The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 1, Issue 2 (June, 1926)
Rail Motors
Rail Motors.
The opinion was expressed that rail motors might be used with advantage on long distance journeys, for example, Greymouth-Inangahua and Wellington-Masterton. Other possible tryout runs suggested were: Blenheim-Wharanui and Nelson-Glenhope, but for these services a fast running car capable of 40 miles per hour would be essential. Objection was raised to the “Clayton” on account of no space being available for luggage and parcels. It was suggested that on the Waiuku and Pukemiro Branches a car could be run to conserve traffic, but it would not be a paying proposition, although it might serve to stave off any other competition. Generally it was felt that experiment would be necessary to decide whether the cars could be placed on the Napier-Eskdale run and also on the Parnassus, Little River and Southbridge Branches. The rail car might be tried to find out whether the number of passengers offering would warrant its running. A night running rail car between Frankton and Thames was suggested. All the Business Agents drew attention to the risk of losing goods traffic should rail motors be put on and the ordinary services be interfered with. The general opinion appeared to be that all rail motors meantime should be used as supplementary to, rather than in lieu of, existing services.