The Rail-cars Described.

As will be seen by the illustrations, the new rail-cars have a most attractive appearance. The units to be operated between Wellington, Masterton, and Palmerston North are as large as the cars on the Main Trunk expresses. They are roomy and designed for a maximum speed of 60 miles per hour. The length is 50 ft., the width is 9 ft. at the waist, and the height is 11 ft. 6 in. There are 49 seats for passengers in addition to those for the driver and conductor. A special luggage

Artist's impression of the type of petrol-driven rail-car to be used for the night services on the Wellington-New Plymouth Line.

compartment is provided, and there is also an extra container for luggage at the rear, under the car.

The body is carried on six wheels—one leading four-wheeled bogie and a single pair of driving wheels. The power is provided by a Leyland 10-litre 6-cylinder petrol engine, through fluid gear and combined bevel and spur gear drive on to the driving axle. The car is intended for single headed operation, but it is provided with reverse gear for manoeuvring purposes, and it is capable of making the same speed in both directions.

The lavatory accommodation and toilet will be of a standard equal to that provided on the best express trains, and the car will be controlled by Westinghouse air-operated brakes.

On each side of the front of the car there are driver-controlled doors operated by air engines, and the emergency doors are provided at the rear.

The car will, of course, be electrically lighted, and will have artistic modern fittings. Heating is secured by means of the hot air circulated by electric fans, and special roof ventilation has been arranged. The windows are of the half-drop type, set in aluminium frames. The seats, of tubular construction, are chromium-plated, of bucketed form and fitted with comfortable upholstery and footbar rests. The flooring will be rubber-covered.

The colour-scheme on the outside will give the Department's standard midland red for the sides, and the roof will be finished in aluminium.

The whole car is of steel construction, excepting the body panelling, which will be of aluminium.