Noted that Eastern Region had now received authority for
fitting of special control system on two prototype cars to enable
cars with Rolls Royce engines to intercouple with other cars, and the
prototypes were being taken into Derby Works to be fitted.
7. Units out of service for Works
attention
Mr.Stanley reported that difficulty with heaters had now
been overcome and investigation was in hand to ensure that multiple
units cannot be started with handbrakes on. Mr.Baker has
requested the Chief Mechanical & Electrical Engineer to stock
diesel spares at Horwich and Crewe and this has been agreed and will
assist in keeping the units in traffic.
The Chairman referred to the large number of units
sustaining damage and was assured that driver training was adequate,
but it was appreciated that the light weight construction of the units
makes them more vulnerable to damage than steam stock. It was
noted that the L.M. position in regard to units out of service for
Works attention compared favourably with other Regions.
642. RAIL BUSES FOR RURAL AREAS
(1) Employment of 3 rail buses on
L.M.Region
Noted that preliminary report on technical, operating and
commercial aspects of operation of buses to date sent to Commission on
December 9th, and the General Manager had intimated that if the results
indicated by our experience are typical, the concept of rail buses
cannot be lightly eliminated.
(2) Banbury - Bletchley
Service
Notes that the case for the withdrawal of the passenger
service was still at the stage of staff consultation.
