Long Non-Stop Train Runs.

One of the most interesting aspects of modern railway operation is that associated with long non-stop train runs. The average railway traveller nowadays takes all such transportation achievements very much for granted, and rarely gives a thought to the perfect working of the system, the very high efficiency of the equipment-locomotives, rolling stock, track signalling apparatus-and of the personnel, that ensures his safe and rapid movement along the iron road.

The question of long non-stop train runs, with special reference to England, was recently discussed by correspondents in the London “Times.” It was the accepted opinion that the run from Paddington Station, London, to Plymouth (226 miles) was the longest non-stop run in the Old Country-a run which is done daily in four hours. The line is equipped with track watertroughs, which enable the engines to take water without stopping.

Longer non-stop runs than the above, however, have been announced in the summer schedules of the London, Midland, and Scottish Railway, and the London and North Eastern. The former provides for a 236.3 mile non-stop run from Euston (London), to Carnforth, and the latter for a 268 mile run from King's Cross to Newcastle -truly a great performance. The longest non-stop run on our own railway is one of 90 miles, between Frankton Junction and Taumarunui.