ELMER LANE

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 May 1928, Page 11

ELMER LANE

RAILWAY LOCOS’ NEW HOME. A visit, by a “Star” reporter, to the Railway locomotive round house yesterday, disclosed that the adjuncts, necessary for the working of the house and yard, were gradually approaching completion.

The roundhouse is- ready for occupation. the electric wihyig has been completed and the air and* steam pipes are all in position for use. The'wash-out-boiler, for providing hot water and steam under pressure, for washing out the locomotives, has been installed, the smoke stack remaining to be erected. This boiler will also provide hot water and steam for warming the oil in the oil house, and hot water for the bathrooms. The sand drying shed has been erected and an elevator on a stand, thirty feet in height, will be erected to distribute the sand to the locomotives. It will be capable of discharging over three lines.

The drivers and cleaners mess and dressings are large, airy, and comfortably appointed." separate lockers being provided for each man’s wearing apparel etc. The ashhoist will be erected, and ready for use in about a week’s time. The concrete foundations and cellar have been made, and the ironwork for the elevator has been placed in position for quick erection. The foundations for the coal hoist, have been put down. Most of the steel work is on the ground, and it is expected that the hoist will be ready for use in three weeks.

The locomotive wood drying shed has been erected at the rear of the round house, in handy proximity. The machinery in the workshop has yet to be installed, when the Loco Foreman has decided as to the handiest positions for the various machines •and benches. The office for the Loco Foreman and his staff is commodious and well appointed, everything being arranged to permit expeditious working of the various departments. A large wooden tank has been erected on trestles in the yard to provide for watering facilities for the locomotives.

When the “finishing touches” have been completed, the roundhouse and yard equipment will be up-to-date in every respect, and will afford a maximum of convenience for handling the locomotives on the Greymouth section.