Wagons and the Private Owner

Abstract

This paper relates the experience of a large private owner during a programme of fleet modernization over the last five years. The benefits obtained, together with the technical and other difficulties encountered, are described. The obstacles that history always provides to innovations are discussed and solutions are outlined. Operating experience with 45- and 100-ton cars is related, and progress in block train operation is reported. From the private owners' viewpoint some astringent observations are made upon the attitude of British Rail, but suggestions are made which would largely remedy the situation. Design features and characteristics of cars are given and experiments with individual features are discussed.