A Drama of Locomotives.

One is looking at a locomotive on a siding in one of the shops. Suddenly a wizard touches a switch which introduces a geni known as Mangahao Power. Presto! The whole upper part of the engine has a quick ascent; it is a lift by a 100-ton electric crane. The wheel base remains behind. It is such a swift, silent separation that it suggests the kind of surprise a person would have if he saw a man's body jump up, leaving the legs behind.

Another magic touch—and away speeds that engine's “torso” on an electric traverser which carries it to renovators who are ready to restore its youth.

Just when this dismemberment was occurring, an engine, fresh from hospital treatment, was chuckling near the scene of operations. This fellow, with a clean sheet of fitness, was fussing to be away on the open lines, to build up another big record of thousands of miles. Presently he would weigh out—the final stage—near the exit. In this process the weight on each wheel would be tested and correctly adjusted. Then he would steam proudly past two travel-stained mates awaiting their turn for overhauls. Each would go in on a time schedule carefully planned for quick despatch.

What is happening now to the patient which was taken to pieces? The wheels and all other working parts, now coated with grease and grime, are ready for their bath—a scalding for two hours in a vat which is 30ft. long, 6ft. wide and 6ft. deep. When they emerge they will be thoroughly clean. The top structure of the engine will have appropriate treatment elsewhere.