Long Distance Runs And Reduction Of Standing Time.

In many countries endeavour is being made to arrange longer runs for the engines in order to obtain the maximum use of locomotive power, engine crews being changed en route. There are certain objections to this method of working, but it is obvious that if more mileage can be obtained from the engines in use, a lesser number of engines will be required to cope with the traffic, thus reducing (1) the capital cost; (2) the costs of preparing, putting away, and cleaning engines; (3) the cost of fuel, and, most probably (4) the cost of repairs. On the South African railways experiments have been made in this respect and in some instances one engine is now running where two or three were formerly employed. Fewer locomotives are required per train mile and this is resulting in a saving in depot expenses. Every effort is also being made to reduce, by rearrangement of the time-table, the “standing time” of engines and men. Standing time is wasteful, as the men while so engaged are producing nothing in the way of transportation. Yet such time counts as part of a day's work. The engine also, page 19 on which a large capital outlay has been expended—is producing nothing, although consuming a certain amount of coal.