1951-1952 — Page 13

MECHANICAL WORKSHOPS

24. Locomotives, carriages, wagons, tools, plant and equip- ment were maintained to a satisfactory standard for safety and service.

25. Locomotives. Two austerity 2-8-0 locomotives, Nos. 25 and 26 were given major repairs and were converted from oil burning to coal, the Hulson rocking grates being made in the workshops. A 2-6-4 tank locomotive, No. 4, which was damaged in an accident, was also given major repairs which included the straightening of the frames.

All other locomotives received normal routine medium and light repairs as required.

There are now eight 2-8-0 coal-burning and four oil- burning austerity locomotives.

The consumption of coal and fuel oil per train- kilometre was lower than the previous year, but the cost was higher owing to increased prices.

The average cost of repairs per locomotive was slightly lower than the previous year due to the reduced kilometrage.

26. Carriages & Wagons. Three carriages were com- pletely rebuilt, the wooden bodies being replaced by steel. All other coaches received medium and light repairs and normal maintenance.

The following all-steel bogie wagons were received from the Crown Agents during the year:

2

10

10

25

Oil tank wagons (45 metric ton) Flat wagons (45 metric ton)

Lowsided wagons (46 metric ton)

Highsided wagons (45 metric ton)

The average cost of repairs per carriage was slightly

lower than in the previous year, and that of wagons noticeably lower due to the new wagons being in operation.

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