This video traces loaded bulk commodity trains (coal, grain and ore) with gross trailing weights of up to 4,200 tonnes, as many as 46 wagons and requiring as many as 7 locomotives with total tractive power of up to 12,000 horsepower as they struggle their way south climbing the steep gradients of the Liverpool Ranges between Willow Tree and the summit at Ardglen Tunnel.
Outside the above section of track, 4000 to 6000 horsepower would be adequate to haul the above trains between Werris Creek and Newcastle, despite the many short sections of 1 in 40 gradients encountered. It is the 8 kilometers of almost continuous 1 in 40 curving track between Kankool and Ardglen Tunnel which require the use of the 6,000 horsepower of the banking locomotives that are the title of this video. In the video, we see a variety of train locomotives in the form of 442, 48, 81 and 82 classes, while in most cases the bankers are the recently assigned 80 Class operating as triple combinations. We do however see shots of 35 and 442 Class and dual 81 Class, performing these banking duties.
It is interesting to note that the Ardglen section of track was officially opened back in 1876 as part of Sir Henry Parks' grand plan to connect outback New South Wales by rail to the main cities and ports. Up until then, the Main North Line terminated on the south side of the Liverpool Ranges at the town of Murrurundi.
Approximate run time: 70 minutes.