Three diesel parcels vans on order for the West Cumberland Area from
Messrs.Cravens. Noted that the firm do not now anticipate delivery until October,
1957. The Chairman raised the point as to whether diesel parcels vans had been
considered for future schemes in relation to the 1,000 vehicles requested, as it may be
possible for Cravens to continue the construction of parcels vans after delivery of the first
order in October, 1957. Mr.Gould will consider for discussion at the next meeting.
6. Design of standard units of 57' stock
(a) Streamlining
Mr.Randle's reply to the General Manager received too late for consideration by Committee and matter deferred to next meeting.
(b) Advertising in diesel units
Mr.Salmon reported that intimation has been received from the Chief Commercial Advertising Officer that as an experiment some open frames for displaying commercial advertisements
20" x 10" are now being fitted to diesel compartment stock for the Western Region
Birmingham suburban service being built at Derby but Mr.Dodson Wells does not feel justified
in recommending at this time the equipment with advertising panels of vehicles operating other
diesel services.
(c) Metal Racks
Noted that Carriage & Wagon Engineer now states that contractors have already made
arrangements for metal racks to be fitted and it is not possible to revert to
string. Additional costs compare with those for metal racks fitted in Derby built
cars. N.E.Region cars are being fitted with metal racks following unsatisfactory
experience with string.
(d) Rolls Royce 8-cylinder engines
The Chairman referred to Mr.Bird's request for the 2-car unit fitted with 238 H.P. engines which
is at present working trials in West Cumberland to be sent to the Eastern Region for use in the
Lincoln District, as this unit is one of 50 2-car sets now under construction for that
Region. Mr.Finlayson will investigate circumstances and arrange for report to be sent
to the General Manager specially.
(e) Smoking Compartments
Mr.Dow said that complaints have been received from members of the public travelling on the Buxton - Manchester line of the lack of non-smoking first class accomodation. With regard to the 3-car units to be delivered to this service, it was agreed that the first class compartment in the centre car should
