Nineteenth century safeworking

Barry Campbell (campblbm@ozemail.com.au)
Sun, 5 Apr 1998 23:21:18 +1000

I came across publication yesterday which listed all the safeworking systems
in use on Qld Railways. It contained some interesting facts. On QR proper
(ie not the std gauge line) only the 4.4km from Doomben to Pinkenba is
worked by electric staff. I assume this section is just waiting for the
funding to be available for conversion to something else. In general 51% of
the system is worked by Train Orders but the following sections are still
Ordinary Staff

Caboolture - Wamuran 11.3km
Glanmire Jct - Gympie 5.8km
Colton - Takura 13.0km
Glenmore - Yeppoon 53.5km
Paget - Marian 23.6km
Bundamba - Box Flat 6.6km
Cairns - Atherton 109.1km
Mt Surprise - Forsayth 121.1km
Normanton - Croydon 152.6km

Presumably Atherton - Mt Surprise will also be an OS section when reopened.

Can anyone answer these questions

1 Why do these sections still exist as OS sections?

2 What is DTC used between Charters Towers & Mt Isa?

3 A couple of months ago there was a post from Krel re Victorian
safeworking. I note some sections are double line block. Is this manual
block with block instruments? Also, are the ES and OS sections progressively
being converted to other systems?

4 Finally, what is the situation on other systems? AFAIK all of the AN
system was tokenless at the end and the SAR had no manual block when it was
taken over. I guess that just leaves Westrail. All replies concerning NSW
should be given by persons wearing funny hats and clown shoes.

Barry Campbell