Transporter for racing pigeons
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• The South Thames (North Road)Racing Pigeon Federation has taken delivery of a British Leyland ,Laird 1000 chassis, having a Halmo 50in. extension, on which is mounted a special body, built by Wilsdon and Co Ltd, Lode Lane, Solihull, Warwickshire, that can carry 2050 pigeons in 82 panniers. British Rail facilities were used by the Federation until the BR service was discontinued.
Based on a Wilsdon Herculite aluminiumalloy superstructure, the body is equipped with two detachable bunks, a wash unit, a pigeon food store and fresh water tank. Each pannier is carried on individual framing and a special release mechanism is fitted which is controlled by levers from the central compartment to facilitate rapid release of the birds at the start of a race. Lightweight PVC curtains are mounted on special tracking and are fitted to the exterior of the body to allow complete accessibility to each side. The panniers can be loaded from the outside or the inside of the vehicle. The rear is fitted with quarter doors and a substantial bumper step which provide easy access to the interior. The interior of the body is finished with protective paint that can be easily cleaned.