The “Royal Scot.”

The new “Royal Scot” locomotives of the London, Midland and Scottish line rank alongside the far-famed “Pacifics” of the London and North Eastern, the “Lord Nelson” engines of the Southern, and the “King” class machines of the Great Western Railway. These powerful engines represent the last word in British locomotive design, and in this connection it is interesting to note the remarks of Mr. H. N. Gresley, Chief Mechanical Engineer of the London and North Eastern Railway, in his recent presidential address to the Institution of Locomotive Engineers.

In Mr. Gresley's opinion, British locomotives have probably reached the maximum power required to handle at the speeds of to-day, without assistance, the heaviest passenger trains that can be accommodated advantageously at platforms; and, in the case of freight trains, the longest that can be handled in loops, lay-by sidings and reception roads. What is now required is not an increase in the power of locomotives, but a reduction in building, maintenance and running costs. While admitting the big future of electrification, especially in countries blessed with an abundant water supply, Mr. Gresley stated that it was his belief that in the near future such improvements would be made in steam and internal combustion engines that they would be able to maintain their position as economical units of transport, even as compared with electric traction, for many services. These improvements would enable locomotives page 19 to remain available for traffic for a longer period, reduce maintenance costs, and greatly improve their thermal efficiency, thus reducing fuel consumption and cost of running.