The Main Trunk Line.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 43116, 11 July 1907, Page 2

The Main Trunk Line.

ENGINES OF GREAT POWER REQUIRED.

The following reference to the preparations that are being made by the Railway Department for the traffic on the Main Trunk railway appears in the Railway Statement which was laid on the table of the House on Tuesday : “ The North Island Main Trunk line being within measurable distance of completion, and there being already indications that a very heavy traffic will result therefrom, the question of providing locomotive power and roiling s’oek equipment in readiness for the opening of the line has been engaging close attention. Engines of great power will be required to successfully negotiate at a reasonable speed the heavy grades ruling on the 91 mi 10 9., of line separating Taihape and IkitiS marunui. “ The success which has been achieved by the A class four-cylinder balanced compound already running in the South Island indicates that on engine of a similar type, but vrith certain modifications, will me e t allr'he requirements of the truffle on the heavy grades of the Main Trunk Designs have been prepared accordingly! and eight large tender four-cylinder balanced compound locomotives of * special type are now in course of con* struction, and will he completed in readiness for the opening of the line. “ Owing to the length of the line and the fact that an essential feature of the time-table will bo the establishment of a service that will enable the through journey between/, Auckland and the Bluff to be~'sn§fle in the shortest possible time, night travelling will be unavoidable, and sleeping cars an iudispensible adjunct to the equipment of the through trains. Careful investigation has been made with the view to the adoption of a car that will give the maximum of comfort and convenience to travellers, and be at the same time best adapted to the lines.

“Plans for 40 bogie cars, four re . fresbment cars, and eight bogie broke ; vans for .special use on the North )■ Island Main Trunk line have been pre* pared, and the construction of the vehicles has been put in hand. “New Zealand Herald.”