 The railway's main business was the transport of freight between these major industrial centres, rather than passengers.The early history of the LMS was dominated by infighting between its two largest constituents, the Midland and the North Western, previously two fierce rivals.Generally, the Midland way prevailed, with the adoption of many Midland practices, such as the livery of crimson lake for passenger locomotives and rolling stock as well as the continuation of the Midland Railway's small engine policy.