letters
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Do you want to comment on any of the stories in Commercial Motor? Does someone in the industry deserve a pat on the back—or a public dressing down? Or is there simply something you want to say to our readers? Don't keep it to yourself —drop us a line at CM Letters, Rm H203, Quadrant House, The Quadrant. Sutton, Surrey SM2 5AS. Alternatively, you can fax your letter to us on 0181 652 8971 or e-mail it to Miles.Brignall@rbi.co.uk Letters may he edited for length and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor.
Curtain expert
Tread with considerable interest the article on the Made-Up Textiles Association's efforts to ensure that the curtains on curtainsiders are of a high standard and capable of restraining the load.
As the original creator of load-bearing curtainsiders nearly 30 years ago, I retain a keen interest in their design and build and, like MUTA, I am concerned at the number of flapping curtains with missing fusion straps and rusted up, and therefore useless, buckles which I see each day.
A point which is beyond MUTAS control is the attachment of the curtain rollers (in most cases) and the strength rating of roller and track.
The end locations of the curtain poles are also critical and I see few attempts to lock the rear pole at mid height, allowing it to bend and possibly spring free if the load should shift.
With respect to our body and trailer builders I feel that the continental manufacturers have got their acts together from what I see—most of their designs being based on my original concept.
With reference to your article on the vandalising of curtainsiders, this must be infuriating, particularly since goods cannot be stolen as I predicted in 1969. The damage just creates an insurance claim which is costly and time consuming.
Gerald Broadbent, Sandbach, Cheshire.