TO CARRY MOTORS

Hokitika Guardian, 4 December 1925, Page 4

TO CARRY MOTORS

SPECIAL RAILWAY TRUCKS BUILT

FOR USE ON SPRINGFIELDOTIRA SECTION.

CHRISTCHURCH, Dec. 2

Before the Christmas rush commences special trucks will be provided to carry motor-cars from Springfield to Otira. a portion of the AA’cst Coast trip that has to bo undertaken by rail on account of the number of deep, nilbridged rivers to l>e crossed. The trucks, two of which have been almost completed, aro converted ballast Af waggons. The ends have been removed, and special drop ends have been installed. This has been done in order to allow motorists to drive their cars straight on to the trucks instead of having to manoeuvre them about. One truck will remain permanently at Otira, and another at Springfield. When a car is to l>e loaded, the truck in which the motor will be carried will lie coupled to the one which remains at the siding permanently. The ends will be dropped, making a bridge over the gap between the two trucks. By this means, twice the length, of an ordinary truck is given the driver of the car in which to drive bis vehicle on to the carrier truck. The space provided is sufficient to allow a straight run on from the loading bank to the truck, eliminating all necessity to manoeuvre the car. The time taken for the loading operation will also be considerably curtailed. The Railway Department intends to lmve six of these trucks adapted foilin' carriage of motors, and they will he used exclusively on the SpvingfieldOlira section. In time it is hoped to have special loading hanks constructed at these stations and this will chi away with the necessity of keeping one truck idle, as the type’of hank proposed will allow a run on to the truck over the end of the hank. The two trucks which are nearly ready for use were brought from the Addington workshops to the motor siding at Christchurch yesterday afternoon. when they were inspected by Air \\' it. Nicholson, president of the Cantcrbui'v Automobile Association, which organisation made the suggestion that the trucks should be constructed, Air J. S. Hawkos, president of the South Island Motor Union, and members of tin' Council of the Canterbury Automobile Association.

After a loading demonstration, several suggestions were made to the railwav officials who were present, and promises were made that several improvements, to prevent any damage to the cars would lie carried out. If a sufficient number of cars is forthcoming, tho Railway Department will run a special train for motors from Christ church to Otira on Boxing Pay A number of motorists have siguitied to Air I. S. Hawkes, secretary of the C.A.A.. that it is their intenUon to commence a lour ol the A\ est C oast on. Boxing Day, and Mr Hawkes has made arrangements with the District Traffic Alanager to run the train provided sufficient inducement is offered.