NSW 442 Trivia....

[Gareth Lumsden <s9763278@minyos.its.rmit.edu.au>]

Here's a good trivia question from David Langberg....
I certainly wouldn't mind seing a photo....

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It's very easy to ASSUME the answer to this question, however, it is
quite complexed.

The question is: Has a 442 class locomotive run to Melbourne in the
'Candy' (SRANSW/State Rail Authority of New South Wales) livery?  The
answer will probably require research or a photograph (living proof).

The fact is, it may not have happened.  But it could have!

Between 1984 and 1986, several 442s were part of the authorised
through-running fleet of NSW locomotives.  During early visits of each
member to Dynon, V/Line radios were installed, thus enabling proper use
as a leading unit.  As 81 class units were delivered and later used on
the Victorian North-East route, the use of 442's declined.  As a result,
442s having had V/Line radios fitted during the through-running period
were returned to Dynon in late 1987 to have them removed.  At about this
time, repaints of NSW locomotives into 'Candy' was progressing.  
Approximately ten 442s were fitted with radios, the same number
requiring their removal.  All of the 442s fitted with radios when
running between 1984 and 1986 wore either the 'Indian Red' or 'Reverse
Indian Red' colour schemes.

Were any 'Candy' when sent for removal of their radios?

Before some of you bother asking, 442s are NOT 422s, they are Alcos NOT
GMs.  And yes, at one point in time, they regularly operated to
Melbourne (unlike the 422s which regularly operated to Melbourne during
a number of periods in time).

Please note: The four Silverton Tramways 442s that operated into
Melbourne from the west during 1996 and 1997 all wore the 'Candy' colour
scheme for a period of time but only saw Victoria in the ST yellow with
blue-lining livery.  Technically they are proof that 'Candy' 442s
operated to Melbourne, but 'technically' this is cheating, so we will
'technically' not include them!

Good luck to whoever answers or tries to answer the question...with
proof.

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              Gareth Lumsden,   RMIT University Student
         E-MAIL (text only) : s9763278@minyos.its.rmit.edu.au
           E-MAIL (secondary account) : glums112@yahoo.com
 GARETH'S RAILWAY WEB PAGE:  http://minyos.its.rmit.edu.au/~s9763278
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