Improved Sleeping-cars.

Not only are the Home railways speeding-up train running in all directions.

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They are also putting into traffic many new and improved types of passenger vehicles, some of which are quite unique in railway practice. A most interesting design of coach is represented in the new sleeping cars turned out for the Anglo-Scottish night services of the London and North Eastern Railway. These new first-class sleepers each have ten compartments and a shower bath section, together with the usual toilet and pantry accommodation. One passenger only is accommodated in each compartment, absolute privacy thus being assured. A most comfortable bed is provided, with tasteful blue blankets and bedspread to match, the walls of the compartment also being finished in blue. The bed-head and foot are of walnut, and the floor has a blue and fawn carpet covering. All metal fittings are chromium-plated, and each compartment is furnished with a long dressing mirror.

The London and North Eastern was the pioneer of the travelling shower-bath. On the new sleepers, the shower-bath section is 4ft. 6in. long and 6ft. 7¾in. wide. It is lined with blue rexine, while the shower cabinet itself is 2ft. lin. square. The complete sleeping-car measures 66ft. 6in. in length, being carried on two four-wheel bogies. All spaces in the body shell are packed with felt, and the fitting of sponge rubber under the carpets eliminates all travel noise successfully.