39.
Statistics:
(a) The average consumption of diesel oil was 3.40 kgs. per engine km compared with 3.45 per engine km in the previous year. The decrease was attributable to the lighter train loads of goods traffic throughout the year.
(b) Statistical statements relating to the analysis of train and locomotive running, fuel oil running expenses, consumption of lubricants, the cost of repairs to locomotives, carriages and wagons will be found in Appendices VI to IX, while classifications of rolling stock are at Appendices X to XIII.
WAY AND STRUCTURES
40. Maintenance. Way and structures were maintained to a good standard during the year. Though there was no material damage to way and structures as a result of the disturbances, an additional burden of work was placed on the maintenance staff since intensified patrolling of the line for some 16 hours each day had to be maintained for a period of approximately five months.
41. During the year under review, corrosive discharge from the cold storage wagons of the Chinese Section continued to be the main factor which caused damage to all metallic components of the track, signalling systems and bridges. Efforts made in the previous year to improve the situation were continued. Due, however, to a lack of positive response from the Chinese Section, discussions on how to improve the cold storage wagons virtually stopped, and the measures taken were confined to the renewal of critically corroded component parts only and tests to find the most effective kind of protection for these parts. Of these tests, covering the metallic parts with an epoxy resin and tar surface coating, following very thorough preparation of the surface by sand-blasting, appeared to be the most satisfactory. However, in view of the fact that the number of cold storage wagons received into the British Section during the year under review was reduced by more than half compared to the year 1966-67, it is too early to conclude that the test was a complete success, although the coating was found to be definitely superior to ordinary paints.
42. Track. The following works were done during the year:
(a) The main line track was maintained to a good standard. All fishplates were carefully inspected and greased. Some 1,189
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