Our Trainee Network Control Officers (NCOs) commenced their learning in July 2021 where they covered every aspect of train control needed to operate the CRN safely and efficiently.
As they progressed through their training material towards the end of 2021, they undertook several tours around the CRN and regional NSW. These tours were important occasions for our NCOs to familiarise themselves with the local areas, infrastructure, and network.
The NCOs first visited the western sector of the CRN which covers a vast area of the state from the Lithgow boundary through Parkes, Dubbo, Bogan Gate to Tottenham and Narromine to Cobar. This area is by far the busiest section of rail on the CRN which incorporates passenger, intermodal freight, grain, ore and mixed good trains.
Followed by the tour of the southern section of the CRN which includes Canberra branch line, Junee to Griffith, Hillston, Lake Cargelligo and West Wyalong branch lines. The Canberra line supports several daily passenger services and the Sydney waste train. Whilst the other lines in this section predominantly focus on grain haulage with some intermodal freight.
Finally, the NCOs visited many of the northern towns of the CRN including Armidale, Tamworth and Narrabri. The northern sector of the CRN is vital for the movement of grain, cotton and containerised intermodal freight. There is also a strong daily passenger service from Sydney to Armidale.
“The regions of the CRN are very picturesque, and it was great to see the countryside so green from all the recent rain – a stark comparison to only a year or two ago. I am really looking forward to opportunity to once again live and work in regional NSW.” Jamie Dean – UGLRL Train Control Manager.