This month we have a special edition to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the introduction of the Harris trains; a train that dominated the suburban scene for three decades, and then remained a part of the interurban fleet for a further four decades.
We have three articles concerning the Harris train.
- Our first article looks at the history of the fleet, including the factors that influenced their design and construction, the various running changes that were made even as each series was being built, and some of the quite interesting developments towards the end of their construction. We also take a look at the way that plastics and asbestos, two materials that Victorian Railways were proud to promote as part of their construction when new, had by the 1980s led to calls for restrictions or banning of the use of the Harris fleet. We take a look at some of the proposals to extend the life of the Harris cars, including the ultimately unsuccessful grey Harris suburban trains, and the very successful H set interurban trains.
- Our second article is an interview with former suburban driver Ross Jepson as he steps aboard preserved Harris motor 795M and recalls his experiences in driving the cars.
- Finally, our popular Photo in focus series this month looks at an image from 1976, when an empty Harris train heading from the Jolimont yards into Flinders Street Station brought down a signal bridge, throwing that day’s evening peak into complete chaos.
Beyond our Harris feature, we present a round-up of recent news and events from across the Victorian rail scene. Our News pages take a look at the announcement of a contract to deliver 250,000 sleepers to the Portland Line, enabling that dilapidated railway to once again support 80 km/h running of freight services, and support axle loads on loaded wagons of up to 23 tonnes. We also take a look at the ATSB report into an XPT overspeed incident on the Moonee Ponds Creek viaduct, changes to the Murray River railway bridge at Albury, and the devastation that January’s bushfires have brought to the rail trail along the former Mansfield Line.
Our Tourist and heritage rail column visits Yarra Valley Railway where rail and sleepers have recently been laid at lightning speed as that railway presses forward with its Destination: Yarra Glen project.
And our usual other columns are there:
- Infrastructure
- Operations and sightings
- PTV service quality
- Tramways
- Where is it?
Dear Sir,
I applaud the Portland rail upgrade incorporating concrete sleepers all the way.
Now staying with the 23 ton axle load keeps the gross weight of a bogied wagon at 92 tons.
At least going to 25 Ton axle load gets Us to 100 Tons gross. Eight tons by fifty wagons means four hundred tons extra with the same crew/travel time/wagons in use and possibly no more Power required as normally there are three equivilent G class locomotives on each train.
I realise the rest of the feeder sections are still at 20/23 Ton axle loads but you have to start somewhere meaning while the Bull Dozers are there the upgrade costs nearly the same.
Let Us not forget the unloading facilities at Portland, presently the consist has to be split into rakes of sixteen and pushed through.
We need a balloon loop to upgrade the current discharge system completed in 1968, roughly fifty-eight years ago.
Before I go on for an extended period I shall close.
I look forward to Your ever improving Magazine each Month, thank you.
Regards Peter Ennis.