load out bay
going through load out
side dumping truck off loading
conveyor from wash plant
conveyor looks a bit like a good roller coaster
new "u beaut" wash plant
I'm not sure if this blog will be of interest to many but last Thursday I went out in the QR Rail Car to various local mines sites as a part of a new group of Trainee Drivers inductions. The rail car historically was used to transport dignitaries and QR hierarchy, it would have been rather salubrious in it's day but is a little tired now. A fully equipped kitchen, tea and coffee, men & ladies toilets Lent for a comfortable outing. There are 2 full time drivers allocated to the rail car and they were great with many stories to tell of their history within QR. I was a bit spoilt and was given front seat beside Driver Noel.
It was interesting from the perspective that I could visualise all of the things Nick talks about,like the load out and track signage/lights - It surprised my just how fast the trains go and sitting right up at the front I felt a little inertia as it feels like you could "drop of the track" at any time. So I have a new appreciation for what Nick does - Having said that, after the first mine it was as exciting as watching socks dry!
The overburden from the mining looks like huge mountain ranges, my concern is that they have dug out so much of the earth that one day it will all cave in and we will end up China.
The newest wash plant looks like a mini city in the middle of no where and I was advised that this is state of the art, fully automated, costs millions and 12 months down the track they are still experiencing significant problems with it! Technology hey!
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