Re: [VIC] Hypotheticals of gauge change!!

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

In article <383C4BBA.21157849@primus.com.au> Richard <richard_snook@primus.com.au> writes:
>From: Richard <richard_snook@primus.com.au>
>Subject: [VIC] Hypotheticals of gauge change!!
>Date: Thu, 25 Nov 1999 07:34:02 +1100

>If Victoria were to walk down the path of complete or near complete
>standardisation!!
>1)Would it be necessary to convert all freight lines?
>2) are some "captive" i.e.the trains concerned only remain on these lines so
>could/might remain broad?
>3)How would you cope when standardisinf through sparks areas?
>4) are only 1 or 2 lines of significant importance left that require regauging?
>5)Are some lines worth dual guaging?

>just curious!!

>cheers >:~)) Richard


I would suggest that guage conversion really only needs to take place in those
scenerios where there is goods traffic that needs to be carried interstate 
from within Victoria,and this would in most cases not need anything like full
conversion.
The obvious candidates would be 
Seymour to Tocumwal - convert to SG,either totally or dual guage to 
Shepparton- (careful analysis of the branches to see if they should be 
converted or closed.)
Benalla - Oaklands - convert to SG because it would be worth analysing 
whether beyond Seymour we really need a BG & SG track paralleling each other.
Geelong to Mildura via Ballarat - primarily to allow grain sourced in the 
Wimmera - Mallee to be railed to more efficient interstate ports ( Darwin for 
example).
Possibly goods lines beyond Inglewood where grain is sourced.
ie extend the SG line from Dunolly thru Inglewood .
A dual guage line is needed from Dynon to Long Island, this will be hard and 
in its most simplistic form could simply involve the dual guaging of one of 
the existing BG tracks,with bi directional running on the dual guage bit.
Since the steel trains run in the early hours of the morning,this shouldnt 
impact a huge anount on the pass services.

Thats about it .
I cant see any value in guage converting lines where the majority of traffic 
is pass trains.

The above scenerio would require NXP to run its Albury pass trains  
on SG,which would require a small number of additional platforms to be built 
beyond Seymour,and a more substantial platform at Seymour.

The reason for closing the BG beyond Seymour is simply to increase the traffic 
density on the SG line which would eventually bring down access charges and 
help to fund line improvements.

MD