Re: R711's exploits today

[David Langley <del@ancc.com.au>]

Notagunzel wrote:

> 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)

They were probably some of the aforementioned g----ls of which you are not as
you keep telling us.

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