QR 3900 electric locos to be withdrawn

[Graham Duffin <duffin@pronet.net.au>]

There is a rumour doing the rounds here in Brisbane that QR will shortly
withdraw up to 14 of their 39 class electric locos from service and that the
new 2800 class diesel locos will take over their rosters through to
Brisbane (including on the Sunlander, etc).

If this rumour is true that will only leave 11 39 class in service:

  30 built
  -1 3902  written off after Beerburrum collision.
  -1 3917  to be written off after Caboolture collision.
  -1 3906, the other loco in the Caboolture collision is presently out
           of service but may be repaired and returned later.
  -2   ?   Apparently there are two other units out of service damaged.
  --
  25 Available for service
 -14 to be replaced by 2800 locos
  --
  11 to remain in service.

Does anyone know any further details about this withdrawal?  Such as what
is the long term plan for the remaining 11, etc?

If NSW Freight Corp withdraw all their 85 & 86 class locos and then QR
withdraw the remaining 39 class does that mean the only electric hauled
freight services remaining in regular operation in Australia would be
those on the Qld coal lines?

Any info will be appreciated.

Graham Duffin.