Our Latest Mobile Darkroom
Page 37
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Details of the Design of a Modern and Attractive Vehicle Acquired, for Photographic Duties, by Temple Press Ltd.
TEMPLE PRESS LTD. (the pro1 prietor of The Commercial Motor) has recently added to its fleet a mobile darkroom which has several special features designed to facilitate the work of the photographic department. Outwardly, the van gives no hint of its special uses, but it cannot fail to attract attention by reason of its handsome streamline appearance, broken-white colour scheme and large sign panels.
There are four of these panels, a large one on each side, with smaller ones above the screen and back door, all of which are illuminated by a novel scheme of Neon lighting and removable glass panels. Each set of panels has inscribed on it the name of a Temple Press journal.
The chassis is a Commer PNF3, supplied by Coaches and Components, Ltd. ; the bodywork has been built by Lancefield Coachworks and the NQOTI signs have been installed by FrancoSigns, Ltd.
By a skilful arrangement of the back panelling, a streamlined effect is obtained in conjunction with good headroom for entering the vehicle at the rear. The roof cornice and its continuation form one bold curve from the top of the screen to the hind corner of the body. The waist moulding, which is the fall length of the body, is swaged in the solid with the aluminium panel. Another prominent feature of the design is the set of wings which, with their graceful curves and generous proportions, give the right degree of emphasis to the lower part of the body. The rear-wheel enclosures includd a flush-fitting paddlebox-panel.
The forward-control cab has good visibility, with the bottom line of the side windows and screen kept as low as possible; also there are wide doors. The folding seat on each side of the engine casing has a leather cushion and squab with a locker-behind it.
Access is afforded between the inside of the cab and the top of the roof by 'means of two inside steps on the front bulkhead and a Weathershields sliding roof. The sliding roof-panel moves transversely and, on reaching the roof, which is specially reinforced and boarded, a waist-high handrail is available for the use of camera-men working on the roof.
There is a wide back-door and entry is facilitated by a sunk step. There is full standing headroom inside the van. On the off side there is a chemical cupboard, enlarger, workbench with Calor gas-supply and a lead-lined sink with supply and waste tanks. A hinged table is fitted on the near side. Also, on the near side is the asbestoslined steel housing enclosing the Lister engine and dynamo which provide the current for the Neon signs. This power unit is supported in a steel cradle between the chassis and the side of the body, and there is full access to it by means of a detachable outside panel.
An emergency exit is provided in the front bulkhead. This consists of a door opening into the cab.
The darkroom has a full equipment of interior lighting, but when developing is in progress the van is light-tight and adequately ventilated. Above the front illuminated sign there is Weathershields ventilating equipment, consisting of an air inlet with ducts which lead to another inlet above the top of the bulkhead, where circulation is promoted by an electric fan, the air passing out at the rear.
All glass panels and windows are of Toughened glass and the screen is of Triplex laminated glass.
All concerned in the building of the van have co-operated to provide an up-to-date and efficient mobile unit, and the coachbuilders are to be congratulated on the building of a body which combines utility with artistic excellence and good workmanship.