NEW TYPE OF ENGINE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18158, 2 August 1922, Page 6

NEW TYPE OF ENGINE.

USE ON SUBURBAN LINE. CONSIDERABLY GREATER POWER. The suburban railway traffic between Auckland and Papakura has been considerably facilitated lately by the use of an engine of a new class known as W.A.8., which was designed in the chief mechanical engineer's office in Wellington. The new engine is similar in construction to the locomotives lined on the Main r l rnnk express between Auckland and Tanmarunui, the principal alterations being that the tender is cnt off and large water-tanks are fitted at the sides, giving greater adhesive power. Its weight in working trim is 71 tons lOcwt-., which is 2C tons more than that of the engines usually employed on tha suburban services, It has considerably greater power, and is capable of handling much heavier loads, and altogether hjts proved very satisfactory, particularly in negotiating the stiff grade to Remuera, which averages 1 in 45. A feature of the engine is that it can be run either way with equal facility, thus obviating the necessity for turning at terminals. Two other eneines of the W.A.B. class are in use in Wellington, and more are being built at Addingtoia. On the section between Taumarunui and Taihape. where the worst, grades occur, including the spiral, the engines were used on the Main Trunk expresses, and fulfilled all requirements.