NEW RAIL-CAR

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 209, 1 June 1936, Page 10

NEW RAIL-CAR

* Trial Run Up Manawatu Line SMOOTH RUNNING Express Speed More Than Maintained Highly successful trials were carried out at the week-end with the first of the Railway Department’s new petroldriven rail-cars. After leaving the jfutt workshops on Saturday morning the ear was taken twice during the day for a run up the Hutt Valley line, and yesterday it carried a full complement of passengers from Thorudon to Palmerston North and back ria the Main Trunk line. Like a new motor-car the engine of the rail-car must first be “run-in” Before it can be expected to function .it its maximum speed, and the trials held on Saturday and yesterday were solely for this purpose. Although the line was under repair and this necessitated speed restrictions in five different places, express time was more than maintained on the 'run to Palmerston North, while on the homeward journey • the Limited’s time was reduced by eight minutes. On several occasions, and where the track was suitable, the car developed a speed of up to 60 miles an hour without being fully opened up, and oni one stretch between Paraparaumu and Paekakariki that was exceeded. Tae car negotiated the climb up the hill to Johnsonville with ease and at a fast pace. Smooth-running Qualities. Comfortable travel, smooth running and rapid acceleration are features of the rail-car, and those who made yesterday’s trip were greatly impressed with its possibilities as a unit in the future of New Zealand’s transport system. It attracted great interest as it passed through the countryside, and at several wayside stations there were groups of interested' spectators. Its arrival at Palmerston North was awaited by a gathering of about 200 people, who took the opportunity of inspecting the vehicle during - the hour’s stay there. . , Passengers on the trip included the Minister of Railways, Hon. D. G. Sullivan, the General Manager of Railways, Mr. G. H. Mackley, Mr. J. Roberteon, M.P. for Masterton, and the Hon. M. Connelly. Mr. 0. L. Hunter, M.P. for Manawatu, joined the car at Levin and travelled from there to Palmerston North and back. The present car js the of seven to be used on the Wellington-Masterton-Pahnerston North service, and with the exception of the seventh, which will be a Diesel engine driven semi-goods car, all will be the same. These care have an overhang of 10 feet over the wheelbase at each end, having had to be specially designed in this way to work the ILmutaka incline. Ln the cars which it is proposed to build for the Wellington-New Plymouth line much of this overhang will be eliminated and the cars will be dualengined vehicles. Next Sunday the car will make a run from Wellington to Palmerston North and back via the Rimutaka. These trials are being made on a Sunday because of the freedom from traffic on the line on that ■day. At Palmerston North the passengers wore entertained at luncheon by the department, at the conclusion of which Mr. Sullivan paid a tribute to the designers and workmen responsible for the construction of the car. There was, he said, a new era in front of fihe railways, and those who had travelled by the car that dav could not but be impressed with its facilities for speed and comfortable travelling. Despite the fact that the car had to be "run-in” express time had been substantially shortened. Better results would be achieved with the passage of time and experience. It was only right that he should congratulate the general manager and the department as a whole on its achievement. . “I hope to see these cars all over New Zealand in a year or two,” said Mr. Sullivan. “We want to have these cars where they will render the greatest service and where they are most required. My ambition is to see the railways rejuvenated and I believe that will be achieved. “The railways have rendered magnificent service in the past,” added Mr. Sullivan. “Apart from the human factor they have contributed more than any other factor to the development of this country. They have played an enormous part in the development of New Zealand and I have a strong and abiding faith that they are going to play a greater part in the future.” “An Excellent Job.” Mr. Mackley thanked the Minister for his complimentary references to those associated with the designing aud construction of the car. The designer of the vehicle was the designing engineer, Mr. R. J. Gard, working under the direction of and in co-operation with the locomotive superintendent, Mr. P. R. Angus, They had laid the base for the excellent workmanship put into the vehicle. Mr. Mackley also referred to the work of the superintendent of workshops, Mr. E. T. Spidy, the workshops manager, Mr. W. Burton, and the chief electrical engineer, Mr. G. W. Wyles, and their staffs, and paid a tribute to their work in turning out an excellent job. He also thanked Miss G. A. Fraser, who is in charge of the railway refreshment rooms at Palmerston North, for having provided luncheon for the passengers at short notice. In response to requests for a speech, Mr. Sullivan also addressed a few remarks to the crowd on Palmerston North railway station platform. Rail-cars, he said, were in use in Queensland, Italy, Germany and America, and it was more than likely they would be more suitable to New Zealand conditions than anywhere else. The crowd was also briefly addressed by Mr. Robertson, Mr, Hunter, and Mr. Mackley. Referring in an interview to the proposed use of the ears on the Wairarapa line, Mr. Robertson said at the conclusion of yesterday’s run that he had been informed that the rail-cars would provide the Wairarapa with 261,000 more train miles per annum at no higher cost than the present services entailed. The car, ho said, seemed to fulfil every expectation. The smooth running was remarkable, and although not yet “run-in” the high speed obtained was remarkable. From its performance on grades such as the Paekakariki hill he was confident it would negotiate the Rimutaka gradient with comparative ease. On -Saturday afternoon the car was taken for a run from Lambton to Upper Hutt and back. The outward run occupied .39 minutes, and the homeward journey 41 minutes. Wireless is fitted in the car. and during the trip the passengers listened-in to the football match at Athletic Park. AWARDS FOR NAMES Winner Dies Before Result Declared “Maahunui” is Hie name that has been given to the first of the Railway Department’s new rail-cars. Called after the canoe, of the great Maui, the name is intended as a tribute to the