Special-duty Commers for the Post Office
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• Eagle Engineering Co Ltd of Warwick, is currently building and fitting out a fleet of vehicles for the Post Office designed for rodding and light-cabling. The contract is for over 120 units and is now nearing its half-way stage. Deliveries are being made ahead of schedule.
The vehicles incorporate new equipment recently developed and introduced by the Post Office Telecommunication Department. The mechanized rodding and cabling system is hydraulically energized by a pump driven by the power take-off and includes solenoid-operated engine-speed controls. The complete equipment is capable of rodding underground ducts and installing cables up to 45mm diameter.
Two air compressors are installed; one operates the road-breaking equipment and submersible water pump, while the other is used to power the duct motors. A winch is fitted that provides a line pull of 20001b and is equipped with automatic re-reeling gear.
In addition to internal racking and underbody lockers designed to carry tools -and stores, the vehicle incorporates a welfare unit having drawers, a cupboard and a propane gas stove. Two-way communication between the crew members is provided by a radio fitted in the vehicle and a small portable set worn by one of the men. The portable radio can be recharged from the vehicle's electrical system.
The non-integral bodywork is of light aluminium construction and has a hardwood floor. It is mounted on a Commer forward control chassis cab and can carry a payload of 5 tons.