Dramatic picture on opposite page (from Bob Hepburn, N.Z.R., Gisborne) shows a brand-new "J" class locomotive on the Gisborne line — a sight calculated to quicken the pulse of any train-lover. Big, powerful "J" engines were introduced this year to haul heavier freight trains on East Coast routes.

But even the noblest iron horse must have its rails. The "J" engine on this page, which ran foul of the points at Matawhero last month, ploughed into the ballast and came to a sudden stop—as helpless as a whale stranded on the beach.

Railway workmen, toiling round the clock, expertly jacked the strayed monster back on its rails. It suffered no serious damage, was soon back in service.

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Skewed wagons, caught in crush, splintered like metchwood

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Engine, nearly axle-deep in ballast, fortunately stayed upright

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Railwaymen start intricate task of lifting 105 ton engine and tender back to rails