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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 8, Issue 6 (October 2, 1933)

Savings in Modern Signalling Equipment

Savings in Modern Signalling Equipment.

Through the installation of new power signalling at King's Cross Station, London, the L. & N.E. Railway are effecting considerable economies and securing more efficient and speedier turn-over of trains. The new equipment includes a central signal-box, replacing the two former manually-operated boxes, and having an all-electric power interlocking frame with 232 levers; 60 long-range colour light signals; and 90 short-range shunting lights.

In addition to handling an enormous main-line traffic and important suburban business, King's Cross is an essential link with the south for the movement of freight. About fifty freight trains from various parts of the L. and N.E. line pass through the station daily for points on the Southern system, via the Metropolitan Railway. Opened in 1852, King's Cross cost £123,000 to build, and the first timetable showed thirteen inward and thirteen outward trains daily. To-day, about 300 inward and 300 outward passenger trains use the terminus daily. Included among
The luxurious sleeping cars utilised on the L. and N.E.R. “Land Cruise” trains.

The luxurious sleeping cars utilised on the L. and N.E.R. “Land Cruise” trains.

these are such world-famed services as the “Flying Scotsman,” the “West Riding Pullman,” and the “Queen of Scots” express.

New signalling and similar equipment naturally costs money, but the Home railways realise that it is sometimes necessary to spend in order to save. Labour-saving plant and equipment introduced in Britain will show valuable economies in the years that lie ahead, and the case of the L. and N.E. line may be quoted in this connection.

Through the amalgamation of signalboxes and the introduction of power signalling, the L. and N.E. Company, at an expenditure of £472,000, is realising an annual saving of £97,500. In the remodelling of locomotive depots, some £800,000 has been spent by the line in four years, but savings of £84,000 have already accrued as a result. On mechanical accounting an expenditure of £42,000 has recently been sanctioned: this will produce a saving of £15,000 a year. By concentrating two or more roadside stations page 19 under one stationmaster, an economy was effected last year of £15,000, making a total saving of £145,000 since 1923. The introduction of the telephonic control system cost the L. and N.E. authorities £93,000, but this expenditure has proved well worth while, showing a saving of £37,000 per annum. Mechanical carriage washing cost £87,000, but savings of £18,000 a year have been derived in this way. Through the installation of eleven passimeters, or mechanical ticketofficers, a net saving of £3,000 per annum has resulted.