FRANKTON JUNCTION.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 213, 8 September 1926, Page 6

FRANKTON JUNCTION.

GANG'S SMART WORK. MAIN LINE CHANGE IN 50 MINUTES. Yesterday afternoon a remarkably fine piece of work was performed by a railway plate-laying gang at Frankton Junction under the supervision of Messrs. Langbein (Assistant District Engineer), G. Rayson (foreman of works), A. Chapman (ganger), and Mr. R. Abel (signal inspector). In connection with the improvements and enlargement of the Frankton Junction railway station it was necessary to put in a new "scissors" crossing 180 feet in length and weighing 50 tons, right on the main line at the north end of the station. Immediately the Auckland slow passenger train left at 2.30 p.m., a gang of 30 men cut the main line, lifting the rails and sleepers to one side, and levelling the spot. Skids were then put across, and with the aid of a crane the new crossing was pulled into place. The pang then, with their crowbars and a "Heave ho!" moved the (great crossing a bit this way, and then ,a little the other way, till the ganger with his eye cast along was satisfied it was straight. Soon it was coupled up, and, in fifty minutes from start to finish, the main line was ready for service once again. The whole job was a splendid example of team work, and officials and men are to be congratulated upon such a speedy and efficient undertaking.