1966-1967 — Page 14

43. As in the previous year, corrosive discharge from the cold storage wagons of the Chinese Section was the main contributory factor which caused extensive damage to all the metallic components of the track, signalling systems and bridges. In addition to reduction in section of component parts due to corrosion, other conditions of the track were affected. Where the corrosive action was particularly severe, such as on the inner rail of a sharp curve, difficulty was experienced in maintaining the proper inclination of the rail. Rail creep, which had been very severe before 1951 and was later brought under control by the use of suitable rail anchors, increased considerably due to loss of effectiveness of the rail anchors resulting from corrosion. Measures taken to improve the situation created by the corrosive discharge were threefold: (a) Renewal or strengthening of all critically corroded track, signalling and structure components; (b) Continued discussions with the Chinese Section with a view to eliminating, or at least reducing, the amount of corrosive discharge from their cold storage wagons; and (c) Carrying out various tests with a view to finding some kind of effective protection for parts of way and structures which are subject to damage by the discharge. Although there were some improvements in the overall situation towards the end of the year under review, results of the discussions with the Chinese Section and tests carried out have not been entirely satisfactory and a permanent solution is still being sought.

44. Track. The following works were done during the year: (a) The main line track was maintained to a good standard. All fish-

plates were carefully inspected and greased. Some 1,234 lengths of 95-lb. rails, 1,510 cubic yards of stone ballast and 15,236 timber sleepers were renewed during the year.

(b) Badly corroded track components were renewed wherever necessary. During the year, some 1,748 pairs of fishplates, 7,780 fishbolts and 53,130 dogspikes were replaced. Macbeth spikes were intro- duced and a total of 4,800 pieces was used to replace dogspikes in some main line curves.

(c) For the purpose of restoring the rails to their proper inclination, the rail seats on the sleepers of the main line curves at Miles 61⁄2, 91, 12 and 143 and on the loop line at Yau Ma Tei Station were adjusted by adzing. The gauge and superelevation of these curves were also adjusted.

(d) The expansion gaps of the rail joints in the main line track from south face to mid tunnel of Beacon Hill Tunnel, from Miles 82

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