Modified automatic cane bin coupling at Pleystowe

Pleystowe Mill has used Willison automatic couplings on the six tonne bin fleet since replacement of the older four tonne fleet began in 1978. A high incidence of derailments since the introduction of the automatic couplings has been a problem and the need to provide a high speed service to the former North Eton Mill area using the Pleystowe bin fleet has further demonstrated the Pleystowe bin's inherent potential for derailments. The problem was being partially controlled by restricting train speeds and loads, as well as maximising the use of the one brake van in the fleet.