Re: Bethungra Spiral

["Garry Hoddinett" <hoddos@netspace.net.au>]

Roderick Smith <rodsmith@werple.net.au> wrote in message
01bef479$035d0300$4f2d11cb@rodsmith">news:01bef479$035d0300$4f2d11cb@rodsmith...
> The original line was 1880s.
> Previous postings have not suggested reducing the southbound track from 1
in 40 to 1 in 66; they have suggested eliminating the spiral and providing a
more-direct northbound track at 1 in 40 instead of 1 in 66: ultimately
faster.
The spiral was one of many circuitous (and curving) deviations created to
suit the characteristics of steam locos.  With diesels, it is possible to be
faster by being straighter and steeper.  This is the design principle of
French TGV routes.

Why not convert the double track Cootamundra - Junee section to single track
using the more direct alignment?  Single tracking the Goulburn - Junee line
was proposed a number of years ago and was probably an over kill reaction to
cut costs.  However a lot of traffic heading south on the main south line
doesn't pass Cootamundra.   With bigger trains and better signalling double
track beyond Cootamundra may not be necessary.