I setup and calibrated the VHF/UHF telecoms systems on these loco's during the late 1980's. Local techs and Loco staff had expertly installed the radios wiring and antennae prior to my efforts. Intense times, I was on my own, with my nous and skinned knuckles, that was how it was done back in the day. Once the task was completed the Loco Engineers invited me to their Friday drinks and surprise surprise I won the meat raffle, A huge carton of meat weighing about 15kg's, it was only when I unpacked the meat at home that I discovered a railway wagon coupling hook of about 10-12 Kg's nestled under the meat. Happy non pc days when taking the piss was considered part of the waft and weft of life. I almost pissed myself laughing when I discovered the deception.
Basically it came down to Drivers hours which I think were a maximum of 10 hours IIRC. If a crew were going to exceed that time then a fresh crew would be dispatched by car to relieve them. All part of safety for drivers of Transport vehicles.
Interesting, what was that name you used for what I think is Halcombe? Gosh how things have changed operationally since this was shot. Did I get this right - Palmy to Ohakune, crew change, old crew back by car to Taihape then back on board to crew the train to Palmy? What was that about. Enjoyed it but.
Hi, there were no shots of Halcombe and the old Halcombe Station Loop was closed many years ago and a longer crossing loop was established a little further north and was named Rangitaua. Just where in the video are you referring to? {use Minutes for the location}. As to all that unusual crew changing, I really do not know.
@@rolandpenhall4526 48:13 Think it's Maewa, showed up on the Pulp train ride and you used it on the Milk train as well. Closest I could get is somewhere near Halcombe. Can't see it on a map so was curious.
@@peterscandlyn Maewa is a just north of Feilding by the Feilding Traction Engine Society. Type in: "Steam Traction Society" on Google Earth. The Loop is next to it.
And the electrical infrastructure just sits there unused. There is wire all the way from Huntley to Palmerston North. And the government keeps banging on about cutting our greenhouse emissions. Here's an idea, why not give Kiwirail money to buy 40 new electric locos.
