No_4_1955 — Page 27

HONG KONG TRAMWAYS LIMITED

In the last issue of the "BUILDER", there was an article on the moderniza- tion programme of Hong Kong Tramways, Limited. This programme, which started early in 1952, has now been com- pleted and the following details complete the description of the new depot.

was

The general layout of the workshop is flexible and no special positions have been allocated to the different depart- ments. Down the south side of the work- shop, the machinery is positioned with two hand-operated overhead travelling cranes. All machines have their own driv- ing units.

All machinery was recondition- ed and brought up to modern standarda in every way, before re-installation.

Parallel with the machine section are two rows of artisans' benches, each com- plete with a workman's tool locker and vise; the benches are firmly secured to the floor.

NEW RUSSELL STREET DEPOT

HONGKONG TRAMWAYS LIMITED.

›

Photograph of the new depot from the south-west with the stores in the foreground, the office block to the right and the workshops behind

the Assistant Engineer in charge of work- weatherproof envelopes of bitumen and shops and his asistant; also there is a asbestos felt. general office accommodating the Time- keeper and a Records Clerk; these offices

There is a night inspection shed just are

east of the main depot; this was mostly air-conditioned and are glazed ОП three sides to allow for adequate supervi-

built from parts left over from the old buildings. Underneath the floor of this shed are a well and two water tanks with

The remainder of the shop is occupied by four rows of tracks, upon which gen- eral overhauls of car trucks and bodies, and finally painting, can take place. A number of 2-ton blocks and tackle have been installed in suitable locations. in addition to a 2-ton Morris electric hoist sion. at the south-east end of the depot: the main purpose of these hoists is for lifting and moving the 3-ton trucks and truck second-hand parts. The bodies, which weigh 5 ton. io cwt. with their underframes, are moved from the trucks by means mobile jacks. Between the tracks аге inspection pits.

10.

of

Down both sides of the workshop, where space is available. are personal lockers for the workmen; these are located between the columns and are well out of

the way.

As far as possible in the construction, a total capacity of 10,000 gallons. A materials have been used pump supplies water to the fire hydrants with

results. highly satisfactory

There is also a No throughout the depot. second-hand materials

"Merlin" high pressure car washing plant. were used in new depot, however, unless it was

It is possible that at some future date, sidered that they would last for at least fully automatic pressure washing equip- another 20 years.

the

сол-

ment will be installed here, with a mixer for water and detergent, and revolving brushes.

In the

floor

is

* 50

In this connection, it is interesting to note that the Robertson Patent Metal roof sheets and all the R.P.M. Ventilators,

office building, all offices are which were installed in the King's Road located on the first floor.

The ground Depot in 1938, and which were found to

devoted mainly to stores,

most in making the be in perfect condition, were re-used

use of the available the new workshop. The R.P.M. roofing space for storing heavy materials.

are of steel, fully enclosed in

A single-storeyed block adjoining the office building along the west boundary of the site, will house the Permanent Way Department for the time being. Between the workshop and the office block is the Foundry and Blacksmith Shop.

There is a workshop office at a mez- zanine level in the depot. This houses sheets

The new depot from the corner of Matheson Street and Russell Street. The night inspection shed is in the foreground. (Photographs by Roy Tsang)

25

—

The island site, on which the new offices and workshops are located, is bounded by Russell Street, Matheson Street, Sharp Street East and Canal Road East. It is over 110,000 square feet in

area.

The total cost of the new depot was $2,100,000, exclusive of the value of the King's Road building which was moved to the new site. This total includes $700,000 for the office block, and another $700,000 for rails, points and surfacing.

"Atlas" fluorescent lighting fittings in the new offices and workshops were sup- plied and installed by The Jardine En- gineering Corp., Ltd. "Crittall"" metal windows in the office building were sup- plied by Dodwell & Co., Ltd.