100-TRUCK TRAINS.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 January 1924, Page 1

100-TRUCK TRAINS.

NEW GIANT ENGINES

LONDON, October 17. The are race length of the goods train on the. heavy lines in this country is (laden) between GO and 70 waggons. Xew locomotives are being designed by the London and North-Eastern to haul trains of 10(4 wagons between London (and Petersborouiglf. Suicb a train would weigh about 1,000 tons, against the 500 tons of the heaviest expresses to the North. The engines will he ready next year.

In the past increase in the power of goods engines has too often proved the inadequacy of sidings. Engines have not been able to take their full loads because sidings have not, been long enough for the trains when they had to he shunted to make way lor fast traffic.

Sidings have mm for the most part been lengthened and relief loops ol generous length provided alongside many of the main lines, so that the handicap under which some of the pYiworful ioc\ .motives ol the past, worked is removed. Eor some time now trains of HVI empties have been handled I>v the (■real A\o.,tcin. The next decade will see whether or not the 20-ton truck can he standardised in place ol the 10-tons truck. The railways would like to see the bigger unit, but half of the freight rolling-stock on our lines is owned privately, and not by the companies.

The Great Western is encouraging the private owners to adopt the 2(1ums "agon by ottering a reflate of •> per cent.on all coal carried in it, but here again there is the problem of the sidings. The collieries have at present accommodation lor only the smaller truck; the use of the larger will mean much reconditioning of plant.