Rolling Stock
On the 1st January 1948 the newly formed British Railways inherited the entire inventory of rolling stock from the 'Big Four', and initially continued building to their existing designs.
In February 1948 the British Transport Commission Railway Executive formed the Ideal Stocks Committee to review and report on the future of Passenger carriages and Freight wagons. Their initial report was submitted to the BTC in March 1950 and the BR engineers further developed some of the existing designs into a standardised range of stock which could operate on all regions.
The ISC also reviewed the requirements for steam locomotives, and recommended a series of Standard classes which Mr. Riddles and his engineers would design and construct between 1951 and 1960.
The ISC did not consider main line diesel/electric traction.
The Pioneer Modern Traction Group does not intend to write a detailed history of BR rolling stock; there are many existing books available on the subject and the Internet can provide almost endless research material for those seeking a greater knowledge.
The story of British Railways rolling stock is just as interesting as the modern traction at the front of the train.
On the 1st January 1948 the newly formed British Railways inherited the entire inventory of rolling stock from the 'Big Four', and initially continued building to their existing designs.
In February 1948 the British Transport Commission Railway Executive formed the Ideal Stocks Committee to review and report on the future of Passenger carriages and Freight wagons. Their initial report was submitted to the BTC in March 1950 and the BR engineers further developed some of the existing designs into a standardised range of stock which could operate on all regions.
The ISC also reviewed the requirements for steam locomotives, and recommended a series of Standard classes which Mr. Riddles and his engineers would design and construct between 1951 and 1960.
The ISC did not consider main line diesel/electric traction.
The Pioneer Modern Traction Group does not intend to write a detailed history of BR rolling stock; there are many existing books available on the subject and the Internet can provide almost endless research material for those seeking a greater knowledge.
The story of British Railways rolling stock is just as interesting as the modern traction at the front of the train.