STREAMLINED

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20281, 25 August 1937, Page 10

STREAMLINED

ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVE. SHIPPED TO NEW ZEALAND. A streamlined electric locomotive — the largest ol’ its kind ever built —has left the works of Messrs. R. W. Hawthorn Leslie & Co., Ltd., Forth Banks, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, on the first stage of its 12,000-mile Journey to New Zealand. The engine is to be used on the 1500-volt system between Wellington and Paekakariki, states Industrial Britain. The locomotive has been built to the order of New Zealand Railways. Messrs. Hawthorn Leslie have carried out all the mechanical work, while the electrical system is to be installed by the English Electric Company. It is the first of ten similar engines which New Zealand Railways are to introduce on their system. Messrs. Hawthorn Leslie are supplying complete sels of material, drawings and patterns for the remaining nine engines, which will be built in New Zealand. The engines will be used to haul passenger, goods and mixed trains up to 500 lons. A safety device safeguards the engine crews against, danger of electrocution, and the working parts are locked when the electricity is turned on, ami access can only he obtained by disconnection from I lie overhead The interior resembles that of a submarine, with a long narrow corridor, sealed compartments and many instruments. Padded seats, with convenient. elbow rests, are provided in the driving compartments, and the engine is entirely enclosed. The streamlined locomotive gives an impression of immense power and speed.