Operations Trans-Australian Railway

gm29 , gm3 adelaide bound trans australian @ rawlinna in 1986

because of inevitable problems of finding suitable water steam locomotives in desert, original engineer, henry deane envisaged diesel locomotives line. got far making enquiries potential manufacturers. unfortunately, scandal involving supply of sleepers led deane s resignation before diesel locomotive proposal had advanced beyond point of no return.

initially trains hauled g class locomotives , 1938 c class locomotives. not until 1951 regular diesel hauled passenger services worked on trans australia railway, hauled new gm class locomotives.

the trans-australian railway had crossing loops (passing sidings) 400 m (1,300 ft) long every 100 km (62 mi) or so. traffic increased number of crossing loops increased. handle longer trains, crossing loops lengthened in 2008 @ least 1,800 m (5,900 ft) long , spaced 30 km (19 mi) 60 km (37 mi) apart.

most crossing loops unattended , train crew operate points required. crossing loops have self restoring points, points reset straight route when train departs crossing loop. loops fitted radio controls train crew can set points approach. locomotives fitted in-cab activated points system (icaps), enabling remote operation of self-restoring point machines @ crossing loops crew locomotive cab, allowing train crews set required route without having stop train.

the safeworking train orders, via verbal communications-based train order working system.