SOUTH ISLAND MAIN TRUNK RAILWAY.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 12852, 10 July 1907, Page 8

SOUTH ISLAND MAIN TRUNK RAILWAY.

PREPARATIONS FOR HEA\~i TRAFFIC. LOCOMOTIVE ANl> ROLLING STOCK EQUIPMENT. (special to "the γ-ress.'') WELLINGTON, July D. The following reference to the pro parations that are being made by th«ilailway Dejiartmeiit for the trafiic on tho Main Trunk Railway appears in the Railways Statement, which was laid on the table of the House to-day: —'lhe North Island Main Trunk Line, being within measurable distance of completion, and there being already in dicuiions that a very heavy traffic will result theieironi. the question oi providing locomotive power and rolling stock equipment in readiness tor tho opening ot tho line lias been engaging close attention. Engines ot gicut power \ull be required to suecesslully negotiate at a reasonable .spetu the heavy grades ruling i»n the lmiLty-oiit; miles ot lino .separating 'iaihape and i iiumarunui. 'I he success winch has been achieved by the ••A" clabs tonrcylindpr balanced compound locomotive already running in the South Island, indicates that an engine of a similar type, but with certain modifications, will meet all the requirements of the trafiic on the heavy grades ot tho 'Main Trunk. Designs have been prepared accordingly, and eight large tender four-cylinder balanced compound locomotives of a special type are now in cour.se of construction, and will be completed in readiness for ' tfte opening of the line. Owing to the length of the lino, and the lact that an essential feature of the timetable will be the establishment of a service that will enable the through jotime.v between Auckland and tho Blnn" to be niado in the shortest possible time, night travelling will be unavoidable, and sleeping-cars an indispensable adjunct to the equipment of the through train. Careful investigation has been mailo with the view to tho adoption of a car that will give the maximum of comfort and convenience to travellers and be at the same timo best adapted to the lines. Plans for forty bogio cars, four refreshment cars, and eight bogiebrake vans for special use on the North Island Main Trunk trains have been prepared, and the construction of the vehicles has been put in hand.