Sounds like a virtual cab ride Graham.
I wonder when we'll see it?
Alan J

---- grahamr4405 <gricher@...> wrote:
Hi Alan,

Some years ago I attended a presentation at which QR showed off a computer based
mapping system on which you could click on a section of track and watch a video
of that section. At the time the video was shot from helicopters equipped with
both forward and downward facing cameras, however it was mentioned that in the
future it was planned to equip trains with forward view cameras to capture
regular footage which would be linked into this system allowing almost
"real-time" viewing of track conditions for maintenance planning purposes. I
have no idea if this is what the cameras Mick mentioned are for, however it
seems to fit...

Graham R
Dalby

--- In qrig@yahoogroups.com, Alan Jones <bampa@...> wrote:
>
> Thanks for that info Michael,
> What exactly is a forward view camera and does it improve disability access or
just show passengers what the driver sees?
> Alan J

Hi Alan,

Some years ago I attended a presentation at which QR showed off a computer based
mapping system on which you could click on a section of track and watch a video
of that section. At the time the video was shot from helicopters equipped with
both forward and downward facing cameras, however it was mentioned that in the
future it was planned to equip trains with forward view cameras to capture
regular footage which would be linked into this system allowing almost
"real-time" viewing of track conditions for maintenance planning purposes. I
have no idea if this is what the cameras Mick mentioned are for, however it
seems to fit...

Graham R
Dalby

--- In qrig@yahoogroups.com, Alan Jones <bampa@...> wrote:
>
> Thanks for that info Michael,
> What exactly is a forward view camera and does it improve disability access or
just show passengers what the driver sees?
> Alan J

Hi all,

There was some discussion on this list recently about Go card charges across
different transport modes. The other day I caught a bus from The Gap to Roma
Street. Then train to Fortitude Valley and bus to Everton Hills. The last two
sectors registered zero fare. When Go card fwas first introduced those sectors
would have been charged separately, but it seems that they now have the system
working prestty well.

Cheers

Neil Crellin

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Arthur & All



Add to that news the story of a few days ago - where it was reported that
the Winton to Ayr gypsum traffic was to get a 400% plus (I think that's what
was quoted) freight price increase. From $47 per tonne to over $200 per
tonne. So I can see that traffic going to road transport too.



If I guess a container to be around 15 tonne each and 2 per wagon - then (at
$47.00/t) that is $1400.00 per wagon that QR have been charging. At the new
rate - a wagon has a new worth of $6,000 per trip. Quite a difference. I'm
sure there are a lot of road train operators out there who would love
$9,000.00 (3 containers) for a two day trip Ayr to Winton and back.



Having said that - with the double handling at each end (moving containers
to and from the rail head) the gypsum customer would probably be well in
front if he went to semi tippers and the more direct and quicker road
transport option - and pay $100.00 per tonne for the service.



Either way - if it does go to road - then there is another part of the Ayr
QR Yard coming to no use. And Winton will fall off the QR map.



Peter R Murray

   _____

From: qrig@yahoogroups.com [mailto:qrig@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of
akshale
Sent: Tuesday, 17 November 2009 8:30 AM
To: qrig@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [qrig] NCL Small Freight goes to trucks





Hi all

Reports coming from Townsville's media this morning suggest that QR will
cease Small Freight (QLink I'm guessing) rail service to Bowen, Ayr, Tully
and Innisfail on January 4th 2010. From that date small freight for Bowen
will be road hauled from Mackay, Ayr will be from Townsville, while Tully
and Innisfail will be road served from Cairns. I'm not sure if this also
impacts on the relatively new container terminals at Ayr and Merinda as
well.

The local union is also saying that rail service to Small Freight terminals
in Southern Queensland will end soon too - which might not be good for the
Western Line I'd say.

Cheers
Arthur





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Today, I attended the official QR 30th Anniversary of Electrification at
Roma Street with past and present staff of Queensland Rail and other invited
guests. The event showcased the success of QR over the past thirty years
since electrification in Brisbane. Electric Multiple Unit 01, the oldest
unit in the QR CityTrain fleet, and youngest unit, 260 Series Suburban
Multiple Unit 278 were in attendance.



New and Old: EMU 01 and SMU 278 at Roma Street

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamesmp/4110802577



SMU 278 with EMU 01 in the background

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamesmp/4110802021



More photos of those in attendance to come ...



Cheers,

Mick



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Anybody have a rough idea of the time table for these trains, I only know one
comes back Thursday mornings, others up or down?
Neill


--- In qrig@yahoogroups.com, Kevin Lyons <klyons64@...> wrote:
>
>
> On Nov 17, 2009, at 17/Nov/20098:29 AM, akshale wrote:
> > The local union is also saying that rail service to Small Freight terminals
in Southern Queensland will end soon too - which might not be good for the
Western Line I'd say.
>
> All of 3 trains a week each way. Won't notice it gone. A bit sad what it has
become.
>
> Kev

> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
>

It has been a few years since trains shunted Ingham.  Now all Ingham freight
is off-loaded in Townsville and trucked north.  Reasoning at the time is
that it would save approx 30mins per train.

Now, trains arrive, give DTC release into Ingham, do DTC startups for the
next section (Ingham-Purono), and then get authority... so still a 5 minute
hold up.

Steven

--------------------------------------------------
From: "montecello47" <niagarapark@...>
Sent: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 9:22 AM
To: <qrig@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [qrig] Re: NCL Small Freight goes to trucks

> i was in ingham a few days ago ,the regular afternoon southbound freight
> [798] arrived at about 4 pm, and kept going after a few minutes wait for
> the semaphore signal at the crossing to be lowered
>
> there were no wagons  at all in the large loading  yard
>
> it appears no trains have shunted there for a long time !

30 years electrificied rail in Brisbane was celebrated at Roma St today.

--> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2668.msg16776#msg16776

Cheers
Bob

I wonder if this has something to do with C49X becoming a 249X.

Paul

On 17/11/2009, at 9:40 AM, Kevin Lyons wrote:

>
> On Nov 17, 2009, at 17/Nov/20098:29 AM, akshale wrote:
>
> > Hi all
> >
> > Reports coming from Townsville's media this morning suggest that
> QR will cease Small Freight (QLink I'm guessing) rail service to
> Bowen, Ayr, Tully and Innisfail on January 4th 2010. From that date
> small freight for Bowen will be road hauled from Mackay, Ayr will be
> from Townsville, while Tully and Innisfail will be road served from
> Cairns. I'm not sure if this also impacts on the relatively new
> container terminals at Ayr and Merinda as well.
> >
> > The local union is also saying that rail service to Small Freight
> terminals in Southern Queensland will end soon too - which might not
> be good for the Western Line I'd say.
>
> All of 3 trains a week each way. Won't notice it gone. A bit sad
> what it has become.
>
> Kev
>
> >
> > Cheers
> > Arthur
> >
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

On Nov 17, 2009, at 17/Nov/20098:29 AM, akshale wrote:

> Hi all
>
> Reports coming from Townsville's media this morning suggest that QR will cease
Small Freight (QLink I'm guessing) rail service to Bowen, Ayr, Tully and
Innisfail on January 4th 2010. From that date small freight for Bowen will be
road hauled from Mackay, Ayr will be from Townsville, while Tully and Innisfail
will be road served from Cairns. I'm not sure if this also impacts on the
relatively new container terminals at Ayr and Merinda as well.
>
> The local union is also saying that rail service to Small Freight terminals in
Southern Queensland will end soon too - which might not be good for the Western
Line I'd say.

All of 3 trains a week each way. Won't notice it gone. A bit sad what it has
become.

Kev

>
> Cheers
> Arthur
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Posting to QRIG is at the users discretion, QRIG will not be held liable for
any content that appears on this Yahoogroup. QRIG strongly discourages the
distribution of restricted content, and will not tolerate any breaches. Please
email the moderators at qrig-owner@yahoogroups.com if in doubt.
>
> qrig.org - http://www.qrig.org/ - qrig.org gallery - http://gallery.qrig.org/
>
> qrig.org's IRC server - #qrig on irc.qrig.org
>
> <<AFFILIATE>> - SIGQ - Qld Signalling and Safeworking Group -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sigq
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

i was in ingham a few days ago ,the regular afternoon southbound freight [798]
arrived at about 4 pm, and kept going after a few minutes wait for the semaphore
signal at the crossing to be lowered

  there were no wagons  at all in the large loading  yard

it appears no trains have shunted there for a long time !

Thanks for that info Michael,
What exactly is a forward view camera and does it improve disability access or
just show passengers what the driver sees?
Alan J

---- Michael James <mick084@...> wrote:
It is reported SMU 221 and SMU 222 will be fitted with an upgraded on-board
communications and CCTV system in order to meet disability standards for
accessible public transport. This system is based on the internal
communications system of the new 160/260 Series. A 30 day trial during
November and December will be conducted to validate the equipment before it
is progressively rolled out to EMU, IMU 100, SMU 200, IMU 120, and SMU 220
Series Units.



This new system will include forward view cameras, internal passenger
information displays, and upgraded voice announcement system.



Cheers,

Mick



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi all

Reports coming from Townsville's media this morning suggest that QR will cease
Small Freight (QLink I'm guessing) rail service to Bowen, Ayr, Tully and
Innisfail on January 4th 2010. From that date small freight for Bowen will be
road hauled from Mackay, Ayr will be from Townsville, while Tully and Innisfail
will be road served from Cairns. I'm not sure if this also impacts on the
relatively new container terminals at Ayr and Merinda as well.

The local union is also saying that rail service to Small Freight terminals in
Southern Queensland will end soon too - which might not be good for the Western
Line I'd say.

Cheers
Arthur

It is reported SMU 221 and SMU 222 will be fitted with an upgraded on-board
communications and CCTV system in order to meet disability standards for
accessible public transport. This system is based on the internal
communications system of the new 160/260 Series. A 30 day trial during
November and December will be conducted to validate the equipment before it
is progressively rolled out to EMU, IMU 100, SMU 200, IMU 120, and SMU 220
Series Units.



This new system will include forward view cameras, internal passenger
information displays, and upgraded voice announcement system.



Cheers,

Mick



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi All,

DZF 2406 at ELP today in ARG livery.

Possibly heading to wheel lathe before heading north.

M Wilson.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

This book is exceptionally good.

Here is the link to buy it:

http://tinyurl.com/yhsh9lf





> Folks
>
> The Light Railway Research Society of Australia Inc has released a new
publication prepared by John Kerr before his untimely death in 2005.  It is
called "Tall Timbers & Tramlines Queensland" and covers the various timber
tramways of the state.  These include Lahey's tramway at Canungra, Munro's
at Highfields and various tramways on Fraser Island and in the Brisbane
Valley.  The book is of 104 pages with numerous images and an authoritative
text and should retail for about $25.  It is available from the Society or from
the
few Queensland railway book outlets including the Workshops Museum and
Water Street Publications.   RECOMMENDED.
>
> Brian
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Folks

The Light Railway Research Society of Australia Inc has released a new
publication prepared by John Kerr before his untimely death in 2005.  It is
called "Tall Timbers & Tramlines Queensland" and covers the various timber
tramways of the state.  These include Lahey's tramway at Canungra, Munro's at
Highfields and various tramways on Fraser Island and in the Brisbane Valley. 
The book is of 104 pages with numerous images and an authoritative text and
should retail for about $25.  It is available from the Society or from the few
Queensland railway book outlets including the Workshops Museum and Water Street
Publications.   RECOMMENDED.

Brian

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Sighting 10/11/2009

0840hrs 2364 + 2350 down coal loading Acland coal siding

Sighting 13/11/2009

1800hrs 2310D + 2332 down coal approaching Oakey

Graham R
Dalby

Hi all

I'm hearing whispers there's been big job cuts at United Bohle (formerly
Goninans) as the current rail contracts run down. The workforce has gone from
200 to 110 and apparently there's just about no work after May (presumably when
the 3700 rebuilds finish).

It would be nice if a white knight rode in and ordered - say - 35 Dash 9, EVO or
AC versions of the 2800s but I dare say that's not going to happen for our
heroes this time - things don't look good and there's no election on the
horizon.

Cheers
Arthur

2301D (Eagle) + unknown Bronco seen on an up empty coalie this morning
through Wacol and then lost it on way west.

2332 (Bronco) + 2310D (Eagle) up empty coalie thru Yarongmalu 1034

2347 (Bronco) + 2348 (Bronco) down loaded coalie thru Grandchester 1054

Grain train currently approaching Granchester on the up at 1148.

Ben




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Ben

Would appear as though everything 'normal' this weekend.
Todays Westlander ex CTL was due to terminate at Rosewood
tomorrow morning due to the Sadlier's Crossing work, but now
that's completed I imagine she'll go right thru to Roma Street.
Myself, I'm off to LRE on the SOTO tomorrow afternoon for
a few days R & R.  Hope to have some photos on my return
nex Wednesday.

Cheers
Roscoe




________________________________
From: Ben Francis <ben.francis@...>
To: qrig@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thu, 12 November, 2009 6:57:38 PM
Subject: [qrig] Western line


Is there any trackwork or closures for the Western line this weekend ?

Thanks,

Ben

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





      
________________________________________________________________________________\
__
Win 1 of 4 Sony home entertainment packs thanks to Yahoo!7.
Enter now: http://au.docs.yahoo.com/homepageset/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

i was driving south from mackay at 130 pm wednesday and saw it heading north at
baker's creek on the truck it was 1863 for sure!

could not get a photo as i was driving and it was raining and did not have time
to turn round and follow  it sure looked faded and dirty

MA1863 is a narrow gauge loco - used on the narrow gauge in WA.

I think there was some gauntlet track at Plane Creek, with the MAs on the
narrow gauge and the 73s on the standard gauge.

--------------------------------------------------
From: "andrew matt" <andrewmatt22@...>
Sent: Thursday, November 12, 2009 7:23 PM
To: <qrig@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [qrig] Unusual Sighting

>
>
> Driving home today to Townsville from Pionner I sighted a rather stange
> loco. MA1863 complete in Westrail colours on the back of a low loader. The
> driver was having troubles with the trailer (sticking brakes) this made it
> nice and easy to get in front of for a piccy. He said the loco complete
> with standard gauge bogies had been in storage at the Plane Crk mill at
> Sarina, bound for Victoria mill in Ingham.
>
>
>
> Andrew

Driving home today to Townsville from Pionner I sighted a rather stange loco.
MA1863 complete in Westrail colours on the back of a low loader. The driver was
having troubles with the trailer (sticking brakes) this made it nice and easy to
get in front of for a piccy. He said the loco complete with standard gauge
bogies had been in storage at the Plane Crk mill at Sarina, bound for Victoria
mill in Ingham.



Andrew

_________________________________________________________________
Take a peek at other people's pay and perks Check out The Great Australian Pay
Check
http://clk.atdmt.com/NMN/go/157639755/direct/01/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Is there any trackwork or closures for the Western line this weekend ?

Thanks,

Ben


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Considering the success of shortlines and regional operators in the US and
Canada - I don't think the privatisation failures in Australia (all of which, so
far, have been related to buyouts by TOLL) are symptomatic of rail's abilities
in the current climate - but exhibit the growing disconnect between 'rail' CEOs
and boards and the business of railways.

On top of this, in the US growth has been focussed on maintaining volume rather
than shedding it - even a traffic that barely breaks even will make money if a
salesperson/account manager can find enough of it to haul. This works great if
you own the infrastructure and want to make all the money you can from it.

But here because the operator has to pay to use the infrastructure, volume
models and spot sales cost more money (more trains) which forces operators to
chase higher margin contracted traffic - but this reduces volume, which forces
the infrastructure provider to demand more cents/tonne - so rail prices go up
and trucks start looking cheaper.

The NCL is just as good an example of this as the Tasrail predicament (but its
coming from a much higher traffic level). A lot of rail freight has been
converted to road in the last decade of open access that has gone mostly
unnoticed among the freight forwarder's containers and coal hoppers.

Sigh
Arthur

--- In qrig@yahoogroups.com, G S <kenworth_10x6@...> wrote:
>
> That might be the case!  The weather has changed so the wet season might be
starting soon.  I shouldn't complain, it is good to see things through others
eyes.  Some of the drivers employed by ARG from others areas, soon let me know
if I am complaining too much.  One driver from Tasmania can't stop talking about
how good the track is out this way.  The track down that way was not the best. 
As PN Tasmania had the whole system, with track and customers included, yet
couldn't make it work, and just about gave it back to the Government, does this
mean rail is just not profitable unless it is in bulk or over a long distance. 
Maybe it is the golden age of the truck.
>
> GMS
>  In memory of
> Mervyn George Simpson
> 3/11/33 - 31/1/08
> "  End of the long haul  "
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
>

That might be the case!  The weather has changed so the wet season might be
starting soon.  I shouldn't complain, it is good to see things through others
eyes.  Some of the drivers employed by ARG from others areas, soon let me know
if I am complaining too much.  One driver from Tasmania can't stop talking about
how good the track is out this way.  The track down that way was not the best. 
As PN Tasmania had the whole system, with track and customers included, yet
couldn't make it work, and just about gave it back to the Government, does this
mean rail is just not profitable unless it is in bulk or over a long distance. 
Maybe it is the golden age of the truck.

GMS
  In memory of
Mervyn George Simpson
3/11/33 - 31/1/08
"  End of the long haul  "




________________________________
From: Surprise MeBBB <surprisebbb@...>
To: qrig@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tue, 10 November, 2009 9:20:41 AM
Subject: Re: [qrig] Ipswich/Rosewood line reopens Effective 11 November 2009


Just in time for the next flood, eh? <g>

Cheers
Roscoe

____________ _________ _________ __
From: G S <kenworth_10x6@ yahoo.com. au>
To: qrig@yahoogroups. com
Sent: Mon, 9 November, 2009 11:17:12 PM
Subject: Re: [qrig] Ipswich/Rosewood line reopens Effective 11 November 2009

Good news for those who use those services.  Looks like they completed the job
in about 4 weeks.  In more good news on repairs.  Track gangs have been working
feverishly in north west Queensland to fix the repairs from the wash outs that
occurred in early January.  A large number of sleepers ( about 10 ) had to be
replaced as well as ballast on a washout that caused a derailment west of Malbon
about January 7th of this year.  The short section of track ( reduced to 25kph )
has been restored to full track speed  ( 60kph ) in only 9 months, although
about a third of the remaining section is still under speed restrictions.

GMS
In memory of
Mervyn George Simpson
3/11/33 - 31/1/08
"  End of the long haul  "

____________ _________ _________ __
From: Paul Henderson <pingupost@internod e .on.net>
To: qrig@yahoogroups. com
Sent: Mon, 9 November, 2009 12:13:03 PM
Subject: [qrig] Ipswich/Rosewood line reopens Effective 11 November 2009

Ipswich/Rosewood line reopens Effective 11 November 2009

The Ipswich/Rosewood line will reopen on Wednesday 11 November 2009,
with work on Sadliers Bridge completed ahead of schedule.

Regular passenger services between Ipswich and Rosewood stations will
resume as per the normal timetable. Connecting bus route 539 (Helidon
to Ipswich) will also revert to the normal timetable.

Until then, delays of up to 20 minutes may be experienced on peak
passenger services between Ipswich and Rosewood stations. Some peak
services will be replaced by buses which will stop at all stations and
connect with train services to Brisbane. Delays of up to 20 minutes
may be experienced.

Off-peak services will be replaced by buses and will stop all stations
between and Ipswich and Rosewood stations with connecting services to
Brisbane City. Delays of up to 35 minutes may be experienced for these
times.

View the temporary Ipswich to Rosewood timetable - effective 12
October 2009.

QR and TransLink thank passengers for their patience during this track
work.

http://www.translin k.com.au/ servicechange. php?id=90

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _
Win 1 of 4 Sony home entertainment packs thanks to Yahoo!7.
Enter now: http://au.docs. yahoo.com/ homepageset/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _
Win 1 of 4 Sony home entertainment packs thanks to Yahoo!7.
Enter now: http://au.docs. yahoo.com/ homepageset/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





      
________________________________________________________________________________\
__
Get more done like never before with Yahoo!7 Mail.
Learn more: http://au.overview.mail.yahoo.com/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I did note who that photo was credited to.



Peter R Murray

   _____

From: qrig@yahoogroups.com [mailto:qrig@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of A10
Sent: Saturday, 7 November 2009 8:54 AM
To: qrig@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [qrig] Rungoo L/C crash





Good pic of the CTT on page 4 though!

> -----Original Message-----
> From: qrig@yahoogroups. <mailto:qrig%40yahoogroups.com> com
[mailto:qrig@yahoogroups. <mailto:qrig%40yahoogroups.com> com]On Behalf Of
> Peter Murray
> Sent: Saturday, November 07, 2009 8:26 AM
> To: qrig@yahoogroups. <mailto:qrig%40yahoogroups.com> com
> Subject: RE: [qrig] Rungoo L/C crash
>
> All
>
> I'd recommend that for anyone interested in the QT investigation Report -
it's worth a read.
>
> Just a pity that the 'drawing/image' (Fig 6) at the top of page 13 (P 24
of the overall doc) - is of a 2 trailer 'ROAD TRAIN' and not a 2 trailer 'B
DOUBLE' as it is supposed to represent.
>
> Peter R Murray





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]