Re: How about some facts about the NR class?

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

Krel wrote:

> On 2 Nov 1998 06:27:46 GMT, dbromage@fang.omni.com.au (David Bromage)
> wrote:
>
> >Krel (krel4203@netconnect.com.au) wrote:
> >> On Sun, 1 Nov 1998 17:23:13 +1100, "K & D" <coota99nee@tpgi.com.au>
> >> wrote:
> >
> >> >There seems to be an opinion out there that NRC went overboard with the NR
> >> >order.
> >> >
> >> >Just out of interest.
> >> >
> >> >1. How many NRs are actually in use at any one time?
> >> Contract calls for 113. More are used on Fridays but a few less during
> >> the week. Very rare for trains to be delayed / cancelled due to "wait
> >> locos" nowadays.
> >
> >And don't forget that at least one is permanently out of service.
> >
> >But why do they need 113 in service? Every time you pass the NR servo in
> >Melbourne it's not unusual to see 10 or more sitting idle. You'd never see
> >that many 81s sitting idle at Dynon before NR.
> >
> Each day between one and six NRs run toGoninans and a similar number
> return. These locos go for scheduled maintainence and unscheduled
> repairs, etc.  Effectively113 locos are 'based' at Spotswood whereas
> only 8 g's were based at South Dynon. Of course there will be more
> locos hanging around waiting to go to or from the maintainence
> facility.
>
> Each NR has an inbound test before if goes to Spotswood and an
> outbound when it returns. These are currentley done at the NR "servo"
> adding to the number of locos. Soon these will be done at Spotswood -
> the soundproof shed is almost complete.
>
> Over and above this the seven "extra" locos are often in Melbourne at
> the LPC. These locos are the "Reserve" and cannot be used without
> permission from Goninans.
>
> So you have locos in service, locos having inbounds, locos having
> outbounds, locos waiting to go to Spotswood, locos just returned from
> Spotswood & reserve locos.

This is almost the same as the Clyde/Freightcorp deal with the 82/90 class. In
this case there are
2 of 31 spare 90 class and 3 of 58 spare 82 class. The spares are there to replace
a unit that has failed or come in for rostered maintenance. If the unit cannot be
replaced by a spare Clyde is penalized financially. Also there is a percentage
availability clause in this contract. There are penalties for breech of this also.
The Gonninan/NRC contract was based on the Clyde/Freightcorp one.
Cheers
Bob