Random observations around the network ...

[Derwan]

You would still need to duplicate the track for turning back trains with reasonable frequency and for stabling.

Actually you wouldn't.  They could have the same set-up that's in Varsity Lakes and Springfield with trains proceeding beyond the station to do their turnback.

I do think the line should be closed 24/7 while the duplication happens to get the amplification installed ASAP, as the number of people put out would be minuscule and nowhere near what people in Adelaide are going through.

This is actually something worth considering.  Sandgate is just around the corner from Shorncliffe.  They could run a courtesy bus between the two stations for the duration of the works for those who can't (or choose not to) commute from Sandgate.

It would be especially beneficial if the rumours are true and that the station roof at Shorncliffe contains asbestos.

[somebody]

You would still need to duplicate the track for turning back trains with reasonable frequency and for stabling.

Actually you wouldn't.  They could have the same set-up that's in Varsity Lakes and Springfield with trains proceeding beyond the station to do their turnback.

Duplicate the track beyond the station?  If there is a consistent headway, running past the platform is of no benefit on present infrastructure.  There needs to be a consistent headway rather than the present random timetable.

[Derwan]

Duplicate the track beyond the station? 

No.  Run the train empty just past Sandgate to do the turnback - and come into the other platform.  You'd only save the amount of time it takes to get to Shorncliffe and back - so probably not a huge advantage.  But it'd certainly help during the peak period.  The "Sandgate" line could actually have a decent peak frequency!

[somebody]

I do think the line should be closed 24/7 while the duplication happens to get the amplification installed ASAP, as the number of people put out would be minuscule and nowhere near what people in Adelaide are going through.

This is actually something worth considering.  Sandgate is just around the corner from Shorncliffe.  They could run a courtesy bus between the two stations for the duration of the works for those who can't (or choose not to) commute from Sandgate.

It would be especially beneficial if the rumours are true and that the station roof at Shorncliffe contains asbestos.

I agree this is worth considering.  It would increase the operating margin considerably, but I don't see any reason why you need to mess with Shorncliffe station itself.  It ought to cope with 1 platform with no trouble whatsoever for 4tph.  Perhaps 8tph would be a squeeze.

[Derwan]

I don't see any reason why you need to mess with Shorncliffe station itself.  It ought to cope with 1 platform

It'd be a half-baked project if you duplicated Sandgate-Shorncliffe without duplicating Shorncliffe Station.

[Arnz]

IMU185 is now on the tracks.  Sent up to the Sunshine Coast the past few days.  3 more units to go before the current order is completed.

[somebody]

I don't see any reason why you need to mess with Shorncliffe station itself.  It ought to cope with 1 platform

It'd be a half-baked project if you duplicated Sandgate-Shorncliffe without duplicating Shorncliffe Station.

That's not a reason.

It's also nicer for pax to have the single side platform.  No one needs to use an overbridge at Shorncliffe on the current set up.

[Derwan]

I headed to South Bank mid-afternoon yesterday.  I drove to Eagle Junction, my regular weekend starting point for my train journeys.  It's great to be able to catch a train to/from the city and not have to wait for up to 29 minutes.  The car park is usually at around 20-30% capacity at most.

Of course I totally forgot about the Ekka.  The dismal off-peak (including weekend) frequency meant that everyone else had the same idea.  The car park was full when I arrived.  Fortunately a couple of girls were just leaving and signalled me to follow them to their car.  (I felt like a stalker!)

Upon returning (around 6:30 or so), the car park was still full and someone had just been to the other end looking for a park.  He stopped beside me as I walked to my car to see if I was leaving.  We discussed how the Ekka must've been the cause of the full car park.

I realise the Ekka is a once-a-year event, but it just highlights how much more attractive public transport is if the frequency is there.  In this case, people are willing to drive some distance in order to GET that frequency.

[somebody]

I assume all the parking around that area converts to showground during Ekka.  Otherwise you could just drive.

[ozbob]

Interesting run BNE to Goodna. IMU105 to Eagle Junction (to complete go card formalities .. lol).  IMU 174 running to Roma St.  Changed at FV for SMU222/236 for Ipswich.  Spotted EMU19/01 on an Ekka special, do they realise how lucky they are? 

[Arnz]

Video observations this fortnight (Aug 7 / Aug 18)

[STB]

Just something a little bit different.  This morning I caught the 10:01am City-Bowen Hills service ex Birkdale and it was IMU110/IMU??? (didn't get the trailer units).  It's certainly the first time in my knowledge that I've seen an older IMU do an all stopper run on the Cleveland line in the off peak.

[ClintonL94]

This evening at Beenleigh(18:17) I spotted a 3 car SMU with desto "Kuraby" shunting into Beenleigh Depot. Observed the train stop at the signal, depot gates opened and train went inside! I will see if I can get a video next time.

I never thought Kuraby trains stable in Beenleigh but since the depot upgrade maybe so..can someone confirm this?

[Derwan]

I never thought Kuraby trains stable in Beenleigh but since the depot upgrade maybe so..can someone confirm this?

Possibly something to do with the disruptions last night? 

http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1862.msg66473#msg66473

[ozbob]

EMU 24 heads the morning Richlands to Nambour service ...

Darra, Indooroopilly.





Photographs R Dow 26th August 2011

[petey3801]

EMU 24 heads the morning Richlands to Nambour service ...

Darra, Indooroopilly.





Photographs R Dow 26th August 2011

Did you catch IMU184/161 from Goodna this morning, Bob?

Edit: Just saw the Goodna Station thread.. I thought I saw you when I was pulling in... Hope you made good use of the toilets onboard, I certainly did before departing Ipswich!

[ozbob]

Yes, sure did 



Noted IMU 108/109 heading to Ipswich at Indooroopilly later in the peak as well.

At this rate I won't have to use the station loos! 

[ozbob]

Empty coalie on the move through Buranda

SMU 208 passing through Buranda ...






Corinda, frogs out on a wet day ..



Photographs R Dow 27th August 2011

[ClintonL94]

AFAIK All trains between Roma St and Eagle Junction today were on the subs. I saw track machines on the mains between Fortitude Valley and Bowen Hills.

On the Beenleigh line today I looked at every station for the station signs.. Every station Beenleigh - Eagle Junction had the new station signs or were getting installed today(Kuraby - Coopers Plains and Park Road)

[Fares_Fair]

We need to give those QR guys some kind of RBoT recognition or reward .. an honorary trophy icon or logo would be required with room for 'engraving.'
They are doing better than the famous postie cliche, "through rain, hail, sleet or shine the mail will get through."

What do you think ozbob ?

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[SurfRail]

AFAIK All trains between Roma St and Eagle Junction today were on the subs. I saw track machines on the mains between Fortitude Valley and Bowen Hills.

On the Beenleigh line today I looked at every station for the station signs.. Every station Beenleigh - Eagle Junction had the new station signs or were getting installed today(Kuraby - Coopers Plains and Park Road)

Robina and Varsity are yet to be done, but Ormeau and Coomera have been for a while and Helensvale and Nerang are partly done.

[ozbob]

We need to give those QR guys some kind of RBoT recognition or reward .. an honorary trophy icon or logo would be required with room for 'engraving.'
They are doing better than the famous postie cliche, "through rain, hail, sleet or shine the mail will get through."

What do you think ozbob ?

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

Your words of praise here will no doubt be noted.   

[Cam]

Does anyone know why the 6.27am Bowen Hills service from Ipswich made an unscheduled stop at Corinda this morning? It used the outbond main line & inbound suburban line between Darra & Sherwood & ended up being about 7 minutes late to Roma Street.

[ozbob]

Suburban  trains using platforms 2 (gauntlet dual gauge) platform 3 (3 rail dual gauge) Roma St







Photographs R Dow 29th August 2011

[Stillwater]

The Translink helper on hand at the new Noosa Junction station today needs to be hauled in for retraining.  He didn't know which stop my bus departed from.  In fact, he didn't know my bus existed until I told him the route number and he rummaged among the new timetables he had in his fist and was able to tell me what I needed to know.  Fair enough, he didn't know the information off the top of his head, but he knew how to get to info quickly.  He gets a bouquet for that, but a brickbat for what happened next.

A couple, obviously holidaymakers/visitors (lots of them at Noosa), were embarking on a day's adventure and were looking at making their journey by bus.  Helper walked over with a big smile, and started fielding questions ... telling them which buses went where.   They asked about ticketing.  Best to get a go-card our friend said, it allows for continuous journeys and was 30 per cent cheaper than paper tickets.  Where do we get a go-card?, they asked.  I don't know said our friend, I think they are sold at Seven-11 stores, there most be one around here.  He called me back to help.  I didn't know either.  Our friend could not tell people where to buy go-cards at Noosa.

Next question.  "How do we get our money back if we don't use all our money on the go-card," our couple asked.  They were sold on the go-card concept.  The reply was this: "I don't know, but I know there is a way that it happens, you will have to ring Translink."  The last I saw as my bus pulled up was a holiday couple wandering down the street asking people where the Seven-11 store was, or where they could by a go-card.

[p858snake]

So they havn't installed AVMs with card selling capabilities at a new bus way/junction?

[AnonymouslyBad]

AFAIK All trains between Roma St and Eagle Junction today were on the subs. I saw track machines on the mains between Fortitude Valley and Bowen Hills.

Woah. How is that even possible in peak hour??

[ClintonL94]

I don't think so. I posted that on a Saturday.. I believe if trackwork is required during the week it is done between 10am-2pm

[ClintonL94]

Robina and Varsity are yet to be done

Are you sure about this? I have a photo of Varsity Lakes with the new station signs July 3rd last year and I am certain Robina was done last year as well.

[ozbob]

The 9.33am Gympie North service departing platform 7 Roma St  30th August 2011.  Due to availability issues with the ICEs and presumably IMUs the day Gympie North service has been run with a variety of units of late.  This photograph shows SMU 210, from memory I think the lead unit was SMU 204?



Photograph R Dow 30th August 2011

[Arnz]

Which speaking of Gympielanders, today's run was operated by a older 6-car IMU.  

However, it was at the expense of one of the 2x 6-car IMUs that normally run the Nambour off-peak services.  The 8:30am (ex-Rich) and 1pm from Roma Street to Nambour scored a 6-car EMU today, both runs are usually rostered by the same 6-car unit.

[petey3801]

Which speaking of Gympielanders, today's run was operated by a older 6-car IMU.  

However, it was at the expense of one of the 2x 6-car IMUs that normally run the Nambour off-peak services.  The 8:30am (ex-Rich) and 1pm from Roma Street to Nambour scored a 6-car EMU today, both runs are usually rostered by the same 6-car unit.

The 10:05? to Nambour off Bowen Hills was EMU13 this morning.

[SurfRail]

Robina and Varsity are yet to be done

Are you sure about this? I have a photo of Varsity Lakes with the new station signs July 3rd last year and I am certain Robina was done last year as well.

That's not the "new" new style.  Same format, but the station name is in larger font and not in italics.  Basically means that Varsity Lakes will have gone through 3 different signage styles in as many years.

[kw]

Popped into letterboxes around Shorncliffe today:

In the interests of Public Safety, the footbridge at the end of Gowen Street end of the Shorncliffe station will be closed to the public on the weekend of 27-28 August 2011.  The footbridge will be permanently removed in October 2011.  Customers, please note that access to Shorncliffe station will still be available via Railway Parade.

From the recent Bayside Star.

- Kent

[ozbob]

 

I raised the matter with Queensland Rail direct as well.  Glad some commonsense has prevailed.

[ClintonL94]

That's not the "new" new style.  Same format, but the station name is in larger font and not in italics.  Basically means that Varsity Lakes will have gone through 3 different signage styles in as many years.

Alright thank you SurfRail for confirming. I might check that out in a few weeks.

[HappyTrainGuy]

From a while ago while testing some multicamera setups but still funny

[O_128]

Just a random thought, Isn't it interesting that inner suburbs have such high PT usage, Is it

A) There all hippies
B) High service levels
C) Congestion

All I'm trying to say is the inner suburbs don't have high patronage because of where they are but there service level. Just because a suburb is 30km from the city doesn't mean it will only have 7% PT share.

And also with the UQ lakes fiasco was that possibly designed on a 7% PT share.

[Jonno]

The assumption that public transport has some artificial upper limit is illogical on so many levels and shown to be so almost everyday.  The passenger trips are there. It is just the planning is broken, it set false limits and thus creates a system and service so bad that it is lucky to attract any patronage.  The ultimate self-fulfilling prophesy!!!!

[ozbob]

Now that we know what station we are at (the new station signs being rolled out), time we knew the time.

The clocks at Ipswich rail station irritate me.  Either fix them, or remove them please.  Yes we know that in some respects the 'smart' state is behind time but this is a killer .. 

The time when these photographs were taken was 3.05pm





Photographs R Dow 2nd September 2011