Mine locomotives

This paper reviews the conditions and restrictions governing the use of locomotives in British coal mines, and the designs which have been evolved to meet them. The various types of locomotive are briefly described and some of the principal factors which determine the design of the locomotive are discussed. The Diesel engine, electrical equipment and power-transmission gear are considered, and particular attention is paid to braking problems and couplings. Operational experience, with a brief account of some important difficulties and the method of their solution, is included. An attempt is made to summarize the present position, to indicate the immediate problems which must be solved and to suggest further long-term lines of progress.