NEW OIL BURNING LOCOMOTIVE HAULS TANEATUA TRAIN

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 42, 17 January 1949, Page 5

NEW OIL BURNING LOCOMOTIVE HAULS TANEATUA TRAIN

The first of the new oil burning locomotives to be used on the Taneatua railway line was given a try out last week when it came as far as Paeroa. It was engaged in hauling the Taneatua express on the Auckland run. Considerable interest was aroused among railway men as this was the first opportunity many had had to catch a glimpse of the new engine. Although not coming to this part of the Taneatua line it has been in use fairly extensively on other lines for some time. Tests of converting coal burning locomotives to using oil as fuel were commenced by New Zealand railways some years ago. It was finally decided to use the K class type of engine as this proved to be the most successful. About two years ago the conversion was completed and the new locomotives were brought in to use. Tanks to store the fuel oil had to be constructed at various depots before they could be used, on the different lines. Today the use of these engines is being extended to suitable lines where ever possible. The passengers on the express trains will probbaly not notice any difference in the change of the oil burner from the coal burning type except, possibly, that there is not nearly so much smoke.

Some train crews are divided on which is the best but the majority are for the oil burner. It is much cldaner to work in while the stoker has all of his coal shovelling eliminated. He still keeps the steam pressure up however, by regulating the flow of oil.

The oil burning locomotive is believed by railway engineers to be a considerable advance in New Zeaknd railways. However, before it can commence running a coal burner has to be used to raise the necessary steam pressure, then the oil takes over.

Conversion of_coal burning locomotives to oil burners is still being carried on oy railway engineers.