Re: Interstate Platform at Geelong?

["Grahame Ferguson" <grahamef@users.mcmedia.com.au>]

Maurie Daly wrote in message ...
>In article <01be8bbe$96ecc8e0$9f6760cb@pentium> "David"
<valley123@xtra.co.nz> writes:
>>From: "David" <valley123@xtra.co.nz>
>>Subject: Re: Interstate Platform at Geelong?
>>Date: 21 Apr 1999 05:30:05 GMT
>
>>If there is such a large problem with trains stopping at Seymour, then an
>>easy alternative would be to dual the platform closest to the platform at
>>Seymour.
>>All that is required is two sets of points, one stretch of line etc.
>>This would be so much cheaper and stop all the problems.
>
>>Anyone agree?
>
>>David D
>
>
>In theory yes , a simple solution.
>From a safeworking / signalling administrative perspective , an absolute
>nightmare.
>Dual guaging the platform means a section of track in the middle of the
>Seymour Loop - Tall Loop section which is BG and could be occupied for long
>periods of time whilst the BG train is in the station.
>The dual guage track would have to be operated as a SG / BG grade crossing
>with interlocking on the BG signals ultimately controlled from Adelaide .
>Whilst all this can be done , Im sure ARTC wont want to pay for it , VF
>certainly wont as they dont get any benefit and Countrylink who would be
the
>only possible beneficiary wouldnt either .
>There is the potential for endless disputes , ie who pays if an NRC
freighter
>is delayed by a late running Seymour pass which is sitting in the dual
guage
>platform,when the freighter comes thru.
>
>With totally separate operators running the SG and BG networks , having
common
>bits is just a recipe for trouble.
>If its absolutely necessary , then a better solution would be to rip up the
BG
>track on the up platform and just make it SG, of course this wont suit the
>owner of VLP.
>
>MD
>
There is no problem as both Benalla and Wangaratta SG platforms are not on
their crossing loops and can block any other following or opposing movement,
so the situation at Seymour is no different to those stations.
The problem is that of Railway Bureaucrats who think- that if  regular SG
paseenger trains haven't stopped at Seymour in past years why do it now
-GF.