Re: Echuca Day Trip 16/5

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

Craig Haber wrote:

> Howdy,
>
> Quite enjoyed the day-trip to Echuca via just about everywhere on Sunday
> 16/5.  Passengers on the train included employees of WCR, VLP, FV and
> probably some from other rail operators, plus a few gunzels (all the
> usual suspects!) and others.  Myself and a number of VLP Connies settled
> into the BCZ which was just the spot for a can or two... and a good
> yarn.
>
> Loco was X49, hauling PCJ, Victoria, BCZ, BS, ACZ.

X49, PCJ492, Victoria, BCZ261, BS217, ACZ259. Dep SSS 0826 (sch 0818).

> Stuff of note on the
> journey:
> - Stopped to pick up passengers at Gheringhap - would be some time since
> that's happened!

Gheringhap 0944-0945

>
> - Used Ballarat no. 2 platform

Ballarat 1035-1043

>
> - G+T at Maryborough stabled on a wheatie

Maryborough 1148-1157      G525 + T371.

>  30km/h running Maryborough-Castlemaine.  A couple of ballast hoppers
> were present at Moolart

Moolort 1233.

Cairn Curran Reservoir (no water) photostop  1250-1300.

> - stop at Castlemaine no. 2 platform to WLC the Echuca motor

Castlemaine 1356-1359 home sig, 1401-1405 lose air, 1407-1423 plat.

> - stop at Bendigo no. 1 platform again WLC the Echuca motor....

Bendigo 1447-1515 (restock drunks bar).  In yard G524 up Swan Hill gds, G521
+ T379 dn Echuca, N466 + FN9 for 8040 1625 up psgr.

> - on arrival at Echuca,

Echuca arr 1649.      In yard X33, X44, A85, RT50, RT51, RT52, RT54
(defective).

> the hardened gunzels of course took photo's (and
> it was quite photogenic, with X33&44 stabled side by side, and A85 also
> present.  The 'motor' was docked up behind the pass and departed with a
> reasonable load.

Departed 1720.    7003.

> X49 was turned), while others got in the queue for the
> spit-roast, leaving just enough for the photographers.  The footbridge
> was a good place from which to eat - the wide siderails a good spot to
> rest one's plate of roast meats and salads.

Echuca dep 1806

Bendigo 1938-1940.   dwn SHL N458 + FN10.

> - on the up, used Bendigo no. 2 platform while the Swan Hill was sitting
> in no. 1 - it had HEP problems and passengers were in the dark (D'oh!)
> - point failure caused a minor delay at Sth Kensington

Castlemaine 2005

Kyneton 2027

Woodend 2035

Sunbury 2058-2059

South Kensington 2128-2131 a/c point failure. then foll up Werribee spark
waiting in platform.

SSS arr 2140 (sch 2130)

> And the final observation:
>
> - a number of passengers struggling to work the next morning (thank
> goodness I was on late shift!!!).

Early, day, afternoon and late shift - the joys of working for yourself.

> Ahh yes, a good time was had by all!

Agreed.

> A number of aus.rail'ers were present (c'mon guys, where are your
> write-ups??)
>
> Cheers,
> CH.

David Langley.