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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 2, Issue 12 (April 1, 1928.)

Oil And Gas Electric Locomotives And Cars

page 42

Oil And Gas Electric Locomotives And Cars.

The “Digest” for February contained an interesting review of developments that have taken place recently in various countries in oil and gas electric locomotives and cars.

The “Digest” mentioned that the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway which had twice previously increased the length of its electric zone, completed the electrification of its entrance into Seattle by a 10-mile double track line from Black River Junction.

The Mexican Railway Company completed its second addition to the original line and is now operating electrically between Esperanza and Paso del Macho, a distance of 62 miles, a substation being erected with two 1,500-k.w. motor-generator sets to supplement the two 3,000-k.w. units originally installed in the Maltrata sub-station.

The Paulista Railway in Brazil made a third extension of its electric zone bringing the total up to 177 miles completing the electrification of its broad gauge lines between Jundiahy and Rincao. Reports by the officials of this system continue to testify to the savings resulting from electrification.

Equipment for the Anglo-Chilean Consolidated Nitrate Corporation in Chile, including automatic sub-stations, overhead distribution, and locomotives went into service in September. In anticipation of a gradual increase in traffic requirements with electric operation, two additional locomotives are now under construction.

Petone Workshops Picnic. Presents For The Children.

Petone Workshops Picnic.
Presents For The Children.

In the United States perhaps the most interesting work on railroad electrification is that being done by the Great Northern Railway in the state of Washington. Electric operation between the Cascade Tunnel and Skykomish is to be extended through the new tunnel to Wenatchee before the end of 1928. Two motor-generator type locomotives, which are the largest single-phase units so far built, began operation in August, 1927, and two more units of the same type are now under construction together with equipment for a second frequency changer substation located at Wenatchee.

Oil-Electric Locomotives.

Interest continues in the performance of the oil-electric locomotives, a number of which have now been in service for a sufficient period to demonstrate the economies and other operating advantages of this type. Two 100-ton units are now in heavy switching service on the Erie Railroad and 60-ton units were completed for the Chicago and North-western Railway, the Union Carbide Company and the American Rolling Mills Company.

Work is proceeding on the oil-electric freight and passenger locomotives for the Putman Division of the New York Central Railroad, and a 300 h.p. oil-electric motor car is ready for service.

The New York Central Railroad is actively working on the electrification of its west side yards which will be operated from an overhead trolley north of 60th Street. Below this point self-propelled oil-electric and storage battery units will be used, one of which is already in service. This unit is a 120-ton locomotive equipped with a storage battery and a 300 h.p. oil engine generating set for battery charging. It will also operate from the third rail.

Gas-Electric Cars.

As a natural result of its profit-making possibilities, the gas-electric car for branch line and local main line service continues to show an increased use. Among the more important additions to existing equipment are sixteen cars to be placed in service by the Chicago, Burlington page 43 and Quiney Railroad, one single unit and two double power plant equipments by the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, ten single-unit power plants by the Seaboard Air Line, and three dual power plant cars by the New York Central Railroad. The Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway is supplementing its fleet or gas-electric cars with ten of 275 h.p.

A single unit power plant car was shipped to the Victorian Railways of Australia for trial on the State lines around Melbourne. Another shipment includes eight cars for the United Railroad of Havana. In all, about 60 of these cars were placed in service during the year.

Why an Engine should be “She.”

The following amusing letter from “Japanese Lady” appears in the Shipping Register of San Francisco:—

“Some time ago you publish in your voluble paper article on female shipping steamer. I have thought to write you about female engine on train. You know why! Yes, they call she for many becauses.

“They wear jacket with yokes, pins, hangers, straps, shields, stays. They have apron, also lap. They have not only shoes but have pumps. Also hose and drag train (psgr. and freight) behind. They attract men with puffs and mufflers. Sometime they foam and refuse work when at such time they should be switched. They need guiding—it always requires man manager.

“They require man to feed them. When abuse are given they quickly made scrap.

“They are steadier when coupled up, but my cousin say they hell of expense. Is not enough reason!”

Olympic Games.
Shall Railway Apprentice Fitter A. J. Cleverley Go?

The New Zealand representatives of the Olympic Games to be held at Amsterdam in July, will require to leave New Zealand by the S.S. “Remuera” from' Wellington on 28th April.

An indication of the appreciation which all railwayman felt when one of their own men, Mr. A. J. Cleverley, was chosen to represent New Zealand in the boxing ring has already been given in practical form as a result of the appeal made in the March number of this Magazine.

The Organising Secretary of the Olympic Association also forwarded a special appeal through the Branch Secretaries of the railway societies throughout New Zealand, and the co-operation and assistance of all stationmasters was invited. We have pleasure in acknowledging the assistance rendered and amounts remitted to date. The Olympic fund, however, requires to be still further supplemented and, consequently, the lists will be kept open until the last possible moment.

It is worth remembering that one shilling subscribed will send our representative three miles on his journey to Amsterdam, and that 8,000 shillings (£400) assures that the New Zealand Railways will be fittingly represented at the great World contest.

New Workshops In The Hutt Valley, Wellington. (A J. Bland photo.) The above photograph conveys a good idea of the progress being made with the erection of the new workshops in the Hutt Valley. The workshops are to be used for the manufacture and repair of locomotive rolling stock exclusively, the latest machinery and appliances being installed for the purpose.

New Workshops In The Hutt Valley, Wellington.
(A J. Bland photo.)
The above photograph conveys a good idea of the progress being made with the erection of the new workshops in the Hutt Valley. The workshops are to be used for the manufacture and repair of locomotive rolling stock exclusively, the latest machinery and appliances being installed for the purpose.