All Dressed Up ....

The images in this blip feature the brand new NSW interurban "Mariyung" trains or "D Sets". They are mothballed on unpowered rusty sidings at Lithgow and Mt Victoria and have been here (most of them) for the better part of four years, deteriorating in the weather ... going nowhere ... doing nothing. There are literally dozens of sets here.

The present trains serving the Blue Mountains and similar destinations along the coast have been in service for up to 40 years. They are comfortable and well maintained but they ARE old. They were overdue for replacement when these new trains were first ordered. Now, as more and more of the "V Set" cars are gradually becoming unserviceable, the need for their replacements is becoming urgent.

I don't profess to fully understand the issues.  I'm not convinced most union members do either ... if it comes to that. Despite the fact that these new trains purport to offer unprecedented levels of passenger safety and security (not to mention modern wi fi and device power), issues seem to have been created over seeming trivialities, largely aimed at preserving guard's jobs for the future and seeking higher pay. This, despite the fact that the new metro trains not only have no guards but no drivers either. Deafening silence.

There's a lot more to the story, (which I think, is truly entertaining, I kid ye not) but I won't bore you further just now. I plan to tell you more in a few weeks time. In any event .. these new trains just sit here, going to waste.