Re: Bajool - Port Alma line

["MattyQ" <matticueQ@corplink.com.au>]

Garry Hoddinett <hoddos@netspace.net.au> wrote in message
lpco3.1047$_Q2.7965@ozemail.com.au">news:lpco3.1047$_Q2.7965@ozemail.com.au...
> At Bajool there is a "Y" interesection and what seems to be a balloon loop
> at the junction of the main north coast railway and the Port Alma branch
> line.  All the lines are electrified, well ballasted and with heavy (by
QLD
> standards) track.  Its more than one would expect for a humble Queensland
> branch line.  What is the purpose of all this infrastructure?  What is out
> at Port Alma?

The line to Port Alma has been closed for several years now. Only a short
stub remains. There is an angle ('Y') there as you say.

The loop, however, is not a balloon loop strictly speaking (although it
depends on which direction you approach from). It is actually a circular
loop with an angle on one side. The difference is, once a train has
traversed a balloon loop, it ends up facing the direction it came from (eg:
a northbound train goes around the balloon and returns south). This circular
loop keeps a train heading in the same direction (eg: a northbound train
traverses the loop then continues north).

Trains approaching from the south, however, can do either. The loop is used
for loading and unloading livestock at the spelling yards there.
Containerised lime is now being loaded at Bajool. Below in=s an extremely
crude map of part of Bajool yard.

       ____    _____
      /         \  /            Former Pt. Alma Bch
     /           \/
    |             |
    |             |
    \           /  \
     \____/__\____
___/__________\___  South -->



--
Matt Smith
Brisbane, QLD

I never seem to finish anyth

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