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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 12, Issue 8 (November 1, 1937)

Some Record-breaking Runs

Some Record-breaking Runs.

The gradual speeding-up of passenger trains services is a feature throughout the whole world of railways. Actually, Germany to-day possesses the world's fastest train, the record run being that of a Diesel railcar between Hamm and Hannover, the 110 miles being covered at an average speed of 85.7 m.p.h. The second fastest run in the world is on
Streamlined end, 4–6–2 locomotive “Dominion of New Zealand,” in L. & N.E.H. “Coronation Express” service, carrying New Zealand armorial bearings on cab.

Streamlined end, 4–6–2 locomotive “Dominion of New Zealand,” in L. & N.E.H. “Coronation Express” service, carrying New Zealand armorial bearings on cab.

the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Company, U.S.A., with a Diesel railcar run of 202 miles between La Junta and Dodge City, at an average speed of 83.7 m.p.h. Next to the German Hamm-Hannover achievement in Europe, comes a record run on the French State Railways, where a railcar maintains an average speed of 73.2 m.p.h. over the 55-mile section Havre-Rouen, This is followed in the speed table by the L. & N.E. “Coronation Express” 71.9 m.p.h. dash over the 188-mile London-York section; and by our old friend the “Cheltenham Flyer,” of the Great Western system, with its 71.4 m.p.h. run for the 77 miles separating Swindon and Paddington Station, London, Fast running, of course, is by no means the only criterion by which railway efficiency should be judged. Because one particular line happens to introduce a specially fast train, it does not necessarily follow that other systems are lacking in efficiency, although it does indicate that a real endeavour is being made to meet public requirements. Another point worth noting is that it is impossible to operate high-speed services unless the track, signalling arrangements, locomotives and rolling-stock are of a very high standard. As a general indication of railway progress, therefore, passenger train accelerations are to be welcomed.

Loading Road Motors for City delivery, Camden Town Goods Station, London, L.M. & S. Railway.

page 30
page 31
Winter on the Bavarian Zugspitze Railway, Germany.

Winter on the Bavarian Zugspitze Railway, Germany.