Viewing page 205 of 266

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

232

"in part at least from Mr. Craton's feeling that fireless locomotives should not be produced at all even though they use less critical material and less critical fuel." My feeling in this matter had nothing whatever to do with the delay in release. As far as my feeling in the matter is concerned, I do believe that because of the extremely limited field of application for a fireless locomotive, and the extremely low sales, it might be eliminated in the interests of reduction of types of equipment and also because it is almost earmarked for a job when it is built and does not have the flexible application of a locomotive with ability to function successfully in long cycle, high load factor operation. However, I would not take an arbitrary stand on it. Furthermore, while I am no expert on the construction of a fireless locomotive, I am told that the storage tank and curtain fittings are extremely fancy pieces of equipment.

5.) Evans complains that he has been released only through the first quarter of 1943. In this matter, for a wonder, I am not mentioned. As a matter of fact, based on Porter's own statement of capacity, he has enough locomotives released to carry him at full capacity to about June 1, 1943. Based on his past performance, he has enough to carry him into the third quarter or beyond.

After reading this letter, we had a long talk with Andrew about it, got out files, etc. I think he was about as mad about the thing as we were, assured me he had every confidence in me, but pointed out that this incident may make it more