Annual statistical report

(New York, N.Y. :  The Company,  )

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nance schedules assigned them. In all cases, existing
buildings and other resources have been utilized,
through adaption and conversion, to the maximum

possible in pro\ iding such facilities.

Efficiency drive enlists research

During 1948, as always, the Central enlisted the aid
of science and research on its side in the battle to
increase efficiency. In its own equipment depart¬
ment, in collaboration with suppliers from whom
equipment and materials are purchased, in conjunc¬
tion with other railroads and through the Associa¬
tion of American Railroads, the Central worked to
improve present features of service and present
ways of doing things.

While progress in the railroad industry is not
normalh' characterized by spectacular inno\ations.
nevertheless developments which in themselves are
hardly dramatic are frequently of major importance
for their contribution towards efficiency and service.
During the past year several research projects were
furthered by the Central which show promise of
considerable value. One of them is the development
of a simplified, straight-flow method of conducting
steam for heating through the ears of a passenger
train. This improvement, which will be ready for
practical testing shortly, will, if successful, increase
the efticiencv of train heating.

Other projects in progress

Other projects include one to provide more instan¬
taneous brake action on cars by the utihzation of
electrical impulses for the application of pneumatic
brakes. These electro-pneumatic brakes will be pnt
 

into experimental ser\"icc, as an auxiliary to the i-eg-
ular air-activated brakes, on two of the Central's
passenger trains this year.

The Central also directed research towards contin¬
ued reduction in the weight of rolling stock, without
sacrifice of strength or safety, in order to produce a
greater amount of revenue load per unit of tractive
effort. "Dynamic balancing" of car wheels, to impart
smoother riding qualities and reduce wear both on
the wheels and on roadway, is under investigation.
And the Central, in cooperation with other rail¬
roads, is continuing the exploration of the poten¬
tialities of a coal-fired gas-turbine locomoti\e as a
form of railroad motive power.

Future will bring increased benefits

The immediate adxantages enjoyed as a result of
the Central's comprehensive improvement program,
while of commanding interest at present, do not by
any means represent the entire significance of what
has been and is being done. Indeed, it is the future
benefits — which may be expected to increase as the
program is extended within the limits of practicabil¬
ity and on the basis of careful study and planning —
that will show the true value of the Central's policy
of broad-scale betterments.

By the aggressive extension of research, by the
utilization of manv new techniques and new devices
that ha\"e proved themselves in practice, and by the
maintenance of a high standard of training among
employes, the Central will contmue to push its drive
towards the two goals which must be the constant
aims of any business that wishes to go forward:
great!']' clFicieuc\' and better ser\'ice.
 

Training for all personnel who handle freight is the aim of this
instruction car, which tours the System with its movies, slides.
 

and staff of trained instructors.  Both station and yard forces
are reached in the Central's drive to cut freight loss and damage
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