(a) General Manager's request of 8th February 1957. - Mr.Nicholls
reported that this investigation is progressing satisfactorily.
(b) Request from C.T.C.C. for charts showing operating costs and
receipts for schemes in operation. - Noted that a reply is in course of
preparation by the departments concerned.
7. Design of Standard Units of 57' Stock
(a) B.U.T. power equipments. - Noted that the original
200 H.P. engine has now been found capable of developing 230 H.P. and it has
been agreed to a pair of these engines being fitted to the Derby prototype
steel vehicle which is being prepared for trial on the Eastern Region for
comparison with the similar car with Rolls Royce engines. Mr.Finlayson
will arrange for a copy of the report of the tests, including particulars of
fuel consumption, to be sent to the General Manager.
(b) Coupling together of units. - Reference was made to
the difficulty which is being experienced and which can be anticipated with the
multiplicity of types of vehicles which prevent the different types being coupled
together. This creates operating difficulties owing to the restriction
of flexibility of the use of the units, and a greater capital expense in the
provision of more units. It was agreed that the attention of the
B.T.C. and the other Regions be called to this difficulty.
(c) Smoking Compartments. - Consideration was given to the
two alternative arrangements for non-smoking compartments shown on drawing
DE.56895. It was noted that whatever is done regarding the provision of
first class non-smoking space will entail the loss of some seating capacity and it
was felt that this was not desirable. Mr.Dow said that although
complaint had only arisen on the Buxton line, he considered that such accommodation
should be provided as a general principle and the Chairman said he would contact
the Eastern Region and ascertain if they had any comment on this question.
