Specialized Bodies that promote efficiency
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Modern Production Methods Enable Normand Garages, Ltd., to Maintain a Large Output of Specialized Bodies for Goods Vehicles
MODERN conditions demand an amazing variety of vehicles to meet the needs of many trades. Whilst the standard-type lorry and van fulfil an important function in dealing satisfactorily with the requirements of many operators, a body, specially designed to suit the needs of the individual trade or concern, can do much to enstire maximum transport economy. Another important fturQ of the
special body is that, without entailing undue expense, the complete vehicle can easily be given a high advertising value.
In this field, Normand Garages, Ltd., Cumberland Avenue, Park Royal, London, is in the forefront and the company's works, which cover an area of acres, have been carefully planned to enable high-quality bodies of individual design to he produced at the minimum cost,
The Normand Garages concern has a wide experience of all phases of transport, for, in addition to its bodybuild
ing activities, it operates a number of garages and depots in London and the provinces. The company is also responsible for the production, coachbuilding and maintenance of the fleet of J. Lyons and Co., Ltd., the wellknown catering concern. The Lyons fleet comprises some 2,000 vehicles, and the experience gained in this field alone must give condence in the ability of Normand Garages, Ltd., to keep the operator's point of vie ly constantly in mind.
During a recent visit to the Park Royal works, we were told that the company is spending large sums of money on ' providing the latest machinery for the coachbuilding department. Amongst the latest appliances installed may be mentioned a White automatic saw sharpener and a routing machine for recessing and profile work.
Full-size drawings are prepared for the mill and when the components are completed and passed to the assembly shop the full-size drawings are again used to facilitate the building of the bodies. A big timber store is available to meet the needs of the shops for some months, ahead, and the moisture content of the timber is carefully checked from time to time to ensure that only properly seasoned wood is used.
In the assembly shop, work is secB41 tionised so far as possible, and the varia ous sections are carefully planned so that the final building processes are
simplified.. Ironwork is fashioned in the company's own smithy, which is equipped with seven forges. A welding department is another important section of the works in this connection. In the panel-beating shop we noticed a Magee wiring machine for wings. CoMpressed-air-operated tools are used throughout.
An extremely accurate costing system is used throughout the production and, as an example, the method adopted establishes a value for repairing grazes on paintwork at a fixed figure per square inch. Lining is also worked out at a definite sum per inch lineal.
We noticed a number of interesting bodies in various stages of erection, and the company is constantly engaged in building bodies for the Lyons fleet, which continues to grow. Renewals are also needed, of course, from time to time, 1,000 Vans in Use.
Approximately 1,000 vans of a special standard design are in operation and, of these, 500 have as their bases the Commer B20 or N1.20-25-cwt. chassis.
A feature ofthese machines is the permanent reflecting sign, which is incorporated in the sweep of the roof above the -windscreen. Immediately below this is an air chute, which directs a current of air through a duct into the body, and the goods are thus kept cool and free from dust. Ample floor: spare is available in the body and, since the-driver-salesman is required to check deliveries and stock, a good roof light is provided. This is worked by a push switch operated by the rear door, so that the light 'isautomatically extinguished when the door is shut.
Another interesting vehicle which has recently been added to the Lyons fleet is a new type of refrigerator van for ice-cream delivery. The body is insulated with Onazote, and layers of this expanded rubber insulating material are provided to a thickness of 6 ins, between the outer panels and the light-gauge iron inner shell. The interior of the body is divided into three compartments by two refrigerator units, two more of these being incorporated in the roof.
" Lamp Carton" Bodies.
The Publicity value of a Commer 1cwt. delivery, van has been carefully studied in the design of a van for the Metropolitan-Vickers concern, and the body represents three Cosmos lainp cartons, shown in perspective with the lids slightly open. The interior is free of obstruction, so that the whole of the space is available for the load.
A Conn-11er N3 chassis is used for a smart demonstration •van for Rinso, and its attractive appearance will be noted by reference to an accorripanying illustration. The necessary washing apparatus for demonstrations is carried in the matirsection of the body, whilst in the forward compartment is
n42 a generator, driven from a power take-off, which provides Current for an epidiascope and micro-projector apparatus. The last-named is used in halls where demonstrations are given, a cable -being connected to the generator on the van.
Four separate advertising campaigns can be supported by a Commer N2 publicity van we saw in the final stages of completion, and it is provided with detachablepanels on each side of the body. An illuminated panel in the canopy above the windscreen is also easily detachable-for the same purpose. A shallow enclosure extending the full length and width of the flat rbof bears on its sides an advertising message that provides a link between the four products, whilst for use at carnivals, etc., an extending tower carries a further display. This tower is geared to an operating handle in the body and may be wound down so as to fit flush with the roof enclosure when not required.
The vehicles mentioned will serve as examples of the wide variety of bodies that we saw on our visit to the Normand Garage works, and we were impressed with the facilities available for the production of all classes of body.