Overview

TasRail is pleased to invite members of the Railway Technical Society of Australasia (RTSA) to join us in Northern Tasmania for a unique technical visit showcasing key aspects of the state’s freight rail operations.

The visit will include a guided tour of TasRail’s East Tamar Maintenance Facility in Launceston, the central hub for locomotive and rollingstock maintenance across the Tasmanian network. Participants will gain insight into the maintenance strategies and operational challenges associated with maintaining a geographically isolated freight railway, as well as a first-hand look at the Locomotive Life Extension Project that is currently underway, bringing back to life locomotives from the 1960’s and 70’s.

Members will also have the opportunity to observe remote control locomotive operations at Devonport, where TasRail has successfully reinstated remote control technology within its cement train operations following the runaway event that occurred in 2018. The session will provide an overview of the system’s design, safety assurance process, operational integration, and the human factors considerations associated with introducing advanced control technologies into a live freight environment.

This visit offers a rare opportunity to see first-hand how Tasmania’s rail freight network operates, while engaging directly with TasRail engineers and operational specialists.

We look forward to welcoming RTSA members to Tasmania for what promises to be a highly informative and engaging technical tour.

Program:

• 10.00am – All registered participants arrive at East Tamar Junction, Hobblers Bridge Road, Newstead
• 10.15am – Safety briefing and PPE distribution/check
• 10.30am – Workshop Tour
• 11.30am – Remote Control Demonstration
• 12.30pm – Tour and demonstration concludes – participants free to leave

  Timings are subject to change pending onsite activity

PPE Requirements:

Participants are required to have the following items to join the tour:

• Hi-vis vest or jacket
• Hardhat
• Protective eyewear
• Long sleeves and pants
• Steel-capped shoes
• Gloves

Parking:

Parking will be available on site. When turning off Hoblers Bridge Road follow the long drive all the way to the workshop. From there follow TasRail staff directions.

Registration:

Site visit: RTSA – TasRail operations in Northern Tasmania | Engineers Australia