Testing the Garratt between Canberra and Bungendore

Here is a link to a short video (approx 7mins) of the ARHS (Canberra Division) Beyer Garratt 6029, being put through its paces on a load test train. The line it is running on is part of the main line between Sydney and Canberra, although this train was only taken as far as Bungendore, some 40 odd kilometres (25 miles).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlC3z8xLk_c

Cheers, Gary.

Gary,
Great video; thanks for posting it. I love Garratts!

Mark

Majestic, is the word that springs to mind.

Anyone else notice that somewhere between 4:55 and 5:19 the two diesels, which I assume are a backup, end up in reverse order. It also looks like the maroon (red) coach has disappeared, until at the end of the video it appears right at the back.

Ed

Hi Ed,

The red coach is is present right through the video. You will see the red coach positioned right behind the blue/silver 442 Class loco at the beginning. From 5.20 onwards, the two diesels have actually been run around the train at Bugendore, as with the Garratt, for the return journey back to Canberra and the red coach is at the rear of the train. Actually, the diesel locos are positioned/facing the in the same direction as on the up journey to Bungedore. There is no turntable facility at Bungendore, only a passing loop. You will notice that at the beginning of the film, the Garratt is travelling with water tender first, up to Bungendore and towards the end of the video, it is leading with the coal bunker, back to Canberra.

Cheers, Gary.

Hi Gary

Take it the two diesels were there as a backup in case the Garrett broke down.

Note it needed two diesels but only one Garrett ;-)


Ed

I think it was more to do with load testing than a possible breakdown… ;-)

Cheers, Gary.