Re: Indian Pacific Lithgow

[matthew@mail.usyd.edu.au (Matthew Geier)]

In article <36c318b6.5348297@news.datacomm.ch>,
Michael Roebuck <Mike.Roebuck@cobblers.datacomm.ch> wrote:
>On 8 Feb 1999 01:57:50 GMT, matthew@mail.usyd.edu.au (Matthew Geier)
>wrote:
>
>>in normal traffic. However there have been quite a number of instances of
>>derailed wagons being dragged many kilometers before the crew notices,
>>leaving a trail of cracked sleepers. This is particulary a problem with
>>loaded coal trains. One derailed axle might not get noticed for a while

>so is the real problem then a higher incidence of derailments down
>under than in Europe? And if so, why, assuming it's not the fault of
>the sleepers?

 Probably a combination of no wagon telemetry, no guards van, 2 man
crews, sharp curves and a need to get that unit coal train out of
the way of passenger trains as fast as possible.

 The crew cant see back along the entire length of their train
due to curves, there is no feed back of problems and little line
side staff to spot problems either.

 Coal wagons get pretty hard work, and with the heavy grades, scaled
wheels are a common problem. Scaled wheels tend to jump the rails..