The AutoHaul project is claimed to be the worlds first automated and long-distance heavy haul rail network. Technology firm Rail Vision, along with Rio Tinto Iron Ore, has commenced a long-term pilot programme for the AutoHaul project. Under the firms contract with Hitachi Rails STS, the Rail Vision Main Line System will be trialled in Pilbara Western Australia for three months.
(Permalink) Australia AutoHaul Hitachi Rails STS Pilbara Rio Tinto Ore

The Ghan, the legendary Aussie train that links Darwin to Adelaide, 1,850 miles away, is to become one of the world's longest trains.
Consisting of 44 carriages and two locomotives, the train will spend nine weeks running at 1,096 metres in length – more than 200m longer than usual.The extension will make the service Australia's longest passenger train. Elsewhere around the world, only freight trains can compete with the Ghan's 1.1km length, with the nearest recorded services being those of long-distance journeys in India that regularly measure up to 600 metres. The Ghan's summer service will include 22 guest carriages, six restaurant carriages and five lounge carriages, alongside crew, 'powervan' and luggage carriages. It will weigh 2,156 tonnes. [From Richard Buckby]
(Permalink) Australia

Australia's longest-ever grain train has rolled across north-western New South Wales carrying 5,000 tonnes of wheat.
Comprised of five locomotives and 73 wagons stretching 1.3km (0.8 miles), the train left the town of Narrabri on Wednesday.
It later unloaded its cargo of wheat bound for markets in Southeast Asia at the port of Newcastle.
Drones shot video of the bright yellow train as it snaked its way across the Australian countryside.
(Permalink) Australia

Commuters in Western Australia have helped to free a man after his leg became trapped between a platform and a busy train.
CCTV footage captured at the station in Perth shows the man slip and fall as he tries to board the carriage.
His fellow passengers, along with transport staff, then tilt the train so he can pull himself free. [From Richard Buckby]
(Permalink) Australia

Those with an interest in the last years of steam in Australia and New Zealand, from the late 1960s until 1985, will be interested to hear that the well known Shane McCarthy book 'Patterns of Steam' documenting that era is now available as an iPad App. [see news link]
(Permalink) Australia New Book

POLITICIANS and transport experts behind Edinburgh's tram proposals have visited destinations as far-flung as Melbourne to study other networks.
(Permalink) Australia