Re: See R711's tyres being manufactured!- Why not standardise??

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

Grahame Ferguson (grahamef@users.mcmedia.com.au) wrote:
>     With all this expense on R711 wheels has any thought being given to
> conversion to standard gauge?  Because in Victoria the writing is now on the
> wall!!- the Standard Gauge will invade!!

An R might be converted one day, but it won't be R711. Maybe R700 or R753.

>     The point is that an R class is the easiest(not easy) to convert to
> standard gauge of any Victorian locomotive, they were designed to be
> convertable. 

Actually a J might be easier to convert.

The problem is that the current and even future sg lines will probably not
have direct routes to the extremities. It will be circuitous to get
anywhere and ahrd to find a pathway, which is not going to endear a trip
to the general public. Best keep the steam locos on broad gauge where you
can do your day trips to Ballarat and Bendigo with a trainload of
families. The biennial gunzel trip to Robinvale is probably best done with
diesel anyway.

Besides, nobody in Victoria has a standard gauge carriage fleet. Once
you've converted an R, what do you haul with it?

Cheers
David