RAILWAY EXPERIMENTALIZING.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3486, 7 June 1884, Page 3

RAILWAY EXPERIMENTALIZING.

Mr Miles, the Queensland Minister of Works, the political head of the railway system of that colony, recently made o trip to the north, with the twofold object of seeing the railway extensions in progress, and of inspecting the experiment of Mr Ballard, the chief engineer, in carrying the northern line cheaply along the natural formation of the surface, dispensing to the utmost possible extent with cuttings and embankments. This method of construction involves steeper gradients, which is provided for by a priniple of compensation. The ruling grades are 1 in 33, 1 in 44, and lin 66. The heaviest is the shortest, and the next heaviest is longer, but the least heavy is the longest, and they work in strict gradations. Each short length of line where the ascent is 3 in 31 is approached by an incline in the descent, of which a sufficient momentum is acquired to force the engine and train up the ensuing grade of 1 in 33, The strain of exertion is quickly over, and the rather easier grade of 1 in 44 follows, then the lightest of 1 in 66. The rails are laid on the surface, excavation being only considered necessary in exceptional cases, to comply with the principal of grade compensation and order of sequence. The achievments of Mr Ballard (the Brisbane “ Telegraph” states) have been surprising. With remarkably small expense he has crossed the Drummond Range without the deep cuttings and lofty viaducts seen elsewhere. A cheap and efficient railway has been built, substantial enough for all traffic requirements for many years to come, and requiring very little repair. Another advantage of these surface lines is that in case of heavy rains there is no obstruction to the rushing waters. The growth of couch grass is also encouraged, as it binds the ballast, and preserves it from being injuriously effected by flood-water. When Mr Miles started for the north he was prejudiced against the chief engineer’s system of cheap surface railways, but he has returned strongly impressed in its favor.