113. Considerable errors were found when the mileage between stations was checked and the necessary adjustments were made and incorporated in the October timetable.
114. The speed limits of 35 miles per hour over curves and 25 miles per hour over points and crossings on a straight through main line over locked points were increased to 45 miles per hour and 35 miles per hour respectively.
115. Permanent way maintenance improvements were as follows:-
(a) A programme of daily work for line maintenance gangs was introduced with the object of securing uniformity of practice and systematic organisation. (b) The maintenance work performed by the various gangs was equated on a unit basis and work was apportioned in accordance with the ratio between man-power and units of maintenance.
(c) The superelevation and the spread of gauge on curves were reduced to obtain smoother running conditions.
(d) A ballast cleaning programme was initiated to eliminate the dust and improve the track.
(e) Creep posts were installed at distances of two miles.
(f) Roller oil was substituted for engine oil for the oiling of fishplates. The former has been found to last longer than the latter and it is less than half its price.
(g) A new standard type of dogspike was introduced. The thickness was reduced from 3/8" to 1/6", the new type being smooth-faced instead of notched.
(h) Tee-headed Beater Picks weighing 6 lbs. were standardised in place of the fish-tailed picks which weighed 7 lbs.
116. Six Coleman Quick-Lite petrol lamps were provided for use in Beacon Hill Tunnel and two broken rails and six badly worn rails were discovered by their use.
The incidence of rail deterioration in this tunnel is very great and weighings made during the year disclosed the fact that the loss of weight is as much as 3% per annum. In November, an analysis of rust flakes pulled off the webs of rails by hand was made and it was found that these flakes consisted of almost pure rust, the percentage of SO3 being only 0.6. Ten badly corroded rails were renewed during the year and the new rails before being laid were painted on the webs and bottom flanges with three coats of refined tar applied hot.