Re: 2 EL's on Patrick's

[mauried@commslab.gov.au (Maurie Daly)]

In article <382FA566.49F42233@primus.com.au> Richard <richard_snook@primus.com.au> writes:
>From: Richard <richard_snook@primus.com.au>
>Subject: Re: 2 EL's on Patrick's
>Date: Mon, 15 Nov 1999 17:17:10 +1100

>The lunatics HAVE taken over the assylum!!  NRC..Not Real Cluey!!
>>:~)) Richard


>Maurie Daly wrote:
>> 
>> >Of the 10 VR "C"'s - 2 are in use in Melbourne  7 are in storage, one is dead
>> >and unuseable up at
>> >Junee.
>> 
>> >As for the EL's - wern't they avaialable for hire, and possible NR might hire
>> >them for the reason
>> >to free up motive power...
>> 
>> >Regards,
>> >David
>> 
>> They were originally offered to NR for nothing as part of the transfer of ex
>> AN loco assetts , but rejected.
>> Its unlikely NRC would now wish to hire locos they could have had for nothing.
>> 
>> MD

Yes , I dont understand the rationale for the rejection, 
I would have grabbed them simply to keep them out of my competitors hands
although it may have looked a bit dodgy if NRC simply stored them.
There is quite a bit of disquiet from the private rail operators about the 
number of Govt owned locos in storage.

I understand also they were offered for 
sale to ASR , who also didnt want them owing to the potential maintenance 
problem , (ASR use Clyde to maintain their loco fleet) , although if Clyde can 
maintain ASRs Alcos I cant see why they cant maintain a fleet of GEs.
Using them on the IP isnt a bad idea , although unless the traction motors 
have been replaced with 752 series motors , they wont be too good thru the 
Adelaide Hills or up the Blue Mtns.

MD