Re: Rubbish to Cessnock.
Goodwin Alco (alco@planet.net.au)
Fri, 27 Feb 1998 16:03:06 +1100
Mike Shotton wrote:
>
> Recently it was advised that the Pelton and Ellalong Coal Mines would close
> sometime midyear 1998. These mines are served by the South Maitland Railway,
> using Freightcorp 48class locos.
>
> When these mines close, it was assumed that SMR would also close. This may
> not be the case. There has been a story (from very reliable sources)
> implying that the line would be relayed to double track by Cessnock City
> Council and Maitland City Council. The line would then be made available to
> the Richmond Vale Railway Museum for tourist services.
>
> I believe there may have been a mention of revenue passenger trains between
> Cessnock and Maitland using 620/720 class diesel sets.
>
> Any trains on the line would be hauled by RVRM locos, and most likely RVRM
> crews. The RVRM locos would be serviced by Hunter Valley training Company at
> East Greta Junction Loco Sheds.
>
> As for Garbage trains, this was also mentioned...
>
> For Sydney's rubbish to be hauled by road would mean one loaded semi-trailer
> every two minutes, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a
> year.
>
> The people/residents of Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, Weston, Neath, Abermain,
> Caledonia and many other small communities DO NOT want this to happen.
>
> To haul by rail from Sydney would be almost ideal. Perfect infact.
>
> The site of the proposed dump (sorry..."Waste Management Centre") is
> virtually right on top of the former Neath Coal Preparation Plant and
> Colliery. This is well away from homes and major roads. Besides, I don't see
> Neath expanding too much in the next 20 - 30 years.
>
> The rail line into the site was still in place until recent years I believe,
> and the Neath Signal Box was only closed around 18 months ago, with most of
> the necessary safeworking equipment still available.
>
> Basically what this means is:
>
> - Full Time and Part Time Job creation
> - Training for unemployed apprentices (Hunter Valley Training Co.)
> - Preservation of one of the single most important and largest private
> railway in NSW
> - Expansion of RVRM
> - Excellent tourist opportunities for the Hunter Valley (there is a
> winery not far from the end of the line, with many more surrounding)
>
> Any objections or ideas or reasons why it is impossible?
>
> Cheers
> Steve S.
Short of an intensive 620/720 local service I cannot see the point in
reinstating the second track to Cessnock. A couple intermediate crossing
loops along the way would surely be enough.
Has all the track into Neath washery been lifted or just that near the
road?
Brad Peadon