A NEW-TYPE VAN BODY FOR THE G.P.O.
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A Vehicle for Use in Areas in Which Loading Space is Restricted.
DURING a recent visit to the works of Messrs. BonaRack and Sons; at Cable Street, London, El, we had an opportunity for inspecting a new van lardy of 1-ton capacity which has been built by this concern to the design of the postal authorities. Unlike the usual G.P.O. vans, which open at the rear, this is provided with a wide sliding door on its near side. The reason for this is that the body has been specially constructed for use at the Newcastle Post Office, where the loading bays are situated in a comparatively narrow passage, allowing no turningroom and not even enough space to load the vans in a staggered position.
In order to keep the fleet at Newcastle of one make, so far as is possible, the body has been mounted on a Ford chassis, fitted with a Supaphord auxiliary gearbox. The body has several features of outstanding interest. The framework is built of ash and is covered with aluminium panels. A large front-screen, with angle-iron uprights, is provided and allows an exceptionally clear field of vision. There is a sliding door in the partition behind the driver's seat, giving easy access to the interior of the body. This is fitted with a carriage-lock, as is the main door at the side of the van. The latter can also he secured by means of a lever, operated from the driving comPartment, which moves a long push-rod and in turn works a special type of latch. Plain, lever-type latches are fitted to the driver's doors.
A small oval window, with a wire screen, is fitted behind the driver, allowing him a clear view of the road to the rear through the two lights at the back, which are also protected by wire netting. Interior lighting is provided by a small lamp, which is fitted at the top of the back panel. This is operated by means of a switch in the driver's compartment, where a plug for an iespection lamp is also provided. The side-lamps of the vehicle are fitted beneath the canopy, a somewhat unusual position.
A small space is allowed for tools above the petrol tank, which is situ ated under the driving seat, but a large kit is not necessary in this case, as the van will not be used on journeys likely to take it far away from the Newcastle service station.
Dunlop straight-sided high-pressure tyres of 30 ins. by 5 ins. dimensions are fitted, a spare being carried in a strong iron housing on the rear panel which, as can be seen froth the accompanying illustration, adds a distinctive touch to the back of the body. The specially supported folding-step, be ne'ath the sliding door, is also to be seen.
The van' which is very neatly finished in the familiar Post Office red and black, is, according to Messrs. Donallack and Sons, to be chiefly employed for carrying letter-bags.