FIRST BATCH OF RAILWAY WAGONS FROM U.K. ARRIVES

Wanganui Chronicle, 7 September 1950, Page 10

FIRST BATCH OF RAILWAY WAGONS FROM U.K. ARRIVES

WELLINGTON, Yesterday (PA).— The first of 1000 railway wagons recently ordered in Britain are coming to hand and tenders for 3800 more are expected to begin to be received any day now," said the general manager of railways, Mr. F. W. Aickin, today. In addition, the department, would have to purchase 50 steam locomotives overseas. So far 120 knocked down M.C. wagons had arrived, of which 19 were in service, said Mr. Aickin. Thirty of 500 L.C. wagons on order had arrived. but had yet to be assembled, and 35 Y.B. ballast trucks had been landed. The first of 15 dual purpose Diesel electric shunting engines was expected to arrive at. the end of the year. Tenders for an additional 3800 wagons were expected from Britain, France and Australia. A target of 35 J.A. engines had been set for the steam locomotive department, and 19 had already been constructed. “Because of the pressing need for further steam locomotives, covering the requirements of the next few years, it will be necessary to buy about 50 overseas," said Mr. Aickin. ‘‘For a portion of this requirement it would bo a far more economic proposition fur the department for heavy work in the centre of the main trunk to use partial Diesel-electric traction. The department is at present working on propositions to meet this need.’