Re: Indian Pacific hits freight train - Who's the Responsible

[David Johnson <trainman@ozemail.com.au>]

David Langley wrote:

> Maurie Daly wrote:
>
> > I cant see why Cowan Bank is unique.
> > Any severe grade in NSW where heavy freight trains are hauled by diesel or
> > electric locos would also apply.
>
> Cowan Bank is unique because that is where the train was hit. And sand was the cause.

Cowan Bank was unique, because due to the high mineral content in the area, the track
circuits had to be desensitised.  There are numerous stories of trains disappearing off
the track circuits in the past, including inter-urbans which have no sand.  This could be
due to the residue of sand left by preceding freight trains (prior to de-sanding).  These
problems should now be rectified due to the modernisation of the track circuiting when
the bi-directional was put through.

--
David Johnson
trainman@ozemail.com.au
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~trainman/