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Report of the Committee on Types of Motive Power

Document Summary

A comprehensive report by the railways executive into the future of motive power on British Railways. Includes a detailed analysis of the existing steam power, as well as an examination of the developments then taking place with diesel, electric and gas-turbine traction in the UK and overseas.

The report concludes that large scale experiments in diesel and electric traction should be undertaken; thus heralding the beginning of post-war modernisation.

This document was published in October 1951 by Railway Executive.

It was written by Railway Executive.

The original document format was Bound Booklet, and comprised 197 pages.

This document was kindly sourced from Paul Luscombe and is in our Financial & economic reports collection. It was added to the Archive on 30th January 2006.

Copyright Information

This document is © BRB (Residuary) Ltd.

"In accordance with the terms of reference, the Committee has investigated, primarily from the economic angle, the future balance of advantage between the various types of motive power for service on British Railways. The report records the salient facts determined during the investigation and the conclusions reached by the Conunittee, together with appropriate recommendations.

The aim pursued during the investigation and in framing the report has been to produce a comprehensive factual survey of the motive power position and of developments and trends at home and abroad in an attempt to bring out in correct perspective all the factors relevant to the formulation of motive power policy, with an appreciation of their implications for British Railways. Endeavour has been made to present conclusions and recommendations in a form that will have solid practical value, be capable of realisation, ensure adequate opportunity for the encouragement and application of technical progress, and will enable British Railways continuously to modernise their motive power and to provide, on a sound economic basis, a service in keeping with the times and of a standard required by the public."