THE SECOND "X."

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 467, 27 March 1909, Page 5

THE SECOND "X."

LOCOMOTIVES FOR THE MAIN TRUNK. ANOTHER NEXT WEEK. Tho gates wero thrown open, and she steamed grandly out on those metals which run away north, hundreds of miles, to.the section where work has been planned for her. This was tho second compound locomotive of the X type, which glided out of tho Pctono railway workshops yard yesterday afternoon, with tho good wishes of a hundred hands in tho erecting shop. Tho locomotive, snorting incessantly, well-oiled, and as clean as a now pin, was admired by a largo number of people on Pctono station. "A magnificent piceo of workmanship," was tho general verdict. After a brief rest in tho siding, until the lino should be clear, the now cngino was switched on to tho main track, and 'sped away to ■Wellington. Going north to-morrow, the giant will bo harnessed for the first timo to tho mail train on Monday, ou tho Taumaru-nui-Taihape section, which includes the heavy inclines of tho Spiral. This is tho second of eight X locomotives which are being put out from Addington works. Tho first reached Pctono just before Christmas of last year, and tho next one, which went out yesterday on the main rails, lias been put together in the local workshops during the past twenty days. Tho third engine, in parts, is expected from Addingron next wcok. This typo has nn eight-wheel couple, tho wheels boing 12 inches and 22 inches. Thoro aro leading and trailing bogies, and tho wheels aro 3ft. 6in. in diameter. Fitted with a speed recorder, which indicates tho mileago run, and apparatus for heating tho passongor cars during winter, the locomotives aro of the most modern construction. Tho boilers aro tested for a pressure of 250 pounds per square inch, and tho consumption of coal is about fivo tons per day. Tho speed limit is 35 miles an hour. Tho tenders (which aro built and finished at Pctono) aro capable of holding 2200 gallons of water, and fivo tons of ooal.

Throo now dovices aro fitted on these locomotives. The relief cocks are worked by a pnmmmtio cylinder; ono of tho latest sightfeed lubricators is provided for oiling tho high and low pressure cylinders; and a lOin. Wostinghouso pump supplies nir for tho brake.