DIESEL-ELECTRIC ENGINES

Press, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 26770, 30 June 1952, Page 9

DIESEL-ELECTRIC ENGINES

OPERATION ON MAIN LINES REFUSED

ATTITUDE OF AUCKLAND ' DRIVERS (New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, June 29.

Auckland railway engine drivers refuse to man the new Diesel-electric locomotives in their present form on main line passenger services. The drivers claim that alterations to the locomotives have made them unsafe. A motion passed at a meeting of the Auckland branch of the Engine Drivers’, Firemen's, and Cleaners’ Association to-day says, “The drivers refuse to run these locomotives in their present form, that is running backwards, and with one man in control. There are many bad features of these locomotives; they are not running as they were constructed to run, but have had the controls altered in New Zealand to eliminate one man in the cab. ■ ■>

“This,.we consider, is reducing the safety margin. Further, no protection is provided for the driver in the event of level crossing mishaps, and no provision is made for the exchange of tablets.

“We suggest that these locomotives be used for the purpose for which they were built—that is, for shunting—and that they be manned by two men. We have yet to learn that the locomotives will perform under ordinary working conditions as well as our present steam locomotives in Auckland.’’