LUXURY EXPRESSES

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 948, 15 April 1930, Page 16

LUXURY EXPRESSES

NEW TRAINS FOR ROTORUA TO START AFTER EASTER Rotorua is to have Luxury Limited expresses for the tourist traffic. The new trains, which have just been completed at the Otahuhu Railway Workshops, will take up the run shortly after Easter. Two new trains have been provided, one to run from Auckland to Rotorua and the other from Rotorua to Auckland. Painted a glossy deep red the carriages present an imposing appearance. They are modelled on the "bulging” style similar to the Main Trunk sleeping-cars. In addition to the ordinary first and second-class carriages two observation cars have heen provided—one for each train. Luxuriously carpeted, with cane chairs scattered comfortably ai’ound, these carriage present all the best features of similar cars in use .abroad. One half is a lounge, the latter portion being rounded at the end, and containing glass windows that permit a clear view of the surrounding landscape. These cars, will, of course, be carried behind the vans. The windows are shaded by blue curtains that slide back and forward on brass rods to suit the passengers’ needs. No effort has been spared that might assist comfort. In the ordinary first and secondclass cars a newer type of seat has been introduced. Better sprung, well upholstered, and, with tall straight backs, these seats are covered with light antimacassars that not only give a clean airy appearance to the cars, but actually ensure cleanliness. They are removed and laundered each day. The carriage doors are close-fitting and all fear of cold draughts is removed. The dust and weather discomforts usually attendant on passing from car to car have been eliminated on these expresses by the introduction of the “concertina” between the platforms. Thus the passengers are completely enclosed. Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the new trains is the patent automatic couplings which have been fitted. No longer Is it necessary to run between the cars, put the hook down and connect up the side-ehams. The automatic coupling connects any two carriages by the mere force of contact. To release it, all that is necessary is to pull a small lever at the side of each car. These couplings are in use in America and on the Continent and are being given their first trial on the new expresses. It is probable that they will be introduced throughout New Zealand during the next few years. In addition to convenience of operation they eliminate bumping between cars, being very close-fitting. Eight first and second-class carriages, two observation cars and two vans have been built.