and 59 were overhauled. The engine lower main bearings of locomo- tive No. 57 together with their thrust collars were renewed. On completion of 720,000 miles of service, locomotive No. 54 had its control circuit wiring renewed, traction motors overhauled, the main engine bearings renewed and the wheels replaced. After a period of trial and test, high dispersancy oil was adopted as standard crank- case oil for locomotives in place of the medium dispersancy oil formerly used. This was done to bring our practice into line with that of many modern railways in an effort to reduce wear of the power assemblies and the main engine bearings by the use of high dispersancy lubricants.
33. The availability factor of the diesel locomotives was 86.82% compared with 90.63% in the previous year. This decrease was attributable to the very heavy maintenance and repair work falling due, causing locomotives to be withdrawn from service for longer periods. In spite of the heavy work load, adequate motive power was made available at all times during the year to cope with the increased traffic requirements through careful planning and improved control of work schedules.
34. The maintenance cost of the diesel electric locomotives was $0.678 per km. compared with $0.566 per km. in the previous year. The rise was attributed to the higher expenditure incurred on the replacement of components and the increased cost of labour.
35. Carriages and Wagons. All carriages and wagons were main- tained to an efficient state. In addition to routine maintenance and repair, 18 carriages and 11 wagons were overhauled and painted; 34 carriages were given an intermediate examination and repair which comprised the machining of wheel tyres and the re-conditioning of electrical equipment and running gears.
36. Electrical Work. All electric lighting, power signals and other electrical equipment on the railway were maintained to a good standard.
37. Work Done for other Government Departments. A consider- able amount of work was completed for other Government Depart- ments. The more important items included the manufacture of 89 iron castings, 80 bronze castings, 5 sets of brass side-tension bars for an incineration plant, 2 sets of sea water strainers in phosphor bronze, 50 trolleys, 4 hot water cylinders, 4 chute systems for night
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