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William Aston, Cambrian Railways

Discussion in 'Steam Traction' started by Masterbrew, Nov 8, 2023.

  1. Masterbrew

    Masterbrew New Member

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    I have a book about the Cambrian Railways, which mentions that William Aston was sacked in the late 1890s as CME by the Cambrian Railways following an external report. However, it goes on to say that his legacy was good locomotives and carriages that gave service for many years.

    I have not been able to find ay more information about this; the criticisms in the report, whether they were reasonable and the quality of the locomotives he designed. Can anyone shed more light on this, please?
     
    Last edited: Nov 8, 2023
    Masterbrew, Nov 8, 2023
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  2. Jimc

    Jimc Part of the furniture

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    Don't forget that designing rolling stock was only a small part of a CMEs job, especially on a smallish line like the Cambrian. The CME's primary task was to be the senior executive of one of the bigger departments of the railway. It's certainly possible to be a highly competent engineer and a lousy manager.

    RCTS (Page K66 Absorbed Engines) staes "Herbert Jones, after assuming control in 1899, made radical changes in the works..." which perhaps suggests all was not well on the organisational side of things.
     
    Jimc, Nov 8, 2023
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    Jamessquared, Bluenosejohn and Masterbrew like this.

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