SHABBY LOCOMOTIVES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 83, 8 April 1933, Page 8

SHABBY LOCOMOTIVES.

As an engineer whose occupation takes him on an annual tour over the whole Dominion, mostly by rail, I fully agree with your correspondents "Colour Blind" and H. Bennett regarding the shabby condition of the engines now in use on the New Zealand railways. - A few years ago all locomotives were kept in spick and span order, but now they are & woeful picture of neglect. At several stations on the Main Trunk line the engine shed accommodation seems to be inadequate. Many times I have seen large locomotives which have been left standing idle in the railway yards, deserted and rusted. No doubt it is througU economy reasons that the polishing of railway engines has been abandoned. My observations show that locomotives in the South Island receive more attention ancl grooming than thenless fortunate sisters in the North Island. However, there is still one bright spot in the locomotive world. A small and ancient engine which draws the train from Woodside to Greytown is still a picture of dazzling splendour. Its polished steel rods and shining brass make it such a conspicuous object that passenger® on the main Wairarapa line gaze at it with f admiration and amazement. BRIGHTEN UP.