OIL AS LOCOMOTIVE FUEL 



The remedies suggested by the railway companies included im- 

 provements in fire-protective appliances on coal-buming locomotives, 

 cleaning right of way, patrolling, telephone s^rstem, and use of fire 

 trains. The Public Service Commission did not, however, consider these 

 adequate under the unusual and peculiar conditions existing in the 

 Adirondacks. The limiting provisions of the constitution and laws 

 of the State were to a ver\" large extent responsible for this situation. 

 The cost of electrifying the portions of the railwa}-s in question, was con- 

 sidered prohibitive. 



After investigation and discussion, the unit cost of oil per gallon 

 was taken at 2.4 cents, the transjxjrtation cost of oil and coal as one-half 

 cent per tonper nule, and four barrels or 168 gallons of fuel oil as equal to 

 one ton of good bituminous coal. The cost of repairs for fire-boxes was 

 considered at least as low, and probably lower, with oil than with coal. 



It was shown that the cost of converting locomotives from coal to 

 oil burners averages from $350 to $650 per engine, according to the size 

 and capacity of oil tanks required. A general average cost is $530. 

 To change back to coal burning, with all the coal bvtming equipment 

 at hand that had been displaced from the engine, would cost approxi- 

 mately $25 per engine. 



The proportion of fire damage chargeable to the railways does 

 not exceed 40 per cent, and may be considerably less, leaving at least 

 60 per cent due to other causes. The undoubted additional cost of 

 using oil fuel in the Adirondacks is materially decreased by decrease in 

 damage claims and by provision for using coal-burners on night runs, 

 since it was shown that in the r^on in question the danger of fires 

 starting in the night is practically n^Ugible. 



'Each serious fire in the forest leaves 'fire slash,' which is far more 

 inSammable than the original forest, and greatly increases the chance 

 of fires catching. The second btuning of such areas frequently destroys 

 the vegetable material which forms the floor of the forest, makes re- 

 forestation impossible, and destroys the resiolts of centuries of growth." 

 The railroads have failed to use all the precautions in their power to 

 prevent fires. 



The following paragraphs are quoted in full from the Opinion : 



" In determining the question finally, consideration should be given 

 to the correspondence with the locomotive builders. Supplement Xo. 2, 

 and to their answers to the following questions : ' Provided locomotives 

 are designed especially for the Adirondacks, with a view to securing 

 the utmost possible safety gainst setting fires, consistent with successful 

 operation in heavy passenger and freight service, how wotdd such 

 locomotives compare in safety with oil burning locomotives ?' 



