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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 2, Issue 8 (December 1, 1927)

You're in for a Ride, Boy

You're in for a Ride, Boy.

The heat from the boiler was noticeable, even though a slight breeze was beginning to course through the cab. I was sitting with one knee between the boiler and the cab window; the
The Ceaseless Operation of the Trains. Auckland locomotive yard at night (note the trail of light depicting the course of the driver as he walked with his torch examining the train before departure.) (W. W. Steuart, Photo.)

The Ceaseless Operation of the Trains.
Auckland locomotive yard at night (note the trail of light depicting the course of the driver as he walked with his torch examining the train before departure.)
(W. W. Steuart, Photo.)

page 12 other spread back, behind the boiler. I noted two heavily insulated pipes close to my cheek. I started to lay hold of one, and discovered instantly that it was too hot for contact.

“Grab that injector rod, mister,” called Fireman Parker, who evidently noted my quest for better support as he returned to his seat. “I run the water with this valve down here, and you'll need something to hold on to pretty soon. “I had observed the hooked rod, but had kept hands off for fear of doing something to the engine that might not be becoming in a guest. That rod was a friend indeed many times in the two hours that followed.

“We got a standing order of twenty miles an hour to Iles,” called Parker in my right ear, as we got under way, “but from there on we burn 'em up.”

“How late are we out of Springfield?” I asked.

“Thirty-five minutes,” he replied.

“Are we apt to make some of that up?” I pursued.