Tour 31st Dec 2008 (was 29th Dec) - Caboolture - Beerburrum

[ozbob]

Howdy,

29th December 2008, is the day the new duplication from Caboolture - Beerburrum is open. Subject to confirmation.

Suggested itinerary.

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Central 8am Nambour Service  (Caboolture 8.45am)

Arrive Elimbah 8.57am  Detrain  check out the new station etc.

Depart Elimbah 9.54am,  Arrive Beerburrum 9.59am,  Detrain check out the new station etc.

Depart Beerburrum 12.07pm  Arrive Landsborough 12.24.  Lunch etc.

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Depart Landsborough 2.37pm, Arrive Caboolture 3.08pm. Arrive Central 3.56pm.

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This would be an interesting day.  And the morning travel is within the 5 hours for the go card too!

Anyone interested?

Cheers
Bob

[kw]

I'll come along for the trip. I'll be joining the train north at Northgate 

- Kent

[ozbob]

Great Kent!  mufreight is coming too, so we have some starters!

Regards
Bob

[kw]

I'm assuming we are riding in the 1st carriage. 

[ozbob]

Indeed, although getting out at the new station at Elimbah won't be a problem in cars 4 - 6 !

[brad C]

Bob and Friends
Please refer to the notice on the QR web site.
Major Track Work from Petrie to Gympie North: Friday 26 Dec - Tuesday 30 Dec
From first train Friday 26 December to last train Tuesday 30 December 2008, all QR Passenger Citytrain services between Petrie and Gympie North stations will be replaced by bus services. 

I guess commissioning on 26th was always 'close to the bone'

Assuming this outage will enable 'connecting up' of the new to the old, I believe commissioning of the duplicatioon will occur sometime around NYD. LOL!!

[ozbob]

Thanks Brad,  the proposed date of 29th for services on the new section was always subject to change.

Looks like it might be Dec 31st now for our tour!   

[Sunbus610]

I am 50/50 thinking of attending this tour but would very likely to be coming down from the Sunshine Coast on the day (being on holiday at this time of the year). Would more than likely meet up with the Brisbane folk at Caboolture railway station at 8:45am. Will let you know my intensions closer to the date, still have your mobile number in my phone anyways Ozbob.

[ozbob]

No worries Dave, be good to catch up with you.

I am confident that it will be Dec 31st. 

[ozbob]

By the way folks, whilst we are at Beerburrum a briefing on the project by Trackstar might be able to be arranged.  This is still to be confirmed.

The major Trackstar site office for the project is at Beerburrum.

[stephenk]

Sorry, I won't be able to make it, as I'll be travelling by train at 300kph in Japan instead!

[ozbob]

Have a great time Stephen!

We will be probably in a freshly refurbished EMU 13 or something ... 

[ozbob]

I happy to confirm that Trackstar have indicated that they are happy to give a briefing on the project when we get to Beerburrum. This is subject to change depending on dates but at this stage is happening.

Thanks to Trackstar and member mufreight for organising the briefing.

[Mozz]

Sounds like an interesting sojourn and I would love to come along.

[ozbob]

Ripper Mozz, we can meet at Oxley to catch the train up north     will be in touch.

[ozbob]

31st December 2008, is the day the new duplication from Caboolture - Beerburrum is open. Subject to confirmation.

Suggested itinerary.

------------------

Central 8am Nambour Service  (Caboolture 8.45am)  Car 1

Arrive Elimbah 8.57am  Detrain  check out the new station etc.

Depart Elimbah 9.54am,  Arrive Beerburrum 9.59am, detrain. Briefing at the Trackstar site office at Beerburrum 10.15am then check out the new station etc.

Depart Beerburrum 12.07pm  Arrive Landsborough 12.24.  Lunch etc.

------------------

Depart Landsborough 2.37pm, Arrive Caboolture 3.08pm. Arrive Central 3.56pm.

------------------

[bladesplace]

Put me down on the list Bob! I just have to confirm that I can get the day off work. 

It's a pity I don't live at Beerburrum anymore - I would have invited you all in for coffee/tea etc.    

Cheers

MJ

[ozbob]

Howdy MJ,

Look forward to catching up with you again.

Regards
Bob

[ozbob]

Trackstar Caboolture to Beerburrum click here!

Trackstar Commissioning Notice

17 December 2008
Commissioning works
Testing of new rail line between Caboolture and Beerburrum stations
Passenger train service disruptions

Friday 26 December ? Wednesday 31 December 2008

QR wishes to advise construction in the rail corridor and commissioning of the new track between Caboolture and Beerburrum stations will be undertaken from 4am on Friday 26 December until 4am on Wednesday 31 December 2008 ? and will include night and weekend work.

During this period there will not be any passenger trains between Caboolture and Beerburrum stations. Buses will replace passenger train services as per the train timetable. Passengers can expect delays of up to 30 minutes. Freight trains will continue to operate intermittently during this period.

The planned work will involve: trucks travelling within the rail corridor the use of excavators and elevated work platforms, hand tools and lighting towers connecting the new rail north of McKean Street at Caboolture and north of the new Beerburrum station at Beerburrum testing the new signalling, overhead electrical and telecommunication systems and equipment.

This work can only be undertaken safely when the electric passenger trains are not operating. Unfortunately these works may be noisy.

Every effort will be made to minimise the impact of this construction noise on the local community. QR apologises for any inconvenience and thanks you for your continuing patience while we build a better rail network.

This work is part of the Government?s Caboolture to Beerburrum Track Duplication Project to improve rail services to the north coast region. For more information please contact Community Liaison Coordinator, Gail Furnas on 1800 243 982 (freecall).

31st December 2008, is the day the new duplication from Caboolture - Beerburrum is open. Subject to confirmation.

Suggested itinerary.

------------------

Central 8am Nambour Service  (Caboolture 8.45am)  Car 1

Arrive Elimbah 8.57am  Detrain  check out the new station etc.

Depart Elimbah 9.54am,  Arrive Beerburrum 9.59am, detrain. Briefing at the Trackstar site office at Beerburrum 10.15am then check out the new station etc.

Depart Beerburrum 12.07pm  Arrive Landsborough 12.24.  Lunch etc.

------------------

Depart Landsborough 2.37pm, Arrive Caboolture 3.08pm. Arrive Central 3.56pm.

------------------

[MichaelJ]

I can come on the tour, but have to work at 1600, so I may have to park my car somewhere.

[ozbob]

Great Michael!  See you on board!

[ozbob]

Just a heads up.  There is a remote possibility that trains may not resume until midday on the 31st Dec.  This is only a contingency plan and at this point we understand all is on track for the resumption at 4am on the 31st Dec.  In any case the intention is to still proceed as scheduled even if some journeys are by bus in the am.

Meet in car 1 on the 8am Nambour service from Central.  This service stops only at Fortitude Valley (8.02am), Bowen Hills (8.04am), Northgate (8.13am), Petrie (8.28am), Caboolture (arr 8.45am, dep 8.49am) Elimbah (8.57am).

------------------

Plan for the day Wednesday 31st December 2008.

Central 8am Nambour Service  (Caboolture 8.45am)  Car 1

Arrive Elimbah 8.57am  Detrain  check out the new station etc.

Depart Elimbah 9.54am,  Arrive Beerburrum 9.59am, detrain. Briefing at the Trackstar site office at Beerburrum 10.15am then check out the new station etc.

Depart Beerburrum 12.07pm  Arrive Landsborough 12.24.  Lunch etc.

------------------

Depart Landsborough 2.37pm, Arrive Caboolture 3.08pm. Arrive Central 3.56pm.

------------------

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
24/12/2008

QR to complete north coast track duplication

A 13.7 kilometre track duplication between Caboolture and Beerburrum is due to be completed this week, with electric passenger train services scheduled to operate on the new North Coast rail line infrastructure from 31 December 2008.

Minister for Transport John Mickel said the final signalling works and testing stage of the track duplication to take place between Friday 26 December and Wednesday 31 December was a major milestone for the Queensland Government's $298 million Caboolture to Beerburrum Track Duplication Project.

"This is an important step towards improving rail services for the north coast region," Mr Mickel said.

"While this critical work is completed, passenger trains will not be running between Caboolture and Beerburrum, but buses will replace scheduled services.

"This has been scheduled for a traditionally quiet time to ensure minimal impact on customers, and crews will work through the festive season to ensure the new track is ready for its first train service.

"The closure includes a number of scheduled times when freight trains will be able to use the corridor.

"The two new, bi-directional tracks replace a single winding track and are low maintenance.

"To construct the new rail line, 40,000 concrete rail sleepers have been laid, 118,000 tonnes of ballast deposited on the new track, more than 500 new masts erected and 95 kilometres of overhead electrical wiring installed.

"The straighter track will improve travel times between Caboolture and Beerburrum by up to 30 percent and the duplication eliminates the need for trains to wait to pass each other as they did on the old single track."

Mr Mickel said the new tracks were being connected to the North Coast rail line near McKean Street at Caboolture and north of Beerburrum station at Beerburrum.

He said the Caboolture to Beerburrum Track Duplication Project was on track to be completed well ahead of the original target date of mid-2009 after approximately 18 months of construction works, which has created hundreds of new jobs.

Other works completed include:

?new platforms at Elimbah and Beerburrum stations

?five new bridges, with four rail bridges and one road-over-rail bridge

?two new rail culverts

?4.8 kilometres of road realignments.

"In the new year, work will continue on the Elimbah and Beerburrum station upgrades, which will provide significantly improved passenger facilities, including lifts for disability access, new platforms, footbridges, shelters, walkways and upgraded commuter car parks," Mr Mickel said.

"Future construction works also include: finishing the new Mansfield and Beerburrum intersection; demolishing the existing Six Mile Creek rail bridge; and reinstating Lynch and Rose Creek Roads under the new rail bridge.

"I would like to thank the local communities for their patience and understanding during construction of this landmark project for the North Coast region."

The Caboolture to Beerburrum Track Duplication Project is part of the Queensland Government's $19 billion commitment to plan and build a better rail network under the SEQ Infrastructure Plan 2008 - 2026.

For more information about the Caboolture to Beerburrum Track Duplication Project, please contact the project team on 1800 243 982 (freecall) or email C2B@trackstar.incite.com.au.

For more information about public transport and services visit www.translink.com.au or phone 13 12 30, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.


-ends-

==============================================================

[Huggies]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but the proposed cut in of the new line over the next few days has been canned due to the overhead on the new section not being ready for use. Looks like the cut in of the new line will be delayed until Easter.

[ozbob]

Thanks Huggies,  well looks like we might have to postpone it.  No worries, we will see what comes forward in the next few days.

[ozbob]

Update: I have just spoken with Trackstar at the C2B site.  Commissioning is going ahead as scheduled at this time, any variation they will let us know pronto.
Thanks Trackstar.  So see you all on board the 8am  Nambour service from Central on the 31st as planned.

Cheers
Bob

[Huggies]

That is interesting to hear. Maybe some butt kicking occurred. 

[Arnz]

Gotten word that further work on the New North Coast commissioning may have been cancelled due to overhead issues.  Would be interesting to hear any further word on this.

[ozbob]

Trackstar have said they would let us know if any variation. No word yet, so can only assume going ahead as scheduled.

Yes I have noticed a few posts elsewhere indicating that there might be issues.

But if we find out anything, will post it here pronto Arnz.

Cheers
Bob

[ozbob]

No advice as yet.  I will endeavour to contact Trackstar today to find out what is going on hopefully ..

Cheers
Bob

[ozbob]

In any case, trains will be running either on the old formation or the new.  So I intend to still go up as planned.  It will be a final opportunity to travel on the old section by the looks of things.  When official confirmation is received one way or the other, I will be able to see if the scheduled briefing at Beerburrum is still on.

Will advise here and via email in due course.

Cheers
Bob

[ozbob]

Yes it is now confirmed some unexpected issues have arisen with the commissioning time line.  Trains will be running on old line on the 31st so the intention is to still proceed as detailed below.  It will be an opportunity to travel on the old section one more time for most of us, except the regular North Coast commuters who might have a few more opportunities 

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Plan for the day Wednesday 31st December 2008.

Central 8am Nambour Service  (Caboolture 8.45am)  Car 1

Arrive Elimbah 8.57am  Detrain  check out the new station etc.

Depart Elimbah 9.54am,  Arrive Beerburrum 9.59am, detrain. Briefing at the Trackstar site office at Beerburrum 10.15am then check out the new station etc.

Depart Beerburrum 12.07pm  Arrive Landsborough 12.24.  Lunch etc.

------------------

Depart Landsborough 2.37pm, Arrive Caboolture 3.08pm. Arrive Central 3.56pm.

------------------

[ozbob]

Just as a footnote, normal Citytrain services have commenced from first service this morning (29th) on the north coast line.

--> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1710.0

[ozbob]

Due to the work changes at Beerburrum there will be no briefing tomorrow as previously indicated.  This will be scheduled again when commissioning complete.  We might modify the journey up and only spend an hour or so at Beerburrum and push on by the earlier rail bus (11.32) to Landsborough.  We could even cut short the visit to Beerburrum and perhaps go to Nambour.  See what happens tomorrow.

These changes are a result of the commissioning changes and beyond anyone's control.  It will still be an interesting day.

Cheers
Bob

[ozbob]

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Plan for the day Wednesday 31st December 2008 - modified.

Central 8am Nambour Service  (Caboolture 8.45am)  Car 1

Arrive Elimbah 8.57am  Detrain  check out the new station etc.

Depart Elimbah 9.54am,  Arrive Beerburrum 9.59am, detrain. Check out the new station etc.

Depart Beerburrum rail bus 11.32am (alternate  rail 12.07pm)  Arrive Landsborough 11.57am (alternate  rail 12.24pm).  Lunch etc.

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Depart Landsborough 2.37pm, Arrive Caboolture 3.08pm. Arrive Central 3.56pm.

------------------

[bladesplace]

G'day Bob,

Sorry for the late notice but I'm not going to be able to attend tomorrow.      

I'm really disappointed but family comes first. *sighs*

Cheers

MJ

[ozbob]

No worries MJ, thanks for the update.

Regards
Bob

[ozbob]

Just got back home folks. What a great day!! 

Thanks for the members who came along. We had the opportunity to check out Elimbah, Beerburrum, got a rail a bus, saw some very interesting trains and combinations of locos, had a great lunch at Landsborough. In short super!!  Photographs coming, just got to sort them out ...

Cheers
Bob

[ozbob]

The day began at Oxley.

Here is SMU 212 arriving at Oxley (the 6.12am).



And I dropped by the standard gauge at Roma St. 

Std gauge, XPT waiting for the right of way at Roma St 31 Dec 2008.





Photographs R Dow 31st December 2008

[ozbob]

Checked out the new PIDs at Central



After some confusion we headed for platform 3 Central to await our 8am service to Nambour


Here is an Airtrain service heading off just before our trusty Nambour train.




And our chariot arrives!  EMU 09, but unfortunately only made it to Caboolture, to be replaced by EMU 43.




EMU 09 shortly before departure from Central.



Photographs R Dow 31st December 2008


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