Noted that Messrs. Davey Paxman have asked for the return of the engines and other equipment to them as tests are now complete, agreed that engines and equipment be returned to the makers.
2. Liverpool, Manchester, Bradford and Leeds Scheme - Mr.Gould
said that on further consideration of this scheme the view has been formed that the ex L.& Y. route could be operated by the standard diesel multiple unit and investigation was proceeding on these lines.
With regard to the ex L.N.W. route, it was agreed that a joint scheme with the N.E. Region be prepared incorporating the Leeds, Manchester and Hull/Liverpool routes, the investigation to cover design of units and use of 450 H.P. Davey Paxman engines.
3. Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester scheme - Agreed that investigation
into this scheme be deferred having regard to electrification.
554 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE ARRANGEMENTS
(a) Minutes of meetings of sub-committee held on the 26th November, 1957
noted.
Chairman stressed the desirability of expediting a final decision on the
layout of Etches Park having regard to the prospect of the Derby, Nottingham, Leicester service being commenced in April, 1958. An examination is being made of the possibility of the units being maintained at Stoke and Crewe as a temporary measure.
(b) Five-day examination of units. - Noted that present arrangements are
proceeding satisfactorily.
(c) Diesel repair depots. Chairman said that Sir Brian Robertson has drawn particular attention to the experience of the Canadian Pacific Railway, who have concentrated their diesel repairs on a limited number of efficiently laid out establishments which work around the clock, and also that there are more booking-on places for train crews than there are motive power depots. He made the point that it is only too easy in the early stages of dieselisation to spend far too much money on diesel depots. It was stated that these points are borne in mind in formulating schemes on the L.M.R.
