Ghan derailment.

["Exnarc" <gwrly@netspace.net.au>]

The loco for the ghan NR 80 derailed last night at Spencer Street whilst
picking up the Motorail cars.

Whilst pulling the cars out of the Motorail dock to place on the train NR80
derailed at the slips.

The road was set and the signal was at proceed and whilst moving forward a
rail broke under the weight of the NR, the offending rail appeared to have
then been pushed out of gauge due to the rotting condition of the sleepers,
(installed during 1961 for SG project).

After about 2 hours a replacement loco NR77 was provided.

Due to NR80 sitting on track circuit and catch points, signal fitters had to
attend to move points on mainline so that relief loco could be attached to
train.

Ghan departed about 2 hours late leaving Motorail cars behind.

Interesting point for those that believe that fitters should attend all
signal failures:

Even with fitters in attendance the Driver for both (UP & DOWN) movements to
& From No. 1 Platform had to be issued with a Caution Order to pass the
"RED" Home signals that protect all the BG cross movements to the yard.

Imagine the passengers having to wait for the problem to be fixed ie:
Proceed Aspects (not caution orders covered by rules that are proven to be
safe). The train would probably still be sitting there.

Bob.