A MOTOR CAR OH RAILS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4938, 12 February 1926, Page 4

A MOTOR CAR OH RAILS.

THE NEW RAILWAY VEHICLE. TO RUN ON GREYTOWN BRANCH. The motor-car hag- been seen in many strange guises, and now it will appear on rails. The new vehicle built for use on the Greytown branch line consists of a Ford one-ton chassis fitted with disc wheels and standard railway tyres. Jus.t clear of the rails wire brushes' are fitted for the 'removal of stones and other matter that may be on the lines a,t level crossings. The body, which contains seating accommodation for eleven passengers and the driver, is constructed of semisteel with two side doors, and one door at the rear for safety purposes. Provision is also- made for the carriage of luggage and goods by the displacing of two collapsible rear seats. Lighting is. by. means of electricity. An ingeniUs- jacking device under the centre of the car enables it to be swung round by one man in the space of two minutes.. A speed of 30 miles an hour can be attained, and the average petrqli consumption is a gallon to about 15 miles. 'As to- pulling capacity, it is claimed that the motor will climb on top gear any grade on the New Zealand railways with the exception of the Rimutaka incline. In recent trials between Wellington and the Summit, on the Wairarapa line, and Wellington and Palmerston North on the Manawatu line, the machine gave every satisfaction, the actual running time on the latter trip being 3% hours. The conversion of the under-car-riage and .the building of the body were carried bub under the' direction of Mr G. S. Lynde, chief mechanical engineer. The carriage has yet to be tried out, but it is thought that it will be entirely satisfactory fpr the transportation of light traffic on branch lines.