Re: new XPT cars order

[dbromage@fang.omni.com.au (David Bromage)]

RNS (steam3801@hotmail.com) wrote:

: 1. Xpt's including a sleeping car and with the reduced journey time
: could be very viable to Adelaide via BHQ.

The problem with XPT sleeping cars is that there is only one per train.
Even with an XPT, it would still be around 20 hours to Adelaide.

: 2. Xplorers would be totally unsuitable for the BHQ run. They have
: enough problems operating to Canberra , Armidale and Moree. The Blue
: Mountains would certainly tax them and the dust from Parkes to BHQ
: would finish them off.

Solution: build a new fleet of Comets. :)

: 3. XPT's are getting lon in the tooth and it is about time NSW
: obtained new generation trains for the main interstate routes to
: Brisbane and Melbourne.

Tilt trains would be ideal for Brisbane. Even at current speeds the
journey time could be reduced to under 12 hours. This would make a very
attractive overnight (dep 19.00, arr 7.00) inter-capital service. Similar
reductions in journey times to Melbourne could allow day and night
connections in Sydney in each direction, or interworking with drop-on loco
changes.

I'd like to see 2+5 XPTs return to Armidale and Canberra. This would allow
a daily Riverina Xplorer to Albury and Griffith.

Cheers
David