J.W. Watkins, Esq.,
General Manager, EUSTON STATION, 1.
(c.0. 345.5.14(32))
DIESEL LIGHT WEIGHT TRAINS, WEST CUMBERLAND SCHEME
With reference to your letter of the 9th December and further to our
letter of the 4th of March; 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 third
stage of the West Cumberland Scheme between Whitehaven and Carlisle.
(1) Timekeeping
The timekeeping generally has been very good and there has been no
difficulty in keeping to the present schedules, in fact it would seem these could be cut
down somewhat.
(2) Availablility of Units
No difficulty has arisen under this head nor has there been any recourse
to steam. Motive Power requirements for maintenance and our requirements for cleaning
purposes have been satisfactory and have in no way adversely affected availability of units
for traffic. There have been cases of substitution of sets due to minor failures but these
have been effected without difficulty.
(3) Failures 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.
During the four weeks under review there were nine heating failures on
this section, but as you know this matter is in hand between the Motive power
Superintendent and the makers.
(4) Design of Units
There is nothing I can add to my previous reports on this question. The
lack of van accomodation is more apparent on this section but, as you aware, is being dealt
with.
