Wulkuraka - maintenance facility new generation trains

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times click here!

Ipswich to be home to next QR fleet

Ipswich to be home to next QR fleet

Kieran Banks | 30th June 2012 2:00 AM

IPSWICH will be the home of QR's new 200-strong fleet of city trains once plans for a new service centre are given the go-ahead.

The Queensland Times revealed 12 months ago that a site at Wulkuraka had been earmarked as a potential base for the new fleet and can now confirm the project will proceed once the city council approves a development application.

A detailed announcement on the depot is expected within the next few months.

The facility will be owned by QR, but the maintenance on the City Train's new additions will be outsourced to a third party.

The Ada St site will employ 200 staff to perform the maintenance on the City Train's next generation.

If approved, the site will take two years to construct.

The announcement comes a week after the Queensland Times revealed QR had failed to carry out a plan to move 400 staff to Ipswich ahead of the Icon Ipswich development.

A Queensland Rail spokesman said the Wulkuraka Service Centre was still in the feasibility stage.

"Queensland Rail is working closely with Ipswich City Council and undertaking further studies and impact assessments to determine the suitability of the proposed site at Wulkuraka," the spokesman said.

Ipswich West MP Sean Choat was briefed on the project's status.

"It's a new facility and it will be operated by a third party under contract with QR," he said.

"We love the idea of people living and working locally."

Mr Choat will assemble a community consultation group in the coming months.

Public transport advocacy group Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said the service centre would add to Ipswich's railway heritage.

Mr Dow said the new fleet would replace the aging EMU City Trains.

He expects the now 30-year-old fleet to stay in operation for only another 10 years, but not for much more than that.

The new generation trains are yet to be built, with a QR spokesman saying they are yet to award a tender.

[ozbob]

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[colinw]

Back to the future.

This site was resumed in the 1940s for use as stabling, part of the 1948 scheme to electrify the system at 1500V DC. Wulkuraka was to be the the terminus of electric operations to the west.

Good to see that the site will finally be used for its intended purpose, only 65 years behind schedule.

[somebody]

Hey, Merivale bridge and MBRL were/are 100 years in coming.

[Fares_Fair]

Hey, Merivale bridge and MBRL were/are 100 years in coming.

... and the infamous NCL mostly unchanged (i.e. single track) over that same time period, perhaps longer. 

[somebody]

When was that first promised?

[Fares_Fair]

Source: Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Construction_of_Queensland_railways

1865 – Ipswich to Grandchester railway opened
1867 – Western line reaches Toowoomba
1867 – Rockhampton to Westwood line opened
1876 – Ipswich line extended back to Roma Street railway station in Brisbane
1876 – Albert Bridge at Indooroopilly opened, allowing travel from Ipswich to Brisbane.
1879 – Central railway line reaches Emerald[1]
1882 – Line opens from Townsville to Charters Towers railway station
1882 – Opening of Doomben line from Brisbane to Pinkenba
1882 – Opening of Shorncliff line to Shorncliffe (then called Sandgate)[2]
1887 – Southern railway line from Toowoomba extended to meet New South Wales standard gauge line at Wallangarra
1888 – Western line reaches Charleville[1]
1888 – First section of the North Coast Line opened to Caboolture[3]
1891 – Line from Cairns opens through the Barron Gorge to Kuranda
1891 – Tunnel connecting Brunswick Street and Central stations open
1892 – Central railway line reaches Longreach[1]
1898 – Line to Cunnamulla opened[1]
1899 – New (current) Central station opens
1911 – The "Hole-in-the-Wall" at Bowen Hills opened as part of the development of the Mayne rail yard
1913 – First self-propelled railmotors introduced (McKeen Cars — imported from U.S.A.).[4]
1924 – North Coast line opens to Cairns
1928 – Rockhampton line reaches Winton
1929 – Townsville line reaches Mount Isa
1932 – Standard gauge railway completed from Brisbane to Sydney, with the opening of bridge at Grafton
1968 – Moura Short Line heavy-haul railway opens between Gladstone and Moura
1971 – Heavy-haul railway opens from Hay Point to Goonyella
1978 – Merivale Bridge opens, connecting South Brisbane to Roma Street stations
1979 – First electrified line opens in Brisbane
1986 – First rural electrified line opens
1995 – Standard gauge railway completed to Port of Brisbane
1996 – Gold Coast Line re-opens, on a new alignment, from Beenleigh to Helensvale
1997 – Gold Coast Line extended to Nerang
1998 – Gold Coast Line extended to Robina
2001 – Privately-owned Airport railway line from Eagle Junction to Brisbane Airport opens
2009 – Gold Coast Line extended to Varsity Lakes

[Gazza]

Might see a small increase traffic on the Rosewood branch

Which Branch? This one?
http://goo.gl/maps/sj0R

[Gazza]

Rosewood isn't on a Branch though. It's on the main western line.

[SurfRail]

Rosewood museum branch (Marburg line)?   

Might need to fix the missing track to see any significant increase in traffic...

[HappyTrainGuy]

Its on the main line but its treated as a branch line.

[mufreight]

Its on the main line but its treated as a branch line.

With all those coal trains it could hardly be called a branch line, the ARHS leased/owned remnant of the old Marburg branch line is no longer connected to the QR main western line at Rosewood.

[HappyTrainGuy]

I don't see passengers on these coal trains. Its pretty much a branch line. Yes there are a few thru passenger services and a majority is coal/freight services but its still pretty much only Rosewood-Ipswich shuttles hence why its pretty much a branch or spur line even though its on a main line.

[mufreight]

I don't see passengers on these coal trains. Its pretty much a branch line. Yes there are a few thru passenger services and a majority is coal/freight services but its still pretty much only Rosewood-Ipswich shuttles hence why its pretty much a branch or spur line even though its on a main line.

Without the coal, grain, cattle and other freight such as the pipe train that has been operating again the railway would end at Ipswich and buses would provide the passenger services west of Ipswich.
Fact remains that it is a main line and the passenger services do not pay for it or justify its continued operation, as I understand it the line west of Ipswich is not even under the control of Mayne control but rather under the control of the Southern Region control situiated at RC1 at Central which controls main line operations.

[ozbob]

Wulkuraka - proposed location.  Wulkuraka has two full length platforms but only operating for 3 cars.























Photographs R Dow 11th July 2012

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times 14th July 2012 page 7

New train deport shunted for now

[ozbob]

As you can see by the photographs the area is an old railway dump area, nothing there but a few piles of old ballast.    Say goodbye to a transport future Ipswich ...

[achiruel]

So where do the LNP plan to put all the new trains/maintenance facilities?  Mayne is basically full as i understand it?

[Stillwater]

There is a pattern of stop-start-stalled projects, going back before the election of the LNP government.  Projects are announced, then delayed, then modified, then reconfigured, then halted for another re-think.  How does QR function efficiently with all these push-pull factors?  Mr Emerson says he wants 'value for money' in QR projects, which would appear to be code for 'I don't want to spend any money'.  Worthwhile projects such as this planned facility at Wulkuraka are needed, and in no way could be defined as an optional luxury.  Delaying its construction means it will cost more to build eventually, and will deny up to 300 people a job.  How is that value for money?

[petey3801]

As you can see by the photographs the area is an old railway dump area, nothing there but a few piles of old ballast.    Say goodbye to a transport future Ipswich ...

Goodbye to a transport future for SEQ, more like... Without Wulkuraka (or the same type of thing somewhere else - Hello significant delays to the project), we won't be getting any more trains, quite simply. Mayne is full, all out depots are full. Redbank could be expanded by 3 roads (= 6x6-cars) and Robina could be expanded by 3(?) roads (3x6-cars), giving us a total expansion possibility of 9x6-car sets, plus maybe another 2 or 3 (at most) in Mayne, so, at most, 12x6-car sets, which really isn't much in the grand scheme of things. That also doesn't take in to account the lack of maintenance space for the current fleet, let alone any more units!

[ozbob]

I have spoken to locals out that way and the majority actually are quite keen.  They see it as a way of getting the station upgraded with a better frequency as well.

Many of the LNP MPs are looking increasingly as one term wonders. 

[somebody]

Many of the LNP MPs are looking increasingly as one term wonders.

Campbell looked that way as soon as he campaigned in Ashgrove (and that was assuming he got in at all, which he did).

I expect Kate will run in Ashgrove next time and likely get back in.

[ozbob]

Many of the LNP MPs are looking increasingly as one term wonders.

Campbell looked that way as soon as he campaigned in Ashgrove (and that was assuming he got in at all, which he did).

I expect Kate will run in Ashgrove next time and likely get back in.

Big call Simon, but you may be right.  LNP polling had Newman running dead dodo until the 'attacks' ...  they (other side) will not do that again and/or perhaps they will not need too ..

[Mr X]

I wouldn't mind Kate Jones and Cameron Dick returning as MPs.

But that would mean getting rid of Newman, which will be a nightmare. Seeney as LNP Premier? Eh no thanks!

[ozbob]

As you can see by the photographs the area is an old railway dump area, nothing there but a few piles of old ballast.    Say goodbye to a transport future Ipswich ...

Goodbye to a transport future for SEQ, more like... Without Wulkuraka (or the same type of thing somewhere else - Hello significant delays to the project), we won't be getting any more trains, quite simply. Mayne is full, all out depots are full. Redbank could be expanded by 3 roads (= 6x6-cars) and Robina could be expanded by 3(?) roads (3x6-cars), giving us a total expansion possibility of 9x6-car sets, plus maybe another 2 or 3 (at most) in Mayne, so, at most, 12x6-car sets, which really isn't much in the grand scheme of things. That also doesn't take in to account the lack of maintenance space for the current fleet, let alone any more units!

At the all lines CRG last week I asked the question as to the location of stabling yards under consideration.  The speaker indicated unable to state locations.

If Wulkuraka did proceed there would no doubt be some stabling capability there, would have to be for the new sets.

More will be needed, Clapham is the logical place for the next major stabling yard as such ( minor expansions at Redbank, Robina ).  But unless there is some movement for new trains, nothing much is going to happen I suppose.

We might have bring the steam fleet back ... 

[mufreight]

I wouldn't mind Kate Jones and Cameron Dick returning as MPs.

But that would mean getting rid of Newman, which will be a nightmare. Seeney as LNP Premier? Eh no thanks!

And many would agree but Tim Nicholes or Fiona Simpson wpuld both make credible alternatives to Newman or Seeney, the probability is that if Bligh had stayed out of the muckraking about Newman in the Ashgrove seat that Newman would not be there now and Ashgrove would be being represented by Kate Jones.   

[Stillwater]

Nope, can't bring back steam trains just yet.  The MV Rattler is out of service while a safety check of the tracks is carried out following a small derailment of the loco in the shunting yard.  With delays to stabling, we will be colonising Mars before Yandina stabling yards are built.

[ozbob]

Letter to the editor Queensland Times 14th July 2012

The proposed train maintenance facility at Wulkuraka would make good use of old railway yard ground, now just a flat open wasteland, with no koalas or trees to be seen. (New train depot shunted for now, QT July 14). It would bring into the community a strong local economic driver, and also allow for the upgrade of Wulkuraka railway station and improvement in the frequency of rail services.

I had a look around Wulkuraka last week. Local residents I spoke with clearly understood the value of the proposed facility and are keen for it to proceed. Rapid residential development will mean that access to frequent public transport will be highly prized.  To provide that transport it is necessary for the new trains to be maintained somewhere.  The area of low value rehabilitation under consideration would be an ideal location for the train maintenance facility and not be disruptive to residential areas.

Longer term transport plans for the broader Ipswich area mean that train positioning will be critical to support improved rail services on the Ipswich line as well as Ripley Valley - Springfield.

Some of the newly elected LNP Members of Parliament are increasingly looking like 'one term wonders' with their scripted responses from LNP head office.  Time to grasp the big picture!

Robert Dow
Goodna

[HappyTrainGuy]

Kippa Ring is supposed (similar to redbank) to house 12 six car trains.

[petey3801]

But unless there is some movement for new trains, nothing much is going to happen I suppose.

Heh, good point... No new trains means no need for new stabling or maintenance facilities, which means no "wasted" money from the Government!! It all works out! 

[mufreight]

But unless there is some movement for new trains, nothing much is going to happen I suppose.

Heh, good point... No new trains means no need for new stabling or maintenance facilities, which means no "wasted" money from the Government!! It all works out! 

Also means no more services

[Gazza]

Fixing up Thomas St would be easy to do with this project too...Just extend the station in a straight line westwards http://goo.gl/maps/9RVI

[petey3801]

But unless there is some movement for new trains, nothing much is going to happen I suppose.

Heh, good point... No new trains means no need for new stabling or maintenance facilities, which means no "wasted" money from the Government!! It all works out! 

Also means no more services

True, although if Newman's recruitment freeze includes traincrew (not sure if it does or not) then we won't have enough traincrew for any new services anyway! We'll go back to what it was like a few years back when the unions could call an overtime ban and it brings the network to its knees...

[Derwan]

if Newman's recruitment freeze includes traincrew (not sure if it does or not)

The freeze affects non-frontline staff only.  Train crew would be considered "frontline".

[petey3801]

if Newman's recruitment freeze includes traincrew (not sure if it does or not)

The freeze affects non-frontline staff only.  Train crew would be considered "frontline".

Ahh, very good! Although I think (if the Weekly Notice is anything to go by) QR may have extended that to all business areas for the moment... There has not been a single vacancy advertised in the Weekly for the past fortnight...

[mufreight]

But unless there is some movement for new trains, nothing much is going to happen I suppose.

Heh, good point... No new trains means no need for new stabling or maintenance facilities, which means no "wasted" money from the Government!! It all works out! 

Also means no more services

True, although if Newman's recruitment freeze includes traincrew (not sure if it does or not) then we won't have enough traincrew for any new services anyway! We'll go back to what it was like a few years back when the unions could call an overtime ban and it brings the network to its knees...

With the present levels on maintainence related failures the workers do not need to do anything to bring the network to its knees.

[ozbob]

Letter to the editor published Queensland Times 14th July 2012

Planned train service facility to boost area

The proposed train maintenance facility at Wulkuraka would make good use of old railway yard ground, now just a flat open wasteland, with no koalas or trees to be seen. (New train depot shunted for now, QT July 14). It would bring into the community a strong local economic driver, and also allow for the upgrade of Wulkuraka railway station and improvement in the frequency of rail services.

I had a look around Wulkuraka last week. Local residents I spoke with clearly understood the value of the proposed facility and are keen for it to proceed. Rapid residential development will mean that access to frequent public transport will be highly prized.  To provide that transport it is necessary for the new trains to be maintained somewhere.  The area of low value rehabilitation under consideration would be an ideal location for the train maintenance facility and not be disruptive to residential areas.

Longer term transport plans for the broader Ipswich area mean that train positioning will be critical to support improved rail services on the Ipswich line as well as Ripley Valley - Springfield.

Some of the newly elected LNP Members of Parliament are increasingly looking like 'one term wonders' with their scripted responses from LNP head office.  Time to grasp the big picture!

Robert Dow
Goodna

Proposed site of the maintenance facility



Photograph R Dow 11 July 2012

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times 5th March 2013 page 3

New train depot set to put 200 jobs on track

[ozbob]

At Wulkuraka, never noticed before but there is a third platform face.  It is behind platform 1.  Thing must have been built in the 1950s when there were big plans for rail at Wulkuraka.  Still might come in handy.  While here, up and down grain trains passed at the station, few coalies around as well ...

Residential both sides has come on a lot as well.  When Wulkuraka is established it would make sense to run trains through to here.  Problem is Thomas St I guess, 3  car platform  and would be difficult to extend but not impossible (all 3 platforms at Wulkuraka are 6 car length, although only 3 car sections in use).

[SurfRail]

^ There looks like plenty of room west of the current platforms for a 3-car extension, although I can't remember if that might require the embankment to be excavated out.

Rename it to Sadliers Crossing while we are at it...