Steam on the Suburban Network - 19 - 21 April

[ozbob]

Minister Nolan has just announced on radio 612 ABC Brisbane some steam suburban runs Ipswich - Shorncliffe early next week.

Normal suburban fares and travel.  For crew training.

Details later today on TL site.

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
16/04/2010

Steam train suburban services to make first appearance since 1968

Brisbane residents will have a rare chance to hop aboard a steam train service next week, with QR set to run additional, special services between Ipswich and Shorncliffe.

The three services, one each day from Monday April 19 through to Wednesday 21 April, are the first time in more than 40 years commuters will be able to use their regular tickets to get on board a steam train on the suburban network.

The special services are part of a training school to skill up current electric passenger train drivers to become qualified steam train drivers.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said Queensland Rail is one of a handful of railway companies in the world to operate heritage services.

"The train drivers in this school are already very experienced passenger train drivers who over the years have become firemen on our steam trains - for them this is the next step," she said.

"Our steam train trips are incredibly popular, with the Q150 steam train last year travelling more than 10,000km, and special services during events such as last year's Ekka.

"These extra services will be a bit of a surprise to some commuters next week; to be sitting at Central station waiting for the next train and see a steam passenger train pull in.

"It's a good opportunity to experience how rail travel use to be.

"These three special services will be out of peak times, but there are no special conditions - if passengers want to get on board they simply need to have a valid ticket or go card."

The last time steam trains were used as part of suburban passenger operations was September 1968.

The following year all remaining steam locomotives were removed from operations in Queensland, replaced by diesel locomotives and, beginning in 1979, electric trains on the suburban network.

This is the first steam train drivers school since 1997. Three drivers will qualify from this school, with a further three to qualify in May.

The special services will depart Ipswich station at 9:12 am, stopping all stations to arrive at Central Station at 10:34am and the all stations to Shorncliffe station for an 11:20am arrival.

They will then depart Shorncliffe station at 12:18pm, Central Station at 1:03pm and terminate at Ipswich at 2:24pm, stopping all stations on route.

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

[ozbob]

http://www.translink.com.au/event.php?id=187

Event name     Steam train services
Dates    Monday, 19 April to Wednesday, 21 April 2010
Venue    Other
Start    9.00am
Finish    2.30pm

Public transport services to the event     

Use the journey planner to find out which scheduled bus, train and ferry services travel to Ipswich station.

The trains will depart Ipswich station at 9.12am, stopping all stations to arrive at Central station 10.34am. They will then continue all stops to Shorncliffe, arriving at 11.20am.

Public transport services from the event    

Use the journey planner to find out which scheduled bus and train services travel from Shorncliffe station.

Alternatively, travel to Shorncliffe station to ride the steam train back to Ipswich.

The return train will depart Shorncliffe station at 12.18pm, stopping all stations to Central station. They will depart Central Station at 1.03pm, terminating at Ipswich at 2.24pm.

Other information    

These three special services, one each day from Monday 19 April to Wednesday 21 April, are part of a training school to skill up current electric passenger train drivers to become qualified steam train drivers.

There are no special conditions to travel; passengers only require a valid ticket or go card to board.

[#Metro]

Something like this would be very popular- Ipswich or Redbank Rail Workshops to Roma St by steam.

[ClintonL94]

I'm in the city on tuesday around 11:30am, I wonder if I'll be able to spot the train or go somewhere to find it.

[ozbob]

Through Central at 1.03pm Clinton on the way back to Ipswich.  Morning timed for Central 10.34am.

[QGT]

Sounds Great I'm there 

[Huggies]

Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
16/04/2010

The three services, one each day from Monday April 19 through to Wednesday 21 April, are the first time in more than 40 years commuters will be able to use their regular tickets to get on board a steam train on the suburban network.

Funny that they say this. QR Heritage ran several steam train trips in the early 2000's from various suburban destinations to the city and one could use their Citytrain ticket on these services. I remember traveling from Thorneside to Roma Street in SX Set 45 behind BB18 1/4 1079 during the Easter holidays.

[Otto]

Count me in on Monday !!

I'll catch it from Shorncliffe to Ippy..

[#Metro]

I can just see this train is going to be packed full of people! It is going to be very popular.
I'm very excited!

[ozbob]

Yes, I can recall some suburban trips with the DD17 and sx set using normal tickets at the time.  Took my daughters along, they used to wear their swimming googles.  Cool!

[ozbob]

Hope to make the first leg from Ipswich Monday.

[ozbob]

From 612 ABC Brisbane Breakfast.  Minister Nolan was the guest tipster for the NRL and made the announcement re Suburban steam and answered some questions.

NRL tipping (and your questons to) Transport Minister Rachel Nolan  click here!

[#Metro]

Something like this for special days: i.e. Australia day, Ekka Show days etc would pull crowds I think.

[stephenk]

This is great news for people who don't have a job. Sadly, I have a job and won't be able to travel. With a 25min slower run time I can see this steam train delaying normal CityTrain services.

[Jon Bryant]

Do these count as extra seats?    

[mufreight]

As these trains operate two minutes behind the regular electric service I doubt very much that they will interfer with the operation of the normal timetabled services.
Perhaps look before one jumps in could improve the credibility of some comments posted in this forum.         

[stephenk]

As these trains operate two minutes behind the regular electric service I doubt very much that they will interfer with the operation of the normal timetabled services.
Perhaps look before one jumps in could improve the credibility of some comments posted in this forum.         

The trains may start off a couple of minutes behind the regular service, but they don't stay a few minutes behind for long due to slower journey time.

Whilst I'm not doubting they have a theoretical timetabled path, there are plenty of other issues that may delay other services. I'm also particularly interested in the reversing arrangements at Shorncliffe.

A delay to the steam train may delay the following normal service approaching the city which will be right behind it. Also, as the steam train seems to have the same dwell time as the Ipswich-Caboolture Line at Central, then you may need to add a few conflicting moves into the mix.

[ClintonL94]

Through Central at 1.03pm Clinton on the way back to Ipswich.  Morning timed for Central 10.34am.

Might hop on it to Ipswich if possible, haven't been to Ipswich yet either so should be fun.

[tronixstuff]

As these trains operate two minutes behind the regular electric service I doubt very much that they will interfer with the operation of the normal timetabled services.
Perhaps look before one jumps in could improve the credibility of some comments posted in this forum.         

The trains may start off a couple of minutes behind the regular service, but they don't stay a few minutes behind for long due to slower journey time.

Whilst I'm not doubting they have a theoretical timetabled path, there are plenty of other issues that may delay other services. I'm also particularly interested in the reversing arrangements at Shorncliffe.

Went to Shorncliffe last weekend, the 'wye' still seems ok, but grassed over somewhat.

Last time I remember 'driver training' steam trips was a day out to Laidley and back in 1998. Took me almost five minutes to argue with the ticket seller at Roma St to sell me a return ticket to Laidley.

[mufreight]

From Ipswich to Corinda the special will have a 28 minute lead ex Ipswich before the next electric service so it will be well clear at Corinda, from Corinda to Northgate there are four tracks so once again the chances of the steam service obstructing regular services in the scheduled off peak services is a no brainer, and then then on the section from Northgate to Shorncliffe it departs Northgate on the tail literaly of the regular scheduled electric service so once again being off peak when a 30 minute service frequencie is in operation the timings are more than generous.
The timetabling for this special service has been done by experienced staff working from actual steam loco running times then also allowing additional running time, with the standards of servicing that are applied to these locos failures are less likely that for electric services so there is little point in nitpicking all the what iff's with this operation which is to ensure that trained qualified staff will be avaliable to operate heritage steam in the future.  QR Passenger is to be commended both on the continued training of drivers in the operation of steam locomotives but also in having taken the initative in making these training services avaliable to the general public.      

[ozbob]

When there was some suburban runs during the week using the DD17, similar to what is planned for next week,  there were no interruptions to the normal timetable.  I can recall the loco inspector got in the front car with us to let the trainee crew have a go without the 'boss' leaving Ipswich.  Corinda he  hopped back in the cab of the loco and showed them how to really do it.  The DD17 in his hands went almost as quick as an EMU.

The funny thing with those services was the reluctance of punters to get on board at the stations.  So few of us took to letting folks know it was fine to come aboard for the run to town.

[tronixstuff]

re.  QR Passenger is to be commended both on the continued training of drivers in the operation of steam locomotives but also in having taken the initative in making these training services avaliable to the general public.      

Damn straight.
Of all the things we expect from QR, this is one thing that they purely have absolutely have no obligation to do. But they still keep steaming on - thanks QR

[Derwan]

I'm in Maryborough at the moment but will head back to Brissy in the morning.  I'm going to try to catch the train from Boondall to Shorncliffe - or on the return trip if I don't make it.  I'll ride it all the way back to Ipswich (or until I get bored).  Some clever touching will keep the fare to a minimum. 

Steam Train Sunday's often run to Shorncliffe.  No issues with reversing. 

[kw]

Steam Train Sunday's often run to Shorncliffe.

It's the ARHS Sunshine Express Rail Tours that charter the steam trains to Shorncliffe. Last ventured down the branch in December. Will be heading down there again on the Saturday 8th of May for the "Rail & Sail Tour". The QR steam staff have turning on the wye at Shorncliffe, Thorneside & Bethania down to a fine art, working in between the electric services. 

http://www.arhs-qld.org.au/Sunshine-Express-Rail-Tours/Upcoming-Tours/tour-rail-and-sail-tour-may2010.html

- Kent

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times click here!

Golden age of steam trains

Golden age of steam trains

19th April 2010

FOR the first time in more than 40 years, Ipswich residents can enjoy a train trip to Brisbane can hop on a steam-powered locomotive.

Queensland Rail workshops mechanical fitter Marc Ferrar next to the wheels of a grand old steam train that will be used to ferry passengers to Brisbane.
Claudia Baxter

FOR the first time in more than 40 years, Ipswich residents who buy a ticket or swipe their Go Card for a train trip to Brisbane can hop on a steam-powered locomotive.

From today until Wednesday Queensland Rail will run special steam train services between Ipswich and Shorncliffe to train electric passenger drivers into becoming qualified steam-train drivers.

Each day the services will depart Ipswich station at 9.12am, stopping at all stations to Central Station at 10.34am and on to Shorncliffe station for an 11.20am arrival.

They will then depart Shorncliffe station at 12.18pm, Central Station at 1.03pm and terminate at Ipswich at 2.24pm, stopping at all stations.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said Queensland Rail is one of a handful of railway companies in the world to operate heritage services.

"The train drivers in this school are already very experienced passenger-train drivers who over the years have become firemen on our steam trains – for them this is the next step," she said.

"These extra services will be a bit of a surprise to some commuters next week; to be sitting at Central station waiting for the next train and see a steam passenger train pull in.

"These three special services will be out of peak times, but there are no special conditions – if passengers want to get on board they simply need to have a valid ticket or go card."

One Mile resident Marc Ferrar, a mechanical fitter on steam trains at QR's North Ipswich Railway Workshops, has been working hard to ensure the chosen locomotive runs smoothly.

The locomotive that will be used for the special services was the last steam locomotive built and put into service by an Australian government, in 1958.

"It's looking good and it's great that we can put it out on the tracks and train more drivers up," Mr Ferrar.

The last time steam trains were used as part of suburban passenger operations was September 1968.

Officially 1968, there have been  a few training services since then  though.

Presently at Gailes heading for Ippy, on board EMU80 ...   :-)

[ozbob]

Outbound, Bundamba.  Hope to do some twitter updates from the steam run Ipswich to Central.

Follow on http://twitter.com/Robert_Dow  after 9.12am.

[STB]

I'm stuck at home getting assessments in and done, so think I'll be making the 1:03pm Central to Ipswich service today only.  I've heard that it'll happen again next month.

[rob2144]

I got your head on my video bob :p will post my videos on YouTube when I get home, currently on the 3car Cooroylander imu121

[Derwan]

About to board at Boondall.

[ozbob]

Great run in.  Front carriage, Minister Nolan and a few RAIL BoT members and quite a heavy load of pax by the time we made Central, made the journey in.   More later. Off to work ..  

The locomotive BB18 1/4 1089 working well.

[ozbob]

Some early photographs, more later.

Ipswich



Central





Photographs R Dow 19th April 2010

[Derwan]

At Shorncliffe. It ran a little late. It's done the reversing manouver and now waiting for another suburban.

[Derwan]

Platform 2 at Sandgate. Confused a few people.

[Derwan]

Almost at Central. I'm on the last carriage.

[ozbob]

Some photographs from this morning Ipswich to Central

Ipswich
















Minister Nolan travelled from Ipswich to Central




Approaching Toowong




Central





Photographs R Dow 19th April 2010

[kw]

Great pics Ozbob.   

I was at Shorncliffe today getting some footage. Channel 10 & 9 both had film crews at Shorncliffe. I'll be on the Wednesday trip

- Kent

[Sunbus610]

Yeah, thanks for sharing those pics Bob.

[longboi]

Great pics Bob 

[ozbob]

QUT News --> http://www.qutnews.com/2010/04/19/steam-on-the-rails-again-in-queensland/

TRANSCRIPT

Rail commuters took a step back in time this morning.

Queensland Transport Minister Rachel Nolan, one of the first to get on board.

She says the special services are skilling-up current electric train drivers to become qualified in steam trains – an important part of tourism.

Rachel Nolan, Queensland Tansport Minister: "Queensland Rail is the only fleet in Australia that still has a heritage operation. We've got about half a dozen steam trains that are maintained out at North Ipswich and that are regularly used for tourist services."

It was a rare sight at Central station as steam filled the usually clear platform, and train spotters were ready.

Catching the B-B eighteen and a quarter class locomotive a dream come true for this train enthusiast.

Robert Dow, spokesperson for Rail Back On Track: "To be able to travel by work this morning is something that most train enthusiasts only dream about these days... to have it as a reality is fantastic."

Steam trains haven't carried suburban passengers since 1969 and this return is only short lived with the steam train making three journeys before retiring.

The special service will be repeated tomorrow and Wednesday, leaving from Ipswich station just after nine.

Amy Stewart, QUT News