DavidB-AU

Apart from the livery it's the same as the QR 3800 class and PN 71 class. Cheers David

The newest loco in Queensland. http://www.flickr.com/photos/47626638@N02/9252629857 Cheers David

A Class 313 suburban electric multiple-unit leased from Beacon Rail has been converted into a mobile laboratory as part of infrastructure manager Network Rail's ETCS programme. Alstom's Wembley depot has fitted dual-system 25 kV 50 Hz/750 V DC unit number 313 121 dating from 1976-77 with on-train ETCS equipment, engineers' workstations, batteries to power onboard equipment, a kitchen and a toilet. http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/suburban-emu-converted-into-mobile-ertms-laboratory.html

Paul Shepherd's video from Sunday. At 0:58 the photographer in the lower right is me! Cheers David

1089 is doing the honours to Pinkenba today. EDIT: It was running with 1079's tender. That's why the tender was shiny! Cheers David

Some more of the brown bomber. Cheers David

National Geographic has recently published a photo of one of the houses from the set which may be of use for the detail. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BOXoa9xCcAAtM-_.jpg Cheers David

When the loco was restored in 1980, parts from Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 were found. It is common for parts to be swapped around in the workshops. But the frame is definitely No.1 and that's what gives a loco its identity. Cheers David

Two historical photos of 4473 showing the No.2 end. http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bs3BIrxdjR8/UEr27UW2t6I/AAAAAAAABFY/NWX9TcxoyO0/s1600/01+4473+-+Don+Jones.jpg http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AxURvMKIpJM/UEr3gZfdr7I/AAAAAAAABFg/07dI8FCVhq4/s1600/02+4473+-+Don+Jones.jpg Cheers David

Alcos are well known for blowing more black smoke than many steam locos. http://www.flickr.com/photos/38353234@N04/7219271812/ Cheers David

Melbourne's new E class tram http://www.yarratrams.com.au/media-centre/news/articles/2013/melbourne%27s-next-generation-tram-arrives/ CHeers David

Riding the grain train It weighs 3030 tonnes, is more than 600 metres long, and can take five kilometres to stop. It's the mega-train taking our grain to the docks. And beside the track as it passes — and sometimes on the platform — the diesel has a loyal fan base who will admire it regardless of the time of day. At 2.27am when it slows to a halt at Bendigo railway station for a crew change, two young gunzels (rail fanatics) are waiting with cameras on the platform alongside the crew. http://www.theage.com.au/national/riding-the-grain-train-20130627-2ozrv.html

The unmistakable sound of an R class.... Cheers David

Qube owns Macarthur Intermodal Shipping Terminal Pty Ltd, the parent company of IR. Cheers David

4486 hauling the first of two new Mermec ROGER 800 mechanised track patrol vehicles from UGl Broadmeadow to Clyde. MTPV1 and 2 will replace Railcorp's ML039 (RVX4) and ML070 (former 620/720 set). Cheers David

Here's a thought... turn one of the trees into an Ent. Cheers David

The CF4412 commissioning special. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hH1xYc21NVg Cheers David

A few preservation-related discussions have crept into the Modern Scene topic so I thought I'd start a new one for preservation. To kick off, the Puffing Billy Railway will be returning Climax No.1694 to service on Saturday 8th September following a 10 year restoration. It is one of only 19 surviving Climax locos in the world and the only one built to 2'6" gauge. Cheers David

Black Caviar has set another record. Fastest time from a standing start at Hawksbury River to Cowan, just on 9 minutes. By way fo comparison, the Newcastle Flyer was timed at 12½ minutes for that section with a flying start at Hawksbury River. Cheers David

CF4412 in its quite striking Black Caviar livery. http://www.flickr.com/photos/pominoz68/8967952556/ Cheers David

There is still a bit of mixed gauge at Moorooka/Clapham, the main line adjacent to the narrow gauge suburban lines and a 700m passing loop on the other side of the yard. The rail loading compound is also dual gauge. Moorooka yard is to be redeveloped as suburban EMU stabling. The Petrie turntable was removed in 2004. It is now stored at North Ipswich for possible installation somewhere in the workshops, which would allow the one at Ipswich station to be removed. Cheers David

Moolabin is narrow gauge. Standard gauge goes to Acacia Ridge and Port of Brisbane. In the greater SEQ area there are triangles at Bethania, Thorneside, Shorncliffe, Landsborough, Yandina, Gympie North and Granchester. Plus the triangular junctions at Yeerongpilly, Dutton Park - Park Road - Buranda, Sherwood - Corinda - Tennyson line, west end of Roma Street and Bowen Hills, There are also turntables at Caboolture, Moolabin, Redbank Workshops and Ipswich, and balloon loops at Mayne, Pinkenbah and Port of Brisbane. Cheers David

Here are my photos from the trip, including the unexpected sight of a loco derailed at Mayne. http://goo.gl/KQyex Cheers David