J.W.Watkins Esq., 4th March, 1955.
General Manager, Euston Station.
CO.345.5.14(32)
DIESEL LIGHT WEIGHT TRAINS,
WEST CUMBERLAND SCHEME.
_______________________________
With reference to your letter of the 9th December and our letter of the 8th January; we give below our observations under the various headings set out in your communication, of the working of the diesel light weight trains in the second stage of the West Cumberland scheme, between Carlisle, Penrith and Workington via Keswick.-
(1) Timekeeping.
It is still felt that the timings over this section are too liberal and it seems that they should again be reviewed. In many cases trains are waiting time at stations. On the Silloth line easement to the speed restrictions has not yet been authorised by the Chief Civil Engineer, but when this is done no doubt we shall be able to get some acceleration on this branch.
(2) Availability of Units.
Sufficient units were available to cover all the scheduled services, plus all testing and staff training arrangements.
(3) Failure of Equipment.
All cases of failures of the West Cumberland units have been reported to you currently in accordance with your letter of the 9th February.
As you are aware, trouble has been experienced with the combustion type heaters of these trains and the matter is in hand with the C.& W. Engineer and the makers. There have been comments regarding a rather noticeable smell arising from the heater exhaust, but this should be eliminated when final adjustments are made to the apparatus.
