BOOOOOO- nailed Traditional Cache
Bundyrumandcoke: NO longer living in the area.
Cheers
Bundy
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A closer look at one of Central Queenslands biggest industries.
If you have travelled anywhere between Gladstone and Emerald, or Dysart to Sarina, you have probably seen at least one long coal train. Ever wondered about the stats? Somewhere between 86 and 120 coal wagons, each carrying over 100 tonnes, and up to 5 locomotives, these trains can reach over 1600 metres long, and up to 12000 tonnes gross weight.
While you may have seen them in passing, or perhaps even stopped at a passsing loop or station, what you would not have seen is some of the behind the scenes action. Where does all that coal come from, and where does it go? How are the trains loaded and unloaded.
Unfortunately, these questions are not easily answered in person, as OH&S, as well as other laws prohibit members of the public from accessing mines and loading facilities.
But here, right beside the Capricorn Highway, is a chance to view some of the action. From GZ, you can see sometimes large stockpiles of washed coal from 2 mines just to the north. This coal is pushed into the large piles by bulldozers, after being delivered by semi trailers from the mines. These same bulldozers then push the coal into a pit, from where the covered conveyor, that rises from north to south over the highway, delivers the coal to an overhead hopper for loading by gravity into the top of coal wagons.
At times, there may be little activity in the general area, but if you are lucky, you will get to see a train being loaded. This takes roughly 2 hrs to complete.
There is parking within a couple of metres of the cache. But please take care with the kids, you are beside a busy road. At certain times of the day, and night, this area can get very busy, especially at change of shift times.
Give a wave to any passing train drivers, you never know, you might get a wave and a hoot back.
Don't be too concerned about the No Parking sign near GZ. It and the others were placed to stop employees of the nearby facility from parking on the side of the road. Short term stops, to watch the trains, or for other reasons, will not attract the ire of anyone.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Gurer vf ab arrq gb pyvzo guebhtu gur srapr. Va n pnpuref snibevgr fcbg.
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