New Methods for Old.

In the past, when either of the two “F” class locomotives required overhaul, it was necessary to send a gang of fitters to Dargaville, strip the locomotive which required repairs, and pack and consign for shipment to Helensville practically the whole of the engine. At Helensville the gear was loaded into trucks for transport to Newmarket workshops, where the repairs were undertaken. When this work was completed, the gear was again packed and consigned by rail and steamer back to Dargaville, where the slow work of erection, hampered by lack of lifting facilities, would be carried out. The cost, needless to say, was prohibitive, and the locomotives were not “shopped” until they absolutely needed it.

Early this year, locomotive “F” 216 reached the stage when a heavy engine overhaul and retubing of the boiler was required. It was suggested that locomotive “F” 254 be overhauled and steamed from Auckland to the railhead at Tangowahine, and from that point be placed on a trailer and towed on approximately five miles of good and fairly level road to Dargaville. Enquiries at the latter place, however, revealed the fact that this was impracticable, but that transport by barge from Tangowahine to Dargaville could be arranged page 55 at a small cost. This suggestion appeared so practical that arrangements were completed and locomotive “F” 254 was forwarded “dead” 'to Tangowahine. At this point it was coupled up and steamed.