• Semi-trailer for In Transport
Page 71
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Sealing of Load Conforms with TI.R. Regulations
A N interesting development by Cain
more Six-wheelers Ltd., London, N.12. is a. 10-ton-capacity semi-trailer, 26-ft. long by 7-ft. wide, built for M.A.T. Transport, Ltd. The unit is intended for use on inter-continental transport, and is designed to conform with the TIR Customs Regulations.
Basically these regulations specify methods of body construction which ensure that the vehicle's load compartment can be sealed, and nothing removed from the load or added to it, without the fact being readily obvious or the seals being broken.
As the M.A.T. semi-trailer is intended to be loaded by crane a special, fitted, canvas tilt and detachable hoops are incorporated, in conjunction with low fixed sides and a full-height bowed headboard. This is obviously more difficult to seal than a metal box-van body. 'In this case, steel staply are fixed at 8-in. intervals all round the bottom of the sides and tail-board and at the rear edge
of the head-board. Brass eyes at the edges of the canvas tilt go over these staples and a single length of plasticscovered steel cable is then drawn through all the staples. There is a rear opening to the tilt, which is closed by leather loops fitted to one side, going through brass eyes in the canvas on the other and then interlocking with each other, the cable going through the bottom loop. The ends of the cable are fitted with a special connector which can be sealed.
As the semi-trailer is to be used in conjunction with Dodge and B.M.C. tractive units in this country and with a Saviem 1(4182 unit on the Continent, a number of problems had to be overcome. The main one was in respect of turntable height which is 4-ft. 3-in. on the Saviem and 3-ft. 8-in. On the Dodge and B.M.C. This was catered for by the fitting of special front-supporting legs, adjustable in height by up to 15 in
Another problem was that a dual brake system had to be fitted, as single line upright vacuum was required to suit the Dodge and B.M.C. tractive units, and two line air pressure with an additional air connection for emergency operation (from a hand control in the cab) to suit
• Saviem.
The electric supply for the stop and tail lamps is connected through a Seintcx five-pin coupling, as this type is fitted io the Saviem, the English vehicles being modified to suit. A Burtonwood hydraulic tail-lift is fitted to the rear of the semi-trailer for use only in this country. The two pipe connections for this are located in the centre of the heed board, 2 ft. 6 in. from the bottom, where the four brake-pipe connections and the Scintex socket are grouped, all in one position.