It was agreed that a Press trip should be arranged for Tuesday, January 31st, and invitations sent to the Manchester daily press and local press.
Mr.Read felt that the emphasis so far as Manchester is concerned should be reserved for the occasion when the Manchester Part 1 scheme is commenced, and suggested that the Bury - Bacup service should be presented as a forerunner of what Manchester can expect in the future, and this was agreed, Messrs.Read and Tonge to confer on details.
(d) Battery Charging
Attention was drawn to the fact that there was some doubt about the charging facilities on the units and Messrs.Larkin and Stanley will look into to ensure that no failures occur when the service commences.
389. BIRMINGHAM (PART 1) SCHEME
It was agree that this scheme should commence on February 6th, 1956 and be preceded by a Press trip subject to Mr.Stanley giving, by the middle of December, definite dates of delivery of the units from Derby. It was agreed that the units required for starting up the Birmingham Part 1 scheme should precede those for the North Wales scheme.
(hand written note on minutes "now 5/3/56, press trip 28/2/56?")
Mr.Gould said 18 2-car sets would be required for this scheme, nine of which would be sent to Manchester when the 3-car units were available.
Messrs.Read and Tonge to confer regarding publicity.
390. NORTH WALES (PART 1) SCHEME
Noted - that submission for additional 2-car set for this scheme has been sent to the B.T.C. for approval. Agreed that this scheme commence on 5th March 1956. Messrs. Read and Tonge to confer on publicity etc.
With regard to the "Welsh Dragon" it was agreed that two 2-car units should be allocated to this service for the summer season, these to be drawn from the units allocated to the Manchester (Part 1) scheme. The name "Welsh Dragon" to be continued for use on diesel units when introduced.
391. BIRMINGHAM (PART 2) SCHEME
Interim report expected to be ready for consideration at next meeting.
