Author's collection
BR Official
Auto-wagon
|
In the summer of 1971 an unusual development was tested in the shape of a vehicle which carried a single container and which was self-propelled. Known as the 'Autowagon' it was proposed that the vehicle would be able to park itself, and thereby save on motive power but
not surprisingly the idea didn't take off. It did feature on the TV
programme 'Tomorrow's World' but was pushed into the shot by the 08
shunter giving the impression that it was self-propelled .A contemporary account The proposed B.R. Autowagon system seeks to put the wagon-load service on a par with that provided by road haulage in terms of flexibility and quality of service but to provide this service at less cost by means of automation. The essence of the B.R. system is a fleet of approximately 10,000 self-powered driverless container carrying vehicles carrying up to 80 million tonnes of freight per annum, some of which would be won from road. This freight would move between 300 public and 1,000 private depots. This scale of operation will almost double the number of "train" movements on British Railways. |
|
|
The 'Auto-wagon' is seen here approaching the
unloading facility alongside the workshop at Mickleover
Author's collection |
|
Auto-wagon under the transfer
crane BR Official |
