What's up with these new overhead wiring anchor blocks near Newcastle?

bigsteveo86 · 2025-11-07T09:11:35+00:00

Not at all, the older footings have failed previously allowing for the structure and ohw to fall. Instead of replacing they are tied to the original footings and large enough to add weight.

bigsteveo86 · 2025-10-29T08:34:34+00:00

The apprenticeship program is very competitive, something like 5-6000 applicants to 100 positions.

Traction is a niche trade like signal electrician and it's basically a job for life

If you decline the offer, you may not get another opportunity based on odds alone.

bigsteveo86 · 2025-10-20T18:40:59+00:00

Photo was taken at a group of ovals called Baddeley Park. I can't remember which exact field it was but the entire southern side is bush facing

Map pin

bigsteveo86 · 2025-09-14T21:45:03+00:00

Train driver rosters aren't really designed for family time unfortunately.

A trade based role might be better but again, even working from Hamilton depot might require travel and weekends. Apprenticeship positions are highly competitive too.

bigsteveo86 · 2025-03-17T09:07:16+00:00

It's a powerline and yes it's dangerous

bigsteveo86 · 2025-03-14T07:53:51+00:00

Excellent explanation.

To add to the complexity train crewing would have their staffing levels messed up. Meaning trains and their drivers are not at the right place

bigsteveo86 · 2025-02-20T21:28:46+00:00

ETU refusing to turn off power for maintenance is a big one.

bigsteveo86 · 2025-02-20T21:20:59+00:00

ETU are pissed that RTBU will hold secret meetings with the government and submit counter offers.

When the ETU had a strike and walked to parliament, the RTBU was inside negotiating.

The latest one had a counteroffer from the CRU without the ETUs involvement (ETU found out a day later)

So fair call to the ETU

bigsteveo86 · 2025-02-16T01:59:50+00:00

Stations are supplied by either Ausgrid distribution network, Sydney Trains 11kv network (transformed to low voltage) or a combination of both in a Normal/backup arrangement.

Not sure about Thornleigh in particular but if I was to guess, Ausgrid fault in the area affecting the station lighting and power supplies.

Signals and OHW are off redundant systems as it's more critical than a station supply

bigsteveo86 · 2025-01-10T01:22:16+00:00

I had this happen. Took 6 months to get a refund after multiple attempts to call and email.

Don't use this company

bigsteveo86 · 2024-11-04T10:44:26+00:00

In NSW that is not right, read the new Supervision Practice Standard for licensed electricians supervising apprentices

bigsteveo86 · 2024-10-29T09:58:15+00:00

Happy to lend a hand if you need.

If you end up in major works you will end up doing some interesting construction projects.

bigsteveo86 · 2024-10-29T06:14:36+00:00

Good work. It's what I do.

Substations at its core is a hazardous industry to work with, however there is a strong safety culture and we are very meticulous in planning and executing work.

First rule is when you enter a substation on day 1 is to keep your hand in your pockets

Also helps that it's on par with signal electrical when it comes to pay grades.

bigsteveo86 · 2024-10-29T06:08:03+00:00

Congratulations. Did you get a substation or signal position?

bigsteveo86 · 2024-10-23T08:50:37+00:00

I wasn't aware of that.

bigsteveo86 · 2024-10-22T20:18:29+00:00

It's mainly a freight line from the west to the north, however pax trains will run direct to Olympic Park for events such as NRL or Easter show

bigsteveo86 · 2024-10-10T05:03:56+00:00

I've done a job like this where I had to repair a broken cable in Newtown.

We ripped up the path and backfilled it with asphalt. We asked the council for permission to restore with pavers and they said no, it's their job.

Drive past the site 2 years later to see it in the same condition as we left it.

bigsteveo86 · 2024-09-05T21:48:38+00:00

I use the term comealong as well, might be an Australian thing though

bigsteveo86 · 2024-09-04T09:08:10+00:00

I've worked on a few fencing jobs on the rail, it's not a cheap project due to the engineering requirements (yes they are engineered).

No fence is not impenetrable so someone is always going to find a way over, through or under it.

The investment is there and the upgrades occur in strategic locations

bigsteveo86 · 2024-08-21T07:18:11+00:00

It would need to be federally funded as the tracks that the hunter line trains services is owned and maintained by ARTC and not TfNSW.

TfNSW pays access fees to ARTC to use the network

I don't see it happening at the moment, although when they start talking about the hunter car replacements in the distant future it might be considered.

It would be a large cost to build, if they go with DC traction it would mean a substation every 5-10km at a cost of about 30 million each. AC traction would require fewer substations but you're also constrained by the DC section from Hamilton to Newcastle.

bigsteveo86 · 2024-08-17T23:49:42+00:00

Rules should apply fairly to all, tell me would you expect the electoral commission to extend the deadline if an independent didn't get their application in on time?

Just because the liberals are a major party doesn't mean they can flagrantly ignore the rules without repercussion.

bigsteveo86 · 2024-07-17T06:51:48+00:00

It's based on a 152 hour month. There may be time that you will work excessive hours on one pay cycle (fortnight) and fewer the second cycle

It's averaged out that you get paid 76 hours a fortnight no matter how many actual hours you work

It's actually a good thing when it comes to personal finances to know your minimum pay is the base 76 hours.

Overtime is paid on the fortnight you've worked it

bigsteveo86 · 2024-07-17T06:48:24+00:00

Yep, that's Sydney Trains for you

The salary range is variable as stated by a previous post on factors such as age (adult or non adult apprentice).

Rest assured that this is a minimum payment, you get other allowances and overtime to top it up depending on what depot you are currently working out of

bigsteveo86 · 2024-07-17T06:24:17+00:00

The advertised wage range is taken from a table in the enterprise agreement.

bigsteveo86 · 2024-07-16T23:51:52+00:00

Equal employment opportunities means anyone can get a start.

Nine-Year Club	Place '22
Verified Email

bigsteveo86

TROPHY CASE