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Mobile Dark Room Speeds. Up Picture Presentation

8th May 1936, Page 48
8th May 1936
Page 48
Page 49
Page 48, 8th May 1936 — Mobile Dark Room Speeds. Up Picture Presentation
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COMMERCIAL-VEHICLE operators and private motorists throughout the British Isles will be familiar with The Motor van, which, for some years past, has attended many of the major motor sporting events and private-car and commercial-motor shows. This van, which was fully equipped as a photographic dark room for Press work, has done yeoman service in expediting the delivery of photographs of topical interest. Temple Press Ltd., the proprietor of this journal, and of The Motor, The Light Car, The Aeroplane, Motor Cycling, Cycling, The Oil Engine, The Motor Boat, and The Motor Ship, recently took delivery of a new vehicle, again designed for use as a photographic dark room, as well as for the transport of the company's numerous publications.

The new machine, which has a body of striking and modern design with an attractive streamlined appearance, has, as its basis, the well-known Dennis 45-cwt, chassis in short-wheelbase form and with forward control. This chassis is the latest example of the type, which was fully described in the issue of The Commercial Motor dated September 29, 1933. Since that time, various modifications have been made in the light of extensive operating experience, and this model has proved particularly successful under the most arduous working conditions.

Powered by a four-cylindered engine of 3.7 litres capacity, which develops B34 60 b.h.p. at 2,250 r.p.m., the chassisis of sturdy design and robust construction. The wheelbase is 9 ft. 6 ins., and a turning circle of no more than 85 ft. is afforded.

The special body is a product of Spurling Motor Bodies, Ltd., The Hyde, Hendon, London, N.W.9, and the design is such that clean and flowing lines have been obtained without in any way detracting from the utility value of the machine. Plenty of space is available within the body, the inside length of which is 13 ft. 3 ins., the width being 6 ft. ; ample headroom is provided.

The rear door is in two sections, the lower portion pivoting downwards to form a ramp ; it is provided with a neat folding step. The upper section opens in an upward direction and gives a clear entry to the body. Three chromium-plated brackets, each having a rubber pad, are fitted to the lower portion of the door to keep it just clear of the ground when open.

At the forward end of the body a sliding door communicates with the near side of the driver's cab, and the passengers' seat is easily detachable to permit of free access. This door is lined with plywood to prevent any possibility of light entering the body ; furthermore, it runs in a brass channel at the base, rollers being let into the door.

The interior of the body is finished a matt black and special attention has been given to the doors and openings, so that all light is excluded from the body when it is used as a dark room. Special fittings in the roof give adequate ventilation, whilst artificial lighting for the interior is provided by three roof lamps.

Complete equipment is installed to deal with all photographic work, and on the off side, at the rear, is the sink for developing and washing plates or prints. Above this is mounted a 13

gallon galvanized water tank. Forward of the sink on the off side is a strong folding table and next to the partition behind the driver's cab is a large felt-lined cupboard containing a shelf and a rack with spring clips for holding bottles of chemicals.

On the near side a table runs the full length of the interior of the body. It carries at the rear an enlarging apparatus, the light for which is obtained through a window in the near-side rear quarter. A similar window is provided on the off side and both windows ace made light-tight when necessary by means of the use of hinged velvet pads.

Beneath the bench is a ladder, which hooks on to suitable brackets at the rear of the body and gives access to the roof.

The publicity value of the vehiclehas been carefully studied, and the side panels are recessed on each side where the raised lettering is fixed, so that the letters are almost flush with the outer panels. The words "The Motor" are reproduced exactly as on the cover of the journal itself ; furthermore, each letter is outlined in neon tubing, so that in darkness the full day-time publicity value of the machine is not only restored but increased.

When the vehicle is used in the service of other Temple Press journals, quickly detachable panels are placed over the recesses in the body sides. These panels bear the nameof the journal to which it is desired to draw attention at the time.

The neon installation is the work of Franco Signs, Ltd., 25, Oxford Street, London, W.1, and it is operated by an alternator driven by a 11 h.p. two

stroke petrol engine, the two being mounted on a single base. The outfit is housed in a well-ventilated cupboard at the forward end of the body on the off side.

The van is finished in a pleasing ivory shade, a brown belt which follows the contour of the tail affording a good relief. The wings are also carried out in brown. The finishing medium for both the body and wings is the well-known " Vigorized V5" process of Pinchin, Johnson and Co., Ltd., 4, Canton Gardens, London, S.W.1. The vehicle was supplied by Coaches and Components, Ltd., a Dennis commercial-vehicle specialist and the maker's distributor for London, north of the Thames, 469-471a, Holloway Road, London, N.7.

Accompanying illustrations give a good impression of the attractive appearance of the new van, which will be an invaluable instrument in furthering the -Temple Press policy of presenting photographically, with daily newspaper expedition, the latest news of the motoring world,

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Locations: London

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