RAIL MOTORS.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18016, 7 March 1924, Page 4

RAIL MOTORS.

USE IN AUSTRALIA.

GROWING POPULARITY.

(raou oot ows cosststenasrt.) SYDNEY, February 28

New South Waks a few yeari «€<> embarked upon the experiment of using motor trains on some of the Taxivr °* lines. It was found that they served their purposes admirably, and, being less costly and more economical to ran. removed from the line on which they were first run-Grafton to Lismore, on the north coast—the reproach too common amongst country lines, i.e., that they are "non-paying." A series of care lighter than the ordinary railway car, but -with most of its comforts, is drawn by a motor engine over the ordinary railwav line. South Australia is now following the Mother State's lead and has just received from Service Motors, Ltd., of Indiana, U.S.A., the first of 12 rail motors that have been ordered. It differs considerably from those whicn have hitherto been ran on the JNew Sonth "Wales system. The car, which is painted in navv bine and lemon, is very similar in shapo to some of the smaller cars on the Adelaide tramways and is about the same sisse. It seats about 46 passengers and has a luggage compartment near the driver, which will also carry light parcels and a tew cream cans. The power unit is a «J h.p. petrol motor, which operates directlv on the four front wheels, and brakes' are fitted on to each of the eight wheels, which are arranged on bogies. The brakes are worked on the Westinghonse system. There is also an air compressor operated through a magnetic clutch, and when the necessary pressure is reached, it automatically "cuts out," and "cuts in" again when the pressure falls. There are six forward and three reverse gears, an electric self-starter and horn, powerful electric headlight, and softened electric lights for reading in the coach. The seats are of cane, similar to those used on electric cars and suburban railway coaches, and are very comfortable. Each of the wheels has'rubber inserts, and vibration is negligible The conveniences t»rovided on the car are lavatory, hand bowl, iced water and paper drinking enps. The car weighs 13 tons 2 cwt, and cost £5300 exclusive of duty. The only blemish received in transit was a small crack in one of the windows. The whole of the car is steel, exceot for a grooved wooden floor, so that the risk of fire is reduced to a minimum. When the new machinery for pressing steel is received at Islington, the bodies for future cars and trailers to attach to the present cars will be manufactured there. There are 500 similar cars in use in the United States of America and the New South Wales Government has ordered 50.

"TRUCULENT TRUCKS."

SHORT CUTS TO POPULARITY.

A writer in an exchange takes the following' method of shoVing his "hate":

If a car is ahead and ambling along enjoying the scenery, sneak up behind it as quietly as possible, swing swiftly on the left, open everything you've got and 6tep on'er. Do this and the nerve specialists will rise up and call you blessed. Other persons will also rise up and call you, but not blessed. A two ton truck ought to be able to carry at least three tons, just the same as a horse ought to carry two riders as easily as one, a gallon, measure ought to hold five quarts, and a man ought to work twelve hours a day as easily as eight. Don't pay any particular attention to cross-town traffic. Motor trucks never do. This is 1 what makes the cross-town traffic "cross." Remember that you always get the best of it in, a collision witv* a light vehicle, so why worry about the other fellow? Children have a habit of running out into the street unexpectedly, so you need not bo on the look out for theSm, because you will be probably exonerated by the jury, anyway. When you back, back fast. It is dangerous, but you may save the millionth part of a minute. Always get there as fast as you can. Then when you get there you will have moire time to sit around.

Don't worry about having a good supply of gas when starting on a long haul. Some farmer may bo able to help you out. It is well to approach a street crossing and then, shove on the brakes. This gives the driver behind you a thrill that he might not otherwise enjoy.