R711's exploits today

["Notagunzel" <notagunzel@bigfoot.com>]

Your intrepid correspondent set forth today hunting for class 'R'.
Travelled per 0843 Dn Warrnambool with S302, with an OT arrival into
Warrnambool. :-o  R 711, which had worked on the Down Warrnambool Cup
Special last Thursday, was stabled in the Car shed, the light up crew
travelled per ex Geelong on the Down pass.

The R is lit up with Diesel, and T369 provided air for draught.  After
sufficient pressure was gained, the Oil replaced Diesel, and T 369 docked
the train into the platform.  From the rear: BZ, BRS, ACZ & PCO; 4/215.  One
point noted was the apparent late TR for the R, indeed the pressure was only
100 psi some 25 minutes prior to departure.

Departure was on time, 7 mins lost in the first section a/c SR's a/c
welding. Further time was lost thruout the journey, 17 down by Geelong.
Water was taken at the new high speed watering facility at Colac, consisting
of 2 2nd hand overhead stanchions, a beam across the top, supporting a water
column directly above the track, discharging straight into the tender.
Similar structures are provided at each end of the yard.  The watering took
7 mins vs the 5 tabled.

After Geelong, some time was regained, arrival into Spencer St being 13
late.  This trip was apparently the R has been let loose without a diesel,
although test running was apparently carried out with a diesel dead
attached.  Even with a short train (by WCR standards) the R lost time, we
were speculating that it may be assisted by diesel on a regular basis.

Rail welding between Sth Geelong and Warrnambool has commenced, contractor
John Holland, using the Flash Butt welder formerly with the PTC.  Has the
welder been sold to JH, or is it only leased?  Also sighted was a
description defying 4 wheeled critter, which looks a bit like a truck on
wheels; I have seen it previously used only for the trackwork associated
with the Cranbourne electrification.

The biggest problem with the day was the annoying presence of 2 escapees
from the asylum, luckily they were with the common people in pleb class, not
with the connoisseurs in First :o)

--
Mr B.
Certified Gunzel.
notagunzel@bigfoot.com
(Wasting too much time at http://www.bigfoot.com/~notagunzel)