The cost of the prototype would be £11,500 per car, and delivery was promised 10 months after the
order was given. As the firm was a small one, however, it was unlikely that they could supply in large
quantities, and it would probably be desirable to place orders with the two other interested firms
to secure early delivery of a sufficient number of cars.
12. In reply to questions, Mr. Robson stated that the 48 seat car would be able to
take an overload of about 12 standing passengers. Conventional buffing could not be provided and
trailers therefore could not be hauled.
13. The Eastern, Western, Scottish and London Midland Region representatives agreed
that the type of car outlined would be suitable for their requirements. The Southern Region
representative though that the capacity of the car was probably insufficient for Southern Region
requirements, and expressed a wish to consult Regional Officers further on the subject.
14. It was agreed:-
(a) That a proposal for the purchase of 20 light-weight cars, at a cost of approximately £12,000 per
car, should be prepared by British Railways Central Staff and submitted to the Commission through the
Works and Equipment Committee.
(b) That copies of the plans of the light-weight car should be sent by Mr. Robson to all regions,
whether participating on the experiment or not.
(c) That the Eastern Region should convene a meeting between representatives of the Regions
participating in the experiment and a representative of the Chief Carriage and Wagon Engineering Officer,
in order to reach agreement on the details of the design required (e.g. lavatories, luggage compartments,
seating arrangements, doors, route indicators, etc.).
