[Vic.] Craigieburn Extension Opened

And they said this was the biggest expansion to the suburban network in
'decades' - 10km electrification of an existing track - how lame.

d.


Paul Westcott wrote:

> At about 10.45 this morning, having, in traditional fashion, ridden for
> only one station from Roxburgh Park to Craigieburn, Premier Brumby and
> PT Minister Kosky declared the latest extension of Melbourne's
> electrified network open.
>
> Paul Westcott

ORNet wrote:
> And they said this was the biggest expansion to the suburban network in
> 'decades' - 10km electrification of an existing track - how lame.

Indeed. The last three extensions of the Melbourne suburban system, to
Cranbourne (1995), Sydenham (Watergardens)(2002) and Craigieburn, have
all involved the electrification of short sections of existing lines.

Apart form the four kilometre Altona - Laverton connection, built in
1985, the last suburban extension to be constructed, from East Malvern -
Glen Waverley, was opened in 1930.

Paul Westcott

CB wrote:
> Paul Westcott wrote:
>> ORNet wrote:
>>> And they said this was the biggest expansion to the suburban network in
>>> 'decades' - 10km electrification of an existing track - how lame.
>>
>> Indeed. The last three extensions of the Melbourne suburban system,
>> to Cranbourne (1995), Sydenham (Watergardens)(2002) and Craigieburn,
>> have all involved the electrification of short sections of existing
>> lines.
>>
>> Apart form the four kilometre Altona - Laverton connection, built in
>> 1985, the last suburban extension to be constructed, from East Malvern
>> - Glen Waverley, was opened in 1930.
>>
> The City Loop opened in 1981 would have to count as the most significant
> extension in the past many decades.

I didn't include the City Loop because I don't see that as a network
extension in the literal sense, although I realise that's very much an
arguable point.

Paul Westcott

Paul Westcott wrote:
> ORNet wrote:
>> And they said this was the biggest expansion to the suburban network in
>> 'decades' - 10km electrification of an existing track - how lame.
>
> Indeed. The last three extensions of the Melbourne suburban system, to
> Cranbourne (1995), Sydenham (Watergardens)(2002) and Craigieburn, have
> all involved the electrification of short sections of existing lines.
>

> Apart form the four kilometre Altona - Laverton connection, built in
> 1985, the last suburban extension to be constructed, from East Malvern -
> Glen Waverley, was opened in 1930.


What about the 1983? electrification to Werribee & 1975 to Pakenham were
more significant projects.

Or even the reconstruction of the Ferntree Gully Upper to Belgrave line
from narrow gauge, all happened since 1930.

Not enough I agree, but don't make it sound worse than it really is.


Kevin Martin

Kevin Martin wrote:
> Paul Westcott wrote:
>> ORNet wrote:
>>> And they said this was the biggest expansion to the suburban network in
>>> 'decades' - 10km electrification of an existing track - how lame.
>>
>> Indeed. The last three extensions of the Melbourne suburban system,
>> to Cranbourne (1995), Sydenham (Watergardens)(2002) and Craigieburn,
>> have all involved the electrification of short sections of existing
>> lines.
>>
>
>> Apart form the four kilometre Altona - Laverton connection, built in
>> 1985, the last suburban extension to be constructed, from East Malvern
>> - Glen Waverley, was opened in 1930.
>
> What about the 1983? electrification to Werribee & 1975 to Pakenham were
> more significant projects.

More significant than what? Please read what I said. I was talking
about the *last three* extensions of the suburban system and about
*newly-constructed* lines.

The Werribee electrification was of an existing line, and the Pakenham
line was already electrified of course.

> Or even the reconstruction of the Ferntree Gully Upper to Belgrave line
> from narrow gauge, all happened since 1930.

Hmm... Well I suppose that is arguably new construction, but how many
references cite it as a later example of new-line construction than Glen
Waverley?

Paul Westcott

Paul Westcott wrote:

>
>> Or even the reconstruction of the Ferntree Gully Upper to Belgrave
>> line from narrow gauge, all happened since 1930.
>
> Hmm... Well I suppose that is arguably new construction, but how many
> references cite it as a later example of new-line construction than Glen
> Waverley?
>

I think it is an almost forgotten rebuild, certainly as the
infrastructure had to almost totally replaced as it was useless for its
new role. Don't ask me why references don't want to include it as a
significant extension of the suburban system. It ought to be considered
a excellent achievement, however it seems to be just a forgotten statistic.

Can't be too many ex narrow gauge railways around the world, converted
to standard or broad gauge, electrified and carrying significantly more
passenger then ever before. Congratulations to those who thought up the
scheme and actually carried it out.


Just imagine the modern commuter, changing trains at Upper Ferntree
Gully to the NA hauled train to Belgrave, with a couple of services all
stations to Gembrook. ;-)

Perhaps they would have needed a couple more Garratts, double track to
Belgrave at least and automatic signalling ;-)

Anyone for a diesel Garratt?


Kevin Martin

Kevin Martin wrote:
>
> Just imagine the modern commuter, changing trains at Upper Ferntree
> Gully to the NA hauled train to Belgrave, with a couple of services all
> stations to Gembrook. ;-)

Sounds like a perfect dream for some gunzels.

Paul Westcott