FRANKTON ENGINE SHEDS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22378, 26 March 1936, Page 12

FRANKTON ENGINE SHEDS

NEW PLANT INSTALLED EQUIPMENT MODERNISED [from our own correspondent] HAMILTON, Wednesday Modern equipment installed during the past few months at the 1 .locomotive sheds at the Frankton railway station, and extensions to the buildings, have made it possible to service and repair the engines with greater efficiency. In the machine shop up-to-date equipment has been provided so that it is now possible to undertake work that would have formerly meant sending tho locomotives to the main workshops at Otahuhu.

. Other improvements include a plant for washing locomotives, which discharges water and steam at high pressure, welding appliances, and powerdriven hoists in the locomotive pits. Steam for washing is provided by a boiler fitted with an automatic stoker, while sand used by t.ho locomotives is dried and sent tip under air pressure to a feeder above the track. The restricted office quarters formerly occupied by the clerical staff have been replaced by a wooden building, which provides adequate accommodation. In an adjoining building showers, lockers and a lunch room have been provided for the firemen, greasers and enginedrivers.

An extensive firo in the locomotive sheds a few months ago delayed the improvements, but they have now all been completed. Shortly work will be commenced on re-laying the tracks connecting the engine sheds with the remainder of the yards, the object being to provide better access and prevent the isolation of the sheds by a derailment.