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A NEW ALL-METAL BODY

8th March 1932, Page 121
8th March 1932
Page 121
Page 122
Page 121, 8th March 1932 — A NEW ALL-METAL BODY
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Incorporating Standardized Units

SOMETHING distinctly unusual in body construction is about to be pat into production by H. V. Burlingham, Ltd., of Marton, Blackpool. In the new system the entire framework of the body consists of light-alloy castings, bolts and nuts sheing used throughout. For the outer surface rolled sheets of the same alloy are employed.

Apart from such components as nuts and bolts, the metal employed is an aluminium-silicon alloy developed by the Metropolitan-Vickers Electrical Co., Ltd.,, of Trafford Park, Manchester. Compared with pure aluminium, it has a slightly lower weight. Its ultimate tensile strength, in the chill-cast form, is from 11 tons to 13 tons per 'sq. in., whilst the yield point is stated to be 54 tons per sq. in. Castings in this M.V.C. alloy can be bent, whilst the material can be welded without the aid of a flu; and it has great resistance to corrosion.

The body consists of a number of rectangular cast frames of standardized dimensions. Each of these panel frames is rather more than 6 ft. high, and its width is approximately 2 ft. 6 ins, or 5 ft., according to _type. Viewed edgeways, the panel frame is curved.

Rather more than 2 ft. from the top of this frame is a cross-member, which forms the lower sill of the window and, in the completed body, corresponds with the waist line. A foot or so below that is another horizontal member for stiffening purposes. The panel frame thus consists of two verticals and four horizontals, all formed in one casting.

Near the bottom of each vertical pillar there is formed a projection so placed that a space 4 in. wide is left between it and the similar projection on the vertical pillar of the neighbouring panel frame.

This space is occupied by the web of an I-section floor joist, the three parts (pillar, joist and pillar) being held firmly together by three 4-in. bolts. The vertical load is carried, not through these bolts, but by contact between the joist flanges and the pillar projections.

Above the floor level the pillars are of L section, with an extra vertical rib which serves primarily to carry the ply

wood inner panels below the waist and • the window frames above. When two panel frames -are in position their L sections leave between them a rectangular space, which is occupied by a timber spacer. This wood has no structural function other than to separate the two neighbouring metal frames.

To construct the side of a saloon body

a number of these panel frames is bolted together by means of 156-in. bolts, which pass through two adjacent pillars and the wood ,packing between them. 'These two bolts are readily accessible, either for inspection or for the removal of a pa eel.

The roof is built of a number of rolled-sheet members, each corresponding in width with that of a panel frame. These sections run across from side to side and are curved so as to form a domed roof.

Their edges are turned upwards to make flanges and between the two neighbouring flanges there is placed a curved rib of inverted T section, the part which is inside the saloon being, rounded off. Around the outside of these three thicknesses is a seoond rib of inverted T..1' section, the resulting five-ply sandwich being bolted together at more than 30 points. This produces a roof of considerable rigidity and one which is weatherproof.

Certain special points in the construction deserve mention. Even where the wheel-arches occur, standard panel frames are used. The driver's cab, emergency door, and other specially shaped parts all conform with the principle of construction here outlined, the differences being simply matters of detail and shape.

Only in the rear quarters is there any departure from the use of cast frames. In order to allow for variations in the overhang each rear quarter is built up on light-alloy rolled sections and is proportioned so that, in conjunction with a suitable number of standard panels, any desired body length can be provided.

This method of 'construction is also applicable to double-deckers, in which case the upper and lower saloons would be built as two separate units and then bolted together. _ For the Burlingham all-metal body several valuable features are claimed. A 32-seater experimental saloon is stated to weigh 28 cwt., and it is expected to reduce the figure to 26 cwt. or less. In case 'of damage to' the body it is easy to effect repairs. .

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Locations: Manchester

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