Melbourne's Richmond Junction - Explained!

Richmond Junction is a large complicated junction between Flinders Street (Melbourne's busiest suburban railway station) and Richmond, carrying all the eastern suburban lines as well as regional passenger and freight trains heading to and from Gippsland. In this video I attempt to explain what all the different tracks are for, and what routes trains normally take through this area. Flinders Street is a pretty flexible station, so most routes shown are just the most common ones: many variations are possible.
A little note - in January 2023 after I made this video, the crossovers I mention at 04:04 were removed, so it is no longer possible to cross between the Caulfield Through and Local lines at Caulfield. This means Frankston trains now always use 3 & 4 at Richmond, and Dandenong/Gippsland trains always use 5 & 6.
Want to help support the channel, get early access to new content and exclusive behind the scenes videos? Join me on Patreon: / taitset
If you like this kind of thing, check out my other documentary/explainer videos here: • Martin Talks Transport
(Includes videos on the City Loop and Sydney's Flying Junctions as mentioned in this video)
Usual disclaimer: I'm just an enthusiast, I don't work for the railways: this video is just for fun. This is a pretty complicated topic so it's entirely possible there could be some small mistakes - if you're learning routes for a safety critical role, make sure you use an official source! This video is based on my own observations (over many years) and photos, with a little bit of help from www.vicsig.net
Chapters:
00:00 - Welcome to Richmond
01:22 - Welcome to Flinders Street
01:46 - Overview of trackage
02:53 - The Sandringham Line
03:29 - The Caulfield Lines
05:34 - The Burnley Lines
08:04 - The other groups
08:31 - V/line and freight trains
09:41 - Flexibility and other moves
11:01 - The Caulfield Loop and future changes
11:52 - Why would I want to know this?
13:00 - The end, & a genius alternative!
#melbourne #railways #transport #trains

[@Taitset]

A little update: in January 2023 *after* I made this video, the crossovers I mention at 04:04 were removed, so it is no longer possible to cross between the Caulfield Through and Local lines at Caulfield. This means Frankston trains now always use 3 & 4 at Richmond, and Dandenong/Gippsland trains always use 5 & 6. This was apparently done to reduce maintenance costs and complexity, but comes at the cost of reduced flexibility.

[@Taitset]

@@electro_sykes They weren't being used on a regular basis anyway, so it won't actually remove any conflicts on a normal day. But it does remove flexibility. I know there's an argument for reducing complexity, but I don't personally think this was a good idea.

[@MrAljosav]

@@Taitset My small theory is that having removed the Frankston line means that the Dandenong line can now have it's voltage upped to 3,000v DC, since HCMTs were designed for 3,000v DC. Also note, since December 2022, only HCMTs run revenue services on the Dandenong line. Comengs and Siemens can still run, but these are for either extra services for events and/or empty moves to maintenance depot at Westall.

[@Sandwich1414]

@@MrAljosav I think your theory is pretty spot on - in one of the Appendices to the Metro Tunnel Business Case (Appendix 3), it's mentioned that an enabled project, i.e. something that can happen once the Tunnel is complete, is the 'Extended HCMT procurement for the Sunshine to Dandenong Line and Fleet Cascade (Power, Platform Extensions & Stabling)'. They also mention 'Frankston Line: Conversion of existing rolling stock to dual voltage capacity to run on Sunshine - Dandelong Line to access Westall'.

[@MrAljosav]

@@Sandwich1414 Yep exactly. Also small interesting side note, there was a feasibility study conducted by Metro last October about converting the Upfield line to 25kV AC around Macaulay to the end of the Upfield line (and then onto Wallan when the line is extended). It would require building dual voltage trains that would switch from existing 1500V DC to 25kV AC between North Melbourne Junction and Arden Street or between Arden Street and Macaulay Road. Ultimately, if all lines are completely segregated through rationalisation of various junctions, removal of shared tracks between multiple lines and city loop reconfiguration, then it would make sense to slowly convert the network to 25kV AC. Converting to 25kV AC would be especially beneficial if we are to ultimately electrify the VLine network. Having 3,000V DC or 1,500V DC VLine trains would be extremely costly to maintain and operationally inefficient compared to 25kV AC

[@D.O.T.D.]

Your son has created the best diagram any system could have: flexible routing, infinite flyovers and junctions, trains being able to access all platforms-at once, and to top it all off: the most beautiful map the world has ever seen.

[@RMTransit]

Excellent as always!

[@thomasfrazier7861]

Truly beautiful re-enactment of AFL

[@bigman4225]

Hello Taitset, As Someone whom has driven the Maryvale on Countless times I can say that it's *extremely rare* for it to not use track 9a. Cheers, BM.

[@kaiwhara]

During an incident last week in the evening, I had cause to run a Ringwood and a Glen Waverley off Platform 12 at Flinders St via the Northern Viaduct and then crossing at Southern Cross for the Burnley Loop. Things like that do not happen often, but they can happen!

[@barrycooper2955]

Makes it interesting. You just have to trust that Metrol has the road set correctly, no route indicators. Can't remember doing that myself

[@DDRWakaLaka]

damn, that was almost in English!

[@YukeWeiss]

I still remember one the most random events I've had is catching a Sandringham train from platform 2 or 3 of FSS and arriving at platform 10 at Richmond. Still wasn't even sure that was doable and several people on my train were incredibly confused.

[@fox_odyssey]

wth??

[@kirk5152]

So weird. Caught PT all my life, I know all this in the back of my head, but bugger me if I could explain it so poignantly!! Kudos to you man!!

[@nickl6162]

really interesting! could you do a video on how the metro tunnel will impact services and how these junctions / city loop are likely to change? i know you went over it briefly but would be interesting to see how much everything would change and what would improve

[@tubester4567]

I went past the entrance of metro tunnel, the tunnel entrance looks complete except for the tracks are not installed yet.

[@sniper.93c14]

I suspect (at least at Flinders) that Gippsland V-Line and Freights could all be routed through Platforms 6/7 - potentially along with Melbourne Airport Rail Link Trains

[@PJRayment]

@@sniper.93c14 Platform 6 does not have good access to Southern Cross' platform 15 and 16 or the good bypass track, so it is not used for such trains.

[@EBGamez1]

69th like :)

[@SYDTrainsFilms]

This is so confusing but you explained it so well. 👍🏻

[@exakelgaming]

This is why i don't take the trains when i visit melbourne.

[@70sVRsignalman]

Great video, the section from Richmond to Flinders St was known as the "mad mile" from the 1950s&1960s. It was officially known as Jolimont Junction; and there is still a sign announcing the VR Jolimont Electrical Sub Station between Richmond and South Yarra.. During the ten years of the MURLA / Melbourne Underground Rail Loop Authority, an extra 2 minutes was added to the schedule between Richmond and Flinders St ( and also between North Melbourne and Flinders St ) to accomodate speed restrictions, and altered routing due to MURLA works. This was advertised on Notice Boards and Public Time Tables that delays were anticipated due to MURLA Works, and that the advertised train schedules were adjusted accordingly. With the passage of time, however, people complained that their train was late due to waiting in the Flinders St Yards, when actually, despite this wait in the Yards, their train did arrive on time at Flinders St. In reality, very few people actually either know, or remember the time tabled arrival of their suburban journey. It should also be pointed out that on the VR, on time was to 3minutes +/- 30 seconds ( with analogue clocks ), ie your train may arrive up to three minutes later than scheduled, but that was still considered to be on time. ( This also applied to London Transport Underground trains. ) With the "benefits" of efficient privatisation , on time is now to 4 minutes 59 seconds ( with digital clocks ), On the VR, prior to 1983, when Metrol took over signal control, arrival times were recorded by Platform Supervisors, who listed arrival time as the time passengers commenced disembarking from the train. After the abolition of Platform Supervisors ( and their Flinders St Platform Cabins ) arrival time was electrically detected at specified timing points, this recorded time being just prior to the train actually stopping. This difference compared to manual recording, could differ by up to one minute. ( The reason being, the train has to actually stop, the doors then need to be released, and passengers ( sorry, customers ! ) then need to open the door prior to alighting. )

[@Taitset]

Totally agree about most passengers not actually knowing the difference between a delay and a timetabled wait! The Hurstbridge expresses usually wait a few minutes at Heidelberg on the down, and often on approach to Greensborough. People complain about the train being delayed, but we usually still get there on time!

[@tubester4567]

I remember it in the early 70's, it was a mess but plenty to look at for a kid. There was a turntable on the riverside. Its looks very neat and tidy today compared to those days.

[@70sVRsignalman]

@@tubester4567 Hello all, 1/ the turntable was used to turn suburban electric trains to even up wheel wear, presumably based on mileage, with the introduction of Underground Loop services, that requirement disappeared, though the turntable survived, and was still occasionally used. It has been preserved, but I cannot now recall where. 2/ Flinders St Yard was also a maintenance site, so re-blocking of brake blocks was carried out and when required, in a number of sidings. I presume that some carriage cleaning also took place as Lost Property was sent from the Yard to the Lost Property Office. 3 / I am also aware of a signalman who used to take his bicycle on the train, and on one occasion left said bike on the train after arrival at Flinders St, his train shunted out on arrival. After his shift ended, he went to catch his train home, and this was duly docked up from the Yard, and much to his surprise, there was his bike waiting for him !

[@benlever3172]

Great stuff! I'd love to see something similar for Southern Cross, including some ideas for what would need to be built to reduce/eliminate all the conflicts we have today!

[@Falkirion]

Deep deep deep pockets. A lot of the equipment handling the signalling through there is archaic. It'd basically be gutting it entirely and rebuilding it with a modern solution. That was about 7 or so years back during the RRL project when I was still in the design end of signalling and saw the drawings/worked a few commissioning shifts to see the equipment.

[@echidnalives]

Came down here just to ask the same thing! A Southern Cross thing would be amazing!!

[@bettysteve322716]

last time l stood on a platform there it was still called Spencer Street Station. Used to love all the tracks and junctions coming in there from the West.

[@70sVRsignalman]

@@bettysteve322716 Hello all, from an operating perspective, it still is called Spencer St, as the cost of altering all the paperwork would be quite expensive, and for no practical benefit. Some things are easily changed, time tables for example, other things like wiring diagrams etc, would be very expensive, and the staff know where Spencer St station is. ( The public do too, but Southern Cross sounds more impressive ! )

[@aussietaipan8700]

I can see your 3 yr old son one day redesigning the rail routes, a small step up from Dad.

[@YukeWeiss]

As a regular user of Richmond for years, I really appreciated this. I still have strong memories of running full pelt from platform 9 to platform 1 to change to a Flinders St direct. Worked the timing out perfectly.

[@Alexander_Dunn]

Hi, great video as always. I'm sure you know this already as a Hurstbridge line user, but I'd like to add in addition to what was said at timestamp 11:32-11:45 about Sandringham trains using the loop: a similar thing used to happen at Jolimont, which is why Clifton Hill group trains stopped going through the loop anticlockwise on weekdays in 2008 then altogether in like 2014. :)

[@mrewan6221]

Excellently and clearly explained, with very effective use of diagrams. This has to be one of the best educational presentations I"ve seen for a very, very long time. Good pedagogy.

[@CoatsyJnr]

Your son is an artist

[@carisi2k11]

So basically it is all just chaos. Thank goodness for the new metro tunnel that will bring some rationalisation to the Melbourne network.

[@itechcircle9410]

Who else was here before Taitset's informational videos?

[@WBTravels]

Me

[@Taitset]

Me

[@enochliu8316]

Me.

[@user-ws5nt8zz4v]

Written by written and presented by writers

[@user-ws5nt8zz4v]

No

[@adammurphy6845]

Awesome work! Thank you

[@TreFR14]

Best video of the channel

[@chewygum1854]

Such a brilliant video, thank you.

[@DeansVlogVisionView]

What a weekend for train content! I'm overjoyed and overwhelmed. :)

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Very interesting. 🤔 Thank you for making this! Cheers.

[@trainjedi9651]

Amazing work as always taitset, possibly for another informational video, you could explain how Melbourne trams are numbered.

[@Taitset]

Yes good idea, I will do some tram ones at some point.

[@FLYGTRVIC]

Awesome video, thanks.

[@diltonweany7003]

Fantastic!

[@radioactiveforest]

Nice video mate, really informative. I didn't realise the complexity of the whole network just east of Richmond as I always end up on the same train, though finding out why there was a flyover just before Richmond was nice. I'd love to see a video talking about the history of the track in this area, or the history of flinders streets tracks. can't wait for the next one.

[@mattk183]

Wow, this is amazing, very very good!!!

[@pearsonator123]

Super interesting video and as a commuter who travels through Richmond quite a lot this is also super helpful knowing the unidirectional travel piece

[@anthonyf3680]

I work at Richmond station and you did a great job of explaining it 👍🏻

[@aedeatia]

Amazing video! The amount of original research is insane! I tried looking up this information from Vicsig a while ago with no luck.

[@zanelindsay1267]

Brilliant explanation of this expansive track-work with all the diagrams, views and photos! Certainly a great place for train-watching!

[@crumpsyjay]

I used to take Alamein trains from Flinders St after work, and that used to be a fun adventure. Depending what time I get out of work would determine where at Flinders St I'd have to board. Sometimes 2/3, sometimes 4, sometimes 7/8, and then it'll make its way through the junction up to 10 at Richmond. Over time I learnt which service would depart where at Flinders St, but didn't always work out.

[@70sVRsignalman]

Hello All, 1/ Alamein's normally arrived on 3 or 4 due to shunting out to the Camberwell or Burnley Sidings at Flinders St. They would then redock from these sidings to form afternoon peak Alamein's. There was also a M+D+M+D+D+M set which would shunt off 4 around 9am, then divide in the yard as 3 seperate units, then redock. for the next 3 down off peak Alameins. Around 3pm this process was reversed, and each 2car unit would shunt out to the Yard, reattach, and redock around 4.30pm to form a down afternoon peak Alamein. After the evening peak, this 6car set would shunt out, and redock next morning for a down Alamein. 2/ Alamein sets due for shopping would be sent to platform 12 to then shunt straight down to the Jolimont shops for maintenance..

[@jdillon8360]

Very informative. Thanks for making this video. As a Melbourne local I've never really understood this part of the network. Now it's very clear. Thanks so much.

[@dylanshadowstar9779]

As someone who uses heads through Richmond and South Yarra every day for work using different stations, this is such a fascinating video

[@Kevin-go2dw]

After not riding a train from Caulfield to the city for years (prior to works at South Yarra) this video explains why the rails at the Frankston underground tunnel entrance looked unused (rusty). Great Video. I used to enjoy looking at the stabling yards and the Jolimont Workshops. Not sure, but the turntable might have been relocated to Emerald (Puffing Billy).

[@markbroadbent6162]

Thank you, I found that quite interesting.

[@afl300]

this is nice information and yeah, sometimes trains do cross to diff platform like once, a train from belgrave/lillydale line, stop at platform 1 at flinder st station and change name to hurtsbridge line train. this happened a few times and could imagine vice versa

[@jaewardtattoo]

That was nice to see some different frieghts

[@johnniemccrory1785]

Thanks for another great video! PTV could really take some notes from your kid's designs.

[@Techno-Universal]

I believe the Jollymont yards used to be where the sports stadium precinct is today which is where a bunch of newer stadiums such as the John Cain Arena are located! :)

[@Taitset]

It was a bit of both, there were sidings all over the place including between the running lines.

[@joshuacoppo2900]

train people are a different kind, awesome video mate

[@dshack4689]

Fantastic video, graphics and explanations. Loved your sons tutorial diagram for PTV also! Instantly subscribed =)

[@midnightteapot5633]

There used to be a short siding at the Flinders street end of platform one years ago, I remember seeing a couple of Tait cars there , but it was rare to see it being used.

[@therealsammyvee888]

Great video. Helped explain some things I was confused about. I was wondering if you could perhaps do a video about Southern Cross and which platforms are used by which trains (primarily V/Line/freight but also maybe a small bit on Metro suburban if you feel it's necessary). That'd be a great help because I want to know all about how to determine which V/Line trains will be at which platforms. Hope that can be done. Thanks.

[@Taitset]

I am planning to eventually do a Southern Cross one, but I think it will take a while! However the short answer is that most V/line trains can run from just about any platform from 1 to 8, it can change a lot.

[@therealsammyvee888]

Ok, glad to hear. And thanks for that.

[@jontysherson]

A good junction you can do is the Wellington NZ junction, from the railway station to the Tawa Tunnel

[@Taitset]

Good idea, I'll put that one on the list!

[@eannamcnamara9338]

0:20 i have definitely wondered that! ( I've never been to australia ever)

[@paulvirgona4901]

Another great informative video thanks. Do you also have a video explaining the layout between Flinders Street and Southern Cross Station? I’ve always wondered how the squeeze so many lines on those viaducts. Another great job.

[@AustralianRailwayVideos]

cool video, I liked learning about Melbourne's own main junctions albeit a bit more confusing

[@Nnda8731]

Interesting to see how this arrangement gets modified after the City Loops gets reconfigured once the Metro Tunnel opens

[@moistie]

I appreciate the reenactment of a sporting event at the MCG.

[@usnoozeyuloosey]

Thank you. I like my train videos but never seen a local train video

[@nickhall545]

Your sons art is beautiful, great video too!

[@Taitset]

Thanks 😊

[@pagophilus]

I remember going to school in the early 90s, and Dandenong trains would use both platforms 4 and 6 at Richmond, meaning that, having just come from the Burnley lines, you needed to guess which platform your train was going to be in, and sometimes change in a hurry. Also, stopping all stations used platform 6, and expresses used 4 (I think). And trains from Dandenong could sometimes use platform 1 in Caulfield.

[@romanrat5613]

Great video. Would be cool to see one on the Harold interlocking in NYC

[@BrillOBuffalo]

Very good video! The days of being to run Dandenong group and Frankston trains down either the Caulfield Through or Caulfield Local are numbered. Come early-mid 2023 CT and CL lines will be straight railed, with some points retained/added on both individual lines for terminating only.

[@barrycooper2955]

It's crazy, it will come back to bite them on the bum when a train karks it, no way of re routing other services around it.

[@nostalgiaof98]

Tfw a three year old is better than Connex That was rather cute including that into the video 😊 Currently watching this on the Pakenham line having departed from platform 6 (as you said will nearly always happen) Also explains why I hear a steam train screaming through. That whistle is piercing!

[@VhenRaTheRaptor]

Huh. There is actually a fan-made map for the game Rail Route that does a very good explanation of how this works. Complete with the rail loop.

[@JustAlexB270]

I remember there was a stabling siding

[@zksnxtrap]

I've seen Glen Waverley Trains run through Richmond 9 and stop at East Richmond.

[@PJRayment]

That is a normal move in the afternoon, as all Glen Waverley trains running via the loop have to use platform 9, and they then switch to the down Burnley Local track at East Richmond.

[@tommyliddiard433]

Hey mate, love these videos. Would be interested in seeing some more on junctions, maybe some elsewhere in the world. As I'm from England, would love to see some here such as the mess at Clapham Junction in south London.

[@Taitset]

Glad you enjoyed it! I will definitely consider some UK ones. Clapham would be a real challenge! I went there once in 2017, quite an amazing place.

[@pattomuso]

LOVE your son's version!

[@jordancook4744]

You should do a video like this on the junction between north Melbourne and southern cross

[@bryan3550]

Oooh! Do tell us more about Flinders Street Platform 14, Martin! A relic of Princes Bridge station? I've often wondered what lurks behind those shabby walls, coming into Platform 1 on the Hurstbridge line...

[@Taitset]

It's not quite part of Princes Bridge, although it does almost reach that far. Its physically part of platform 1, which used to be divided up in three parts, with 1 east and 1 west. West hasn't been used for years, but at some point 1 east became 14. It was basically very similar to the current platform 12. Up until relatively recently, if a train was sitting in platform 1 they would let the following train arrive and dump its passengers on 14. This was fairly common in the 2010s. I think I saw a train depart from there a handful of times, but it wasn't very common. Now they've changed it to an emergency exit only, and I'm not sure what conditions there are about using it.

[@Falkirion]

Ungh I have nightmares about that area. Hated seeing the bonding plans for Richmond during CTD (Skyrail) cause it was hard to keep the damn rail straight and find the exact point I needed to insert new equipment on the drawing. Great explanation of just how straightforward the junction is though when you take a step back and see it from above. Should get better with the Dandenong lines getting taken out of the equation with the Tunnel. Though that'll bottleneck South Yarra some as a result

[@TheFinalMinutes]

Nice video! Have you ever done one on the prospects of covering the tracks to the east of Fed Square?

[@Taitset]

Not yet, it is on my 'to do' list though!

[@frozenblazenon]

Still confused

[@shaunmckenzie5509]

Now you've gotta do North Melbourne

[@Liverpoolfcfever]

Could you please do one for the Western side. I never really go out that way and would like to k ow how it works

[@Taitset]

Yeah I'll probably do Southern Cross-North Melbourne eventually!

[@therealsammyvee888]

Good idea, I'd like one of North Melbourne including the V/Line flyover(s) before and after the station please.

[@tabuoey]

love your channel!! also, are you saying in the future the cranbourne/pakenham line wont stop at richmond anymore?

[@Taitset]

Glad you're enjoying it! Yes that's correct, if you want to go to Richmond you'll have to change to the Frankston line at Caulfield.

[@Waterfront32]

Great job on the video! This is a really great video and is so informational. In future will you do something like this with the yards between North Melbourne and Southern Cross?

[@Taitset]

Thanks! Yes a few people have been asking for Southern Cross-North Melbourne, I'll definitely be doing it at some point.

[@jdillon8360]

Would love to see a video explaining the junctions between Southern Cross/Flagstaff and North Melbourne.

[@Taitset]

I do have one in the works, there are a few other videos I want to get done first but I'll get to it eventually!

[@patrickdellvideo]

11:11 The Hitachi trains would slam through these points. The noise with the windows open was brutal.

[@Steamtostay]

@11:28 - far more down Frankston trains will remain on 8/9, allowing Burnley Local to terminate in 6/7 instead of sharing 2/3 with Burnley Through.

[@iainhughes4630]

If Frankston remained on 8 and 9 where would Sandringham and Werribee go? Its not like platform 11 is available anymore, and only terminating trains from the east can use Flinders Street plat 13. Also if Frankston trains coming out of the loop would need to come out to use southern cross 13, meaning platform 12 at southern cross would be unused as well as overcrowding the cross city group. My thoughts on FSS Maybe clifton hill 1 only, burnley through would use 2 only, burnley local would terminate on platforms 3&4 in Flinders whilst platform 5,6 are the northern group, 7,8 are Frankston and Gippsland Vline, and 9,10,12 are for Sandringham and Werribee. Yes Im aware plat 13 would become unused but oh well. Eventually Burnley group might use platform 6 at flinders but probably not until the city loop reconfiguration project. Hope this makes sense.

[@mattymmmm2362]

Nice video. How about one explaining Roma St to Bowen Hills and Exhibition in Brisbane. Cheers.

[@Taitset]

Yes that would be a good one!

[@timothyweber2361]

Another great video! Really interesting. Most of my life I've been a very frequent user of Richmond Station and I'd love to see it redeveloped at some point with a much, much larger and grander passenger concourse on the western/Flinders Street end of the platforms for access to the MCG/Melbourne Park/major events. I'd also be really curious to see how the Metro Tunnel will change Richmond and South Yarra.

[@Taitset]

Glad you enjoyed it! I agree, Richmond is long overdue for a proper pedestrian route over to the stadiums. Something like what they did at Wellington station in NZ would be good (big elevated footbridge direct from the platforms to the stadium), but hopefully a bit less ugly.

[@kangaroopunchyt]

Your son has opened the eyes of PTV now they know what’s wrong with what they’ve done

[@steamrailr761fan6]

You should do North Melbourne junction next. 😊

[@Taitset]

Yep that's next on the list!

[@IainShepherd1]

Oh bummer for me that Frankston line will go back into the loop, as my work is right by Flinders/Elizabeth St Well. I guess it can’t be just for me (or they’d call it the Iain line.)

[@Ensign_Cthulhu]

I used to live a literal stone's throw from Burnley station. It was a big factor in deciding to pay as much rent as I did, because I had easy access to the Melbourne metropolitan system at my fingertips. I also used to live in Traralgon once upon a time, so passing through the Richmond junction on trips into town was extremely frequent. It's nice to finally find an explanation of why things worked the way they did. (On another note, I once got warned for trying to photograph trains and trackwork. This was in 2007; I'm assuming that either things have changed since then or I just encountered someone unusually officious.) Do you have a Flinders Street Explained, yet? I know there are a couple of 'shadow' platforms there which only rarely get used, and I'm pretty sure I once caught a train from one of them.

[@Taitset]

Connex was very aggressive towards photographers from about 2002, and Metro started out the same. They did eventually change the rules to allow amateur photography again, but there are still a lot of grumpy staff out there who don't like it/don't know the rules. It's not just a Melbourne problem, I've had problems in Sydney and Brisbane too, and even Adelaide. I probably won't do a dedicated Flinders St explainer at this stage, it's partly covered in the video, and I'll cover the other end in a video about the viaduct at some point!

[@joshuasmith257]

Taitset, could you please explain what will happen to Richmond station layout? Please.

[@psychedelicprawncrumpets9479]

Are you going to fly to Perth and cover the new airport line opening in a couple of weeks?

[@Taitset]

No, but I do hope to go there some time in the next 12 months or so.

[@gman83090]

it’s really ironic I am going through Richmond junction at the moment

[@gregmichael8473]

Thanks for a clear explanation of the lines at Richmond Junction. Presumably it was due to cost but wouldn't it have been a good idea to build a third ramp into the Caulfield Loop for Sandringham trains to use? I have a vague recollection of being on an Up Sandy a long time ago that crossed right over to Platform 1, which would appear impossible now. Perhaps it was only to 2/3. It must have been before privatisation due to the split in the system between Hillside & Bayside that that created.

[@70sVRsignalman]

Yes, that is correct, it was possible to do so, but privatisation led to the crossovers linking the Caulfield lines ( Bayside / National Express ) to the Burnley lines ( Hillside / Connex ) being removed. This is also the reason why Show Trains now originate and terminate at Flinders St, whereas the VR ran some direct services from the eastern suburbs direct to the Showgrounds, a change at Flinders St not being required.

[@PJRayment]

@@70sVRsignalman The crossovers between the Burnley Local and Burnley Through tracks (that would allow a train to South Yarra an beyond to leave Flinders Street platform 1) were removed well before privatisation, if I'm not mistaken. Otherwise, I don't think any crossovers at Richmond Junction have been removed.

[@greenlamp9219]

one thing for sure is that it is always such an eyesore to look at. an wont improve anytime soon. pretty sure they already employ your son at metro. cool video

[@jimpikoulis6726]

Surely PTV could give your son a job!!!!!

[@trainguyrocks]

*Re-enactment* 🦵🏉

[@lachlantanseytheii4412]

ptc should hire you son to redesign this problematic junction his design will definitely fix everything

[@mitchelloke9145]

Can you do a video on North Melbourne to Southern Cross Junction?

[@Taitset]

Yep, I'm working on it right now. :)

[@dylanshadowstar9779]

I'm curious about what will happen with South Yarra, once the metro tunnel lines open, the Cranbourne Pakenham trains won't use South Yarra. Making lots of free space at South Yarra as it only takes four lines currently.

[@Taitset]

Gippsland trains will still run that way, but yes it will become a very underutilised bit of track. I'm not sure if there are any other plans for it!

[@TrebleSketch]

Am wondering if we could hear your opinions as a transit enthusiast on how these junctions could be redesigned in the modern day! On another note, I have heard that they are going to be reconfiguring the loop with some new tunnels. Wonder how that would look like on this map! Great video :D

[@Taitset]

I did think of adding a 'how I would do it' bit to this video, but it was going to get very complicated haha. Maybe in a future one. I was thinking of doing a video on the Loop reconfiguration. I'm not really sure if they're still planning on doing it or not though, it sort of pops up from time to time but without any sort of time frame.

[@TrebleSketch]

@@Taitset Yeah, last I heard... It was "after the construction at Parliament is complete and the Metro Tunnel has opened", so quite some time away. Do also wonder, if trains orders were of no concern... What's the capacity bottleneck for more service once the reconfig (or even once Metro Tunnel is opened) is completed? Have heard so much about how there is "not enough signalling capacity" and wonder how much of that will be true one Metro Tunnel is used.

[@ryng112]

I went to platform 13 the other day and i went. Wait what? This exists?

[@ally-1190]

hey i know its london but could you maybe do a video on kings cross or waterloo those lines are really crowded

[@Taitset]

A few people have asked for some UK ones, I'll certainly consider it! I have been to Kings Cross and Waterloo, both very interesting stations.

[@DanielDiaz-um1xd]

Dunno if it can still be done but once caught a Sandringham train from p14 at flinders & many crossings later we pulled into P2 at Richmond

[@70sVRsignalman]

Hello All, platform 14 was Princes Bridge ( as was 15&16 ), and yes it was possible to go to Sandringham from PBS/FSS 14 to SHM. When Kennett got in, and the privatisation agenda got underway, these connections were removed to "increase competition" and "improve efficiency", it actually did neither, but never let facts ruin a good story.

[@PJRayment]

@@70sVRsignalman I'm pretty sure that the connection that would allow trains from 14 to run to Sandringham was removed as part of the underground loop works.

[@70sVRsignalman]

@@PJRayment Dear PJR, not correct, as the down Eastern Pass on a Sunday was frequently run via Plat 14 to the Dn CFD Local at E Box. I recall on one occasion when a down Eastern Pass ended up on the Shm Line due to the train number dropping out and the TDAR default routeing was the Down SHM line, though this was more usually a problem with lost Train Numbers on down DNG or FKN trains being routed to the down SHM line. This was a rare but occasional problem, eventually solved by taking the particular Home Signal of TDAR !

[@PJRayment]

@@70sVRsignalman "...not correct, as the down Eastern Pass on a Sunday was frequently run via Plat 14 to the Dn CFD Local at E Box." When was this? There was a crossover from the D Box end of platform 14 to the down BT, but I'm sure that was removed for the construction of the City Circle ramp in the early 1980s.

[@70sVRsignalman]

@@PJRayment Dear PJR, this was the case whilst Metrol was at Batman Ave, the points you refer to were removed after Metrol moved to Transport House, and Plats 15&16 were "temporarily disabled" for the NGV Federation Square reconstruction. The points in question ( their number escapes me for the mo ) were double ended points at the down end of Plat 14. Plats 15&16 were supposed to be restored to service, but that never happened . ( As an aside, the NGV Fed Square Gallery is an appalling design due to the noticeable lack of useable display space, combined with large amounts of unusable display space, how the hell it won an architectural award is beyond me, as it is notable for its vast unusable for display space, in an Art Gallery, that desperately needs more display space ! )

[@ishval7978]

Could You talk also about the cranbourne/pakenham line express how they sometimes stop at malvern and sometimes dont.

[@70sVRsignalman]

Hello all, that is basically a time table decision based on passenger surveys.

[@PJRayment]

@@70sVRsignalman No, it's a government decision, and stops at Malvern will become standard.

[@ishval7978]

@@PJRayment Oh. When will that be?

[@PJRayment]

@@ishval7978 When the Metro Tunnel opens, if not before.

[@jackryan2135]

Craziest thing about Richmond station is that their is no link to West Richmond

[@kaznec]

Do you have a patreon or anything like that I can join/contribute to? :D

[@Taitset]

Not yet! I probably should get on to that..

[@DarrenHailes]

What is the “infrequently used city circle tunnel” you mentioned that is accessible from Flinders St platform 1? Is there an unused tunnel???

[@Taitset]

It's used once or twice a day, more during some disruptions. I explain it in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ7Cf4yarLRnfKs

[@dylanshadowstar9779]

It's a train line that just runs through Flinders, southern cross and the loop. Doesn't regularly occur but sometimes if some of the other train lines aren't using the loop or Flinders they'll run this to help people

[@MrAljosav]

The video needs a slight update since the Caulfield rationalisation last month :P Dandenong lines can only run through Caulfield local lines (i.e. platform 5/6 at Richmond) and Frankston line can only run through Caulfield through lines (i.e. platform 3/4 at Richmond)

[@Taitset]

Haha I know right! Very annoying there's no way to update the actual video files on KZbin.

[@PJRayment]

@@Taitset A pinned comment may not be a bad alternative.

[@MrAljosav]

@@Taitset Well when the Metro Tunnel opens, you could create an updated video. And, if and only if... the government follows the original PTV Network Development Plan (I hope it does) you could do another update when the City Loop is reconfigured for North-South through-running of Craigieburn-Frankston services in 10+ years :P