The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 7, Issue 1 (May 1, 1932.)

Electric Traction

Electric Traction.

The design, installation and maintenance of electric traction is also under the supervision of the Signal and Electrical Branch. Up to the present the New Zealand Railways have not yet any long sections of line operated by electric traction, but this method of operation is one
In The Snow-Capped Mountains Of Switzerland.Basle-Milan through Express, St. Gothard Railway.

In The Snow-Capped Mountains Of Switzerland.
Basle-Milan through Express, St. Gothard Railway.

which is now engaging the attention of most railways throughout the world. Many very large installations have been carried out and there is no question that, without going so far as to say that the Railways should be electrified en bloc, there is a number of places where the adoption of electric traction presents many advantages and economies. The cleanliness and general convenience to passengers needs no emphasis to any that have traversed the Lyttelton Tunnel under steam and electric traction conditions.

It will be appreciated that in a brief article of this description only outlines can be given, but sufficient has been said to indicate upon broad lines the functions of the Signal and Electrical Branch and its place in the operation of a modern railway system.

Electrical facilities will, in the future, be made use of even more than at present, and for many purposes not contemplated at the present time. The Management's appreciation of the value of electrical development, as indicated in the foregoing brief summary, would indicate that the New Zealand Government Railways will not be behind in taking fullest advantage of any increased facilities offered by new developments in the application of electricity in the future.