RAIL TRAVEL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23704, 11 January 1939, Page 7

RAIL TRAVEL

SLEEPING ACCOMMODATION NEW TYPE OF CARRIAGE PROVIDED Two of the new type of sleeping carriages which will be brought into use on the run from Invercargill on Sunday night arrived at Dunedin last evening. It is some years since sleepers have been provided at the southern centre, the custom having been to hook these carriages on when the midnight express arrived at Dunedin on its run to Christchurch, . The new cars have been built with a view to their ultimate use between Invercargill and Picton. It is understood that for the use of these cars, which differ considerably from those in use in the past, there will be no increase in the present charges, which range from 17s to 225. The sleepers, which are 58 feet long, accommodate 21 passengers 11 in one compartment and 2 in each of the five compartments which will be used for sleeping. The top berth in each compartment Is so arranged that it can be slung against the wall when not in use, so that the lower berth, which is upholstered in leather, may be used as a seat during daylight,travel. Each compartment is attractively fitted up. with wash-hand basin, hot and cold water, collapsible rests for cups and plates, and subdued lighting for reading in bed. The de luxe compartment in each car has, in addition, two small leather-upholstered chairs and a card table, which can be pulled out from the wall. The main compartment at one end of the carriage has the usual double and single seats, but they are of a luxurious nature, being more like .leather armchairs. All the seats swivel so that they can be turned to face the direction in which the express is travelling and also so that passengers may more easily look out of the windows. Adjustable footrests and collapsible crockery trays are fixed behind each seat.

None of the windows in the carriages opens, but each car is thoroughly air conditioned from the roof.