CREW’S PROMPT ACTION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 67, 22 March 1943, Page 4

CREW’S PROMPT ACTION

DERAILMENT OF LOCOMOTIVE

LINE BLOCKED NEAR OKOIA

Prompt action by the crew of a freight train, assisted by surfacemen, in re-railing a 90-ton locomotive near Okoia on Saturday morning, and removing a broken driving rod, prevented the main line between Fordeli and Aramoho from being blocked for a longer period than slightly more than two hours. Shortly after leaving Okoia at 7.30 a.m.. a powerful "X” class compound locomotive hauling a freight tram from Marton to Wanganui, running nearly two hours late, developed mechanical trouble.

The left-hand side driving rod from the high pressure, or inside, cylinder broke apart, causing the front portion of the locomotive to lift bodily. The driver stopped the train in less than its own length with an emergency application of the Westinghouse brakes, but it was found that the broken rod had caused the front wheels of the leading bogie to leave the rails.

The mishap occurred on a straight section of track and the train was stopped between the Okoia home and distant signals. The task of re-railing the heavy locomotive and removing the damaged rod. located under the engine, was an awkward and difficult one with the limited equipment available.

Using hand jacks and levers, the driver, fireman and guard, assisted by surfacemen, set to work immediately, however, in an effort to have the track open for through trains as soon as possible. They made good progress and had completed their task before the arrival of a breakdown crew, equipped with proper tools, from the locomotive depot, Wanganui.

In the meantime a train had left Wanganui at 7.45 a.m. for Palmerston North with natrons for the Manawatu Racing Club's autumn meeting. By the time this special was ready to leave Aramoho it had 100 passengers, but was held there pending the line being cleared. Every effort to .meet the situation was made by railway officials in Wanganui, and when it was realised that the race special might be considerably delayed buses were hastily commissioned and the passengers transhipped to Fordeli, where another train was available to take them on to Palmerston North. Passengers from the special left Aramoho slightly before 9 a.m. and lost about 45 minutes on the trip.

A mixed train which connected at Marton with the southbound Limited express, and was due to reach Aranioho at 8.29 a.m., ran to Fordeli only, passengers and mails being transhipped to Wanganui by bus. The cars, van and locomotive of this train were used for the service of the ‘race’’ special, additional cars being added en route. The special was despatched from Fordeli as quickly as posible. A relief engine was sent from Aramcho and after shunting the brokendown locomotive on to a siding at Okoia brought the freight train on to Wanganui. Normal running was restored by 10 a.m. and express traffic was not delayed. The engine and track were not damaged, but in accordance with regulations the line where the derailment occurred was carefully inspected before trains were permitted to traverse the section. The "X” class locomotive which developed the trouble was towed by another engine to East Town works yesterday morning. Every precaution was taken and the speed did not exceed four miles an hour.