introduction of the diesel electric locomotives. This is unavoid- able during the transition period from steam to complete diesel- electric traction.
Statistical statements relating to analysis of train and locomotive kilometrage; coal and fuel oil running expenses, and repairs to locomotives, carriages and wagons will be found at the end of this report as appendices X, XI, XII, XIII and XV.
WAY AND STRUCTURES
43. Maintenance. Way and Structures were maintained in good order during the year. The old tracks at Kowloon Station the renewal of which was deferred from 1953 pending a decision as to the removal of the Station to Hung Hom proved difficult to maintain and their renewal was included in the next year's estimates.
44. Track. The main line track was maintained to a good standard in spite of the shortage of hardwood sleepers due to late arrival from Australia. There was only one length of cracked rail due to defective material, which was detected during routine inspection and replaced. All the fishplates in the main line track were carefully inspected and greased.
45. Expansion gaps over a distance of 4 miles of the main line track were adjusted and 5,290 rail anchors were used for the prevention of rail creep. The maximum rail creep recorded during the year was only 1 inches.
46. In order to increase the running speed of trains, the super-elevations in the railyway curves from Yaumati to Mile 9 (except the curves from Mile 51 to Mile 5) and from Mile 14 to Lowu were adjusted for a maximum running speed of 45 miles per hour on these curves. The gradient of the section of main line track from Mile 19 to Mile 191 was also eased by raising the level of the track.
47. Some 2,493 hardwood sleepers on the main line track were renewed this year and 906 tons of stone ballast were used.
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