come to a stand at:
1) Ulan No4 tunnel
2) Ulan No3 tunnel
3) Singleton Bank at Km252 to 244
4) Whittingham Bank at Km231 to 225
then assistance will be required to clear the section by using either an
81 ,82 or 90 class under the direction of Network Control. It will be
interesting to see if this becomes the norm after the end of April.
Bob