CRANE SOLUTIONS AT DERBY WORKS

Derby Locomotive Works

In 1973 British Rail’s Derby Locomotive Works was under great pressure to improve the throughput of servicing main line diesel locomotives, both by reducing manpower employed and time taken. The Works Engineer of the day was Albert Summers, a hugely experienced mechanical engineer. His righthand man, and Chief Electrical Engineer, was Vernon Rose. Both men were highly respected within their own works and throughout the rail maintenance industry.

The main locomotive traction repair hall had two ancient, cab-controlled overhead cranes which dated from the age of steam. The coming of diesel locomotives meant that the huge traction engines were now mounted deep inside the