Trains seen running

Yes, it is no big deal in the world's scheme of things but with a big thanks to some imported labour, trains are now moving along parts of the Coonamble line once more. 

A concentrated day and a half, interspersed with 58 tea-breaks, has produced something resembling a 'train room'. This panorama snap shows what will be Dubbo to the right, Eumungerie along the left wall and the photographer is standing (in the 4 foot) somewhere near Curban.  The saw table is about where the terminus, based on Coonamble, will be.

There is a lot of track laying still to happen, but contractors have managed to lay pioneer standard lines through the Eumungerie yard. Here is a short clip of what is believed to be 3065T with a HG on a speed trial through the platform road. 

[** Edit: apologies if this video doesn't load - the one mouse left working for Blogger.com is on a work-to-rule] Anyway, shortly after this video was taken, a permanent speed limit of 15 scale miles per hour was applied to this section of track owing to its condition.

An even bigger surprise arrived later today in the form of an 82 class light engine.

After local crews threatened to drive it off the end board at speed, it/they were sent back to Metro.

Disturbed by the lack of ballast, amenities and even a backdrop, crews have banned further operations until management authorises further capital expenditure to redress these shortcomings.

Your scribe will report further progress, if it occurs.

Don.