N12 goes over mud hole after Gisborne has brake problems causing big delays on the Bendigo Line

10/12 N12 the 4 car set to was rostered for Swan Hill.The loco heading the train N453 was late on coupling up due to issues getting 3B.

I shuffled in sat at 3B and watch the train action before the train was due to shunting in making the Swan Hill 07:39 for the day and watched some interesting things beforehand.

1. 06:54 I turned around and saw N453 moving light engine to platform 6A
   • Then the locomotive went behind the grey Building, where, drivers, crew etc. sign in
   • It sat in siding near by beside the Sprinters rail cars which I understand was most recently retired from us ie: Seymour and Stony Point line
2. 07:04 N458 leading shunts in with the N12 the 4 cars set to 3B empty cars from the yard
3. N453 was late to couple up to the train
4. After safety checks was done we were boarded promptly and I settled in BZN265 the one with metal rivets on the rolling stock outline.
   • 07:40 electrical fluctuation observed in fluro tubes in carriage lights

We departed promptly as soon people were settled the in the carriages

I had my breakfast and had to dozed off a bit and was woken up abruptly by severe bump before Gisborne as on area I seated was nearly directly over bogies the carriage!

I felt the train jerking, back and forth it on whist rolling along and was bought to stand still shorty after

09:04 PA on board advised “A Safety Inspection of the train will advise when more info come out.

From the window I saw the marker 77 pegs we were located before Woodend

1. 09:17 I saw from the window two V/Line staff walk next the carriage stop and bend down and looked at the bogie of the carriage and walked back the locomotive.
   • the train suffering brake issues?
2. At 09:43 from the window I saw the two V/Line staff with big shifters in hand heading to adjust the brake rigging on the carriage bogie on BZN265 after had train passed through.

I wonder if they were adjusting the brake travel with the slack adjuster on it or did something shake loose from it after that bump before Gisborne?

At 10:09 advice on V/Line website came out.

Live Disruptions

Service Delay – Bendigo line

07:39 Southern Cross – Swan hill service is delayed by 35 minutes due to a train fault. We are sorry for the delay in your journey. [09:25 10/12]

1. Was cleared to proceed to Woodend onward at 09:52
2. PA on board advised the Brakes rectified.
   • I was aware that BZN265 brakes were fixed by adjustments made on site on the rail corridor
   • Train Control would be aware as part of the chain of command to say ya or nay to this.
3. Arrived Kyneton late 10:14 and saw with VN14 on the up and returning service from Swan Hill. and we were cleared to proceed beyond Bendigo.
4. 11:02 arrived at Bendigo eta Swan Hill 13:30

Rolled onward, I can say we totally lost our path!!!

245 pegs the train slows down nearly stopping briefly & driver was blasting the horn of the locomotive!

It sounded at least 3 times!!!

PA sounds again advising live stock on the rail corridor!

I understand the driver is trained to take evasive action to avoid hitting them. As I understand in total darkness this might be tricky.

PA & crew advised problem with braking system of the train as we pulled in Swan Hill 13:43

• After quick run round and couple up at 14:07 I was on board again for the homeward leg.
• after good smooth run to Bendigo we were at least 44 Min behind N12 was fairly empty on the return
  • as I guess being so late the peak hr students and workers at Bendigo went for another service as 16:01 is the normal scheduled time for N12’s arrival!
• 18:32 BZN 265 scraps Albion’s platform again passing through and there goes the paintwork, that will shine up those rivets again! What a rotten noise!!!
• Missed seeing the evening service……by seeing VN17 & 10 in the yard…..VN14 is missing again before arriving at 18:58 that day back at Southern Cross

Conclusion:

The knock effect on the service was bad we lost our path and delayed other services that morning due the fact we stopped mid route to address a issue with the brakes.

• In VR days Before cost cutting and outsourcing to other transport company via tender or contracted to maintain the trains.
• The running gear repairer who once worked under the supervision of train examiner would of picked up the emerging issues beforehand as part of their preventive maintenance program.

I would never thought I would see this in board daylight where the driver had to actually get out and rectify something on the brakes on the train in the middle of the rail corridor!