Light Vans Displace Motorcycles for P.O. Work
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An "Observation" Strip Above ihe Driver's Compartment a Feature of the Latest Type of Van with which the Authorities are
Experimenting
AN experiment that will be watched .with much interest is being conducted by the engineering department of the Post Office, which is about to take delivery of a fleet of six Morris Minor vans having special bodies. Amongst its duties the engineering staff has to keep an eye on the telegraph lines and to facilitate this task it was essential to design the front part of the body so as to provide a wide range of vision in Cu upward direction. The manner in which this object has been achieved is clearly discernible in the accompanying illustrations, and it will be seen that the driver's cab also serves as a useful " observation " compartment. Above the well-raked windscreen, which consists of two large panels, there is a transparent, sloping panel made of safety glass. No anxiety need be felt as to the effect of sky and srua glare on driving safety, for this glass is stated to be proof against these influences, the desired tint being worked into the composition of the glass itself and not into the celluloid " sandwich."
Good vision is also given at the sides. The door windows have safety glass and sliding half-panels. The off-side section of the windscreen is hinged along its top edge and can be swung wide open. It is equipped with an ordinary 'radial wiper, whereas the 'observation" panel has a horizontal fitting, the two blades ensuring that the complete width of glass is wiped. Comlilned electric head and side lamps, having a twin headlamp filament for dimming purposes, form the Main lighting equipment, but a Commercial touch is given by the large paraffin side and tail lamps and by the serviceable rear-view mirror stoutly mounted on the off-side front wing. So far as the body is concerned it is of roomy proportions, and provides ample space for the tools and equipment normally carried for the work of the engineers. Above the shelf in the interior and against the rear-side panelling a spare wheel is neatly mounted. Amongst the equipment• in the driver's cab can be mentioned a fire-extinguisher and a small first-aid outfit. There is a double folding door at the rear, each section of which incorporates an oval light; another body detail is a large roof ventilator. The design used is the result of collabaration between the Post Office engineers and W. Harold Perry, Ltd., North Finchiey, London, N.12.