Re: V/Line "C" class

[krel4203@netconnect.com.au (Krel )]

>From a railfans view C's were great. they sounded good and hauled big
(for the time) trains at reasonable speeds (115km/h in NSW). From a
drivers view they were a quantum leap (unless you lived in WA ;-)).
These things could pull!! 
However, they were cold - especially around Yass in July and the ride
was somewhat solid. In summer the airconditioner and fridge killed any
conversation (too noisy).

As for the NRs they are getting more and more reliable. Remember that
there are 117 of them in service running 200,000-250,000km/year.
Sooner or later they break down. They ride well (better on rough track
than any loco previous in my experience). They have reasonable
creature comforts - a quiet airconditioner, CD/radio, good cab heating
and AN ELECTRIC FRIDGE!!!!!!!!!

cheers

Krel
>
>>> Might have some good news on the mighty C class!!
>>> I have it on good authority that NR are having thoughts about a rebuild program
>>> for at least some of the C's
>>> Those of us that used to marvel at their reliability, if not their comfort, can
>>> only wonder if they are needed because from this observers point of reference
>>> the NR's are not very [reliable?]
>
>>I wonder if we could get Goninan's or NRC admit just how many NRs are out of
>>traffic some days. From the grapevine I listen to quite a few.
>
>Dont go too hard on the NRs, after all there are a huge number of them , and 
>simply from a statistical viewpoint its reasonable to expect a few failures 
>which in numerical terms will have more down than other classes.
>Also remember that the NRs were the first loco in Australia to fit 4000 HP 
>into a 23 tonne axle load weight limitation , which is no mean feat.
>Mind you , one could question whether it was a good idea to get lightweight 
>4000 HP locos in the first place , although Westrail have done this also with 
>their 21 tonne Q class.
>It will be interesting to see if the Qs have the same teething problems as the 
>NRs.
>Its also interesting that AN didnt seem to have any problems with the ELs.
>
>cheers
>MD
>
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Just another eccentric crank.