I went for ride to Swan Hill 07:40 usually tabled as loco haul service…..when 06:01 via v/line website advice they decided to knock out the service and replace it with 3×1 car Velocity car which was terminating at Bendigo only to be buses from Bendigo onwards.
Arrived Southern Cross station and gathered info that a yard point failure was a issue in present impacting movements as well…..VN17 went empty cars to what I suspect a workshop, when VN14 took the 06:55 Warrnambool from platform 1 late boarding and departure…..
Shuffled to platform 5A a 3×1 Velocity rolled in a crowd of people were forming for the service was building some with luggage etc. I could see the surprise and disappointment on some people faces when they were advice what they had to do to commute beyond Bendigo.
I discovered earlier via a conductor who was taking the service: they were cutting back maintenance on the N sets.
I boarded the DMU Velocity 3×1 a good amount people on board as i seated myself by the window which later on had couple sitting near me, One beside me and one facing backward.
Who later moved because of the cramped seats, I found extremely cramped to attend my own self care like eating as I bought my own stuff on board and bought food in preparation when I got hold the information earlier. As for most the passenger on board, they went without food or drinks for the duration of the trip to Bendigo, and some got caught out and didn’t look happy or comfortable as people had bags and luggage….it was a good crowd before Kyneton and more people boarded at Kyneton when I got off to catch the Up service 10:15 Loco Haul back to Southern Cross.
I had VN14 and the same locomotive as last Wednesday N474 the one that didn’t sound right when I went to Warrnambool…..
Train arrived a bit late but well loaded a bit of overcrowding in vestibule areas. arrived a little late was amused to see it making the 13:00 Warrnambool.
Train pulls in 5B and all seems as normal, they prep it as normal but later on near departure it took weird turn….
The crowd waiting for the train including myself was impacted what emerged.
1. I had somehow noticed the lights in the carriage suddenly switch off, it must did this 3 times before I noticed a tech guy with a amp meter and his offsider boarding it to have a look armed with the tools …..
2. Whist these tech people from Alstom was addressing the what I suspect was electrical faults within the train the light went on off a few times in whole train.
3. Later I noticed the Train Examiner talking to the tech people when I heard over the noise of the locomotive and station the Train Examiners said to them “Knock It Out”
4. I realised many travels on trains around the system it meant the train was unfit for service, and the shortly after the PA advised people to go to 3A where VN19 was all lit up ready for action as that was meant make up one the later evening services.
5. I had already started shuffled for 3A as soon I heard the Train Examiners comment to the tech people when the PA announcement came out.
To me having a different set no. and loco haul is better than Velocity and bus transfer more comfortable a late arrival but tolerable….
I noticed people grumbling as some had some rather large bags as well as luggage and bike etc. but I gather the travel aid people won’t be impressed as mean those people need assistance would have transferred to 3A as there was a few needing that assistance with mobility issues etc.
Being a Sunday a big crowd of people was waiting to board that service.
The all sudden another platform change via PA back to 5B back to the set and loco perviously knocked out of service re instated! Me I just sighed, “Back I go!” and shuffled up the closest stairs/lift exit to go to 5B!
I arrived back and board shortly with big crowd on the 13:00 Warrnambool down. I thought it good they managed to rectify that electrical fault for now to allow this train to operate.
As from my observation those last minute platform changes were cruel to those people who were frail and not so fit and to those people with a luggage not very good for them it tired them physically no doubt stressful for some of them.
On board we has severe overcrowding people standing in vestibule areas and near external door areas and sitting on the floor on the way to Geelong as being Sunday timetable it stopped at extra stops unlike the Weekday timetable.
I wonder if that overflow of people was for those trying avoid 10:13 3x1car Velocity service that started at 31 Nov 2024 for Monday workday or outing for the weekend as I have noticed on the other loco haul time slots that currently remains until Dec 1st working time table comes out it more crowded as even one my pervious ride on 07:20 had a increase people riding to Warrnambool and back.
On yesterday ride on N13 Warrnambool noticed two people with Laptops and phone that was chattering loud enough to arouse me from my snooze against the window on other side of the carriage and discussing trains and Warrnambool and mention some about car lettering A,B,C,D,E that seem to indicate loco haul after Dec 1st but I won’t take it for face value until see it as offical statement from v/line or on their WTT.
I have learn V/line had retired VN5 to Bendigo Railway Workshop to use as spare parts to keep the other N sets going!!!
I would like raise some questions:
1. Why are they seemly butchering a serviceable 5 car sets when they can access the state archives of Vic Railway Rolling Stock blue print for the older N and Z Series Car that has all the specifications and dimensions for the components for these older rolling stock currently in service?
2. What stopping the current management from approaching the tourist railways who currently has had these older carriages allocated to them as they got the blueprints to reprint of some the older carriages blueprint for their rolling stock branch and engineering dept to fabricate reproduce these part via Alstom for maintenance purposes in Vic what what N sets are current until the get a fit for purpose newer train to replace it that exceeds that acceptable regional standard for longer travel 2.5 Hrs + for Victorian Railway Conditions?
From my observation:
It seems to be not logical that during a rolling stock shortage which they are aware of they would seemly take easy way out to butcher a set of 5 Cars set which is currently serviceable treat it as hulk for spare parts!
I can understand if carriages are found to have a cracked under frame and rendering unsalvageable ie: heavy damage due a accident etc. of cause it can be used for spare parts!
All I can say is what a dog’s breakfast for all those involved……
A dogs breakfast sounds about right. V/line are going from bad to worse and the CEO is not helping. More interested to rewards and bonuses rather than an efficiently running rail network fit for passengers.
Oh and I notice that recently the 5 car set N12 hasn’t being seen for awhile I wonder if she suffered the same fate as VN5?
If so, could one may ask is it seemly like stealth tactic to pushing in the those not fit for purpose trains Velocities for the only two remaining longer lines that still has loco haul at the moment Swan Hill and Warrnambool routes?
V/Line have a sly and awful management without reproach and morales.
The management is crap.
Love these articles I really do great to see what is really happening out in the network and not rely on the spin and garbage of the government departments.