Other formats

    TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 5, Issue 9 (April 1, 1931)

[section]

With a view to ascertaining the present condition regarding locomotive rolling stock on the New Zealand Railways in so far as obsolescence and cognate factors influence the question of locomotive efficiency and economy, responsible officers of the mechanical engineering staff have recently made a comprehensive survey of the position and embodied their findings in a report to the management.

Following upon the recommendations of the engineers the commencement of a programme of locomotive replacements has been authorised.

In accordance with this policy, Mr. P. R. Angus, A.M.I.Mech.E., Assistant-Chief Mechanical Engineer, has put in hand the design of a general utility engine of powerful type.

The new engines are being designed to meet the special conditions obtaining in New Zealand, and will embody the latest improvements in locomotive practice overseas. They will have a capacity approximately 50 per cent. greater than units of the existing “Ab” class engines, with the added advantage that the trailing bogie of the new engines will be so built that a “Booster” can later be conveniently fitted if provision of this added power is found necessary.

The outline drawing which is featured below will give readers an impression of the general characteristics of the proposed new locomotive units.

The design of the new engines is already appreciably advanced in the Department's drawing office in Wellington, and it is confidently anticipated that constructional work will be commenced during the present year.