An Attractive Outfit for Confectionery Transport
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THERE is one type of transport unit which, justifiably, is gaining in popularity, and that is the semi-trailer forming part of an articulated machine. It has several outstanding features, chief amongst which are its large carrying capacity, low operating cost per ton-mile, and the fact that a single vehicle and driver can be used in conjunction with two or three semitrailer units.
The body shown in the accompanying illustration is one of two designed and built to the special order of Batger and Co., Ltd„ the well-known confectionery concern, by the Capital Motor Co., Ltd., Remington Street, .1.ondon, N.1, which company has specialized in this type of work for over 30 years.
Incidentally, the concern of Batger and Co., Ltd., was established in 1748, and throughout its existence transport has been a prior consideration. In the earliest days hand carts and horsed vehicles were predominant, and, as the art of the coachbuilder progressed, better sprung and more protective bodies followed. The firss motorvans, with their greater road speed and solid rubber tyres, helped towards business expansion, but one can realize the greater care that must have been exercised in packing this company's particular goods in order to afford protection in transit.
Then came pneumatic-tyred vans, to be followed by the more modern conception of economical transport-the semi-trailer outfit.
Bodies built by the -" Capital " concern are framed entirely of hard wood, all standards being suitably reinforced throughout their length. With bodies of this size this is most important if undue distortion is to be prevented. To keep down undue vibration. beaten metal corners are used in the construction of the roof, which itself is braced with angle-iron members to prevent sagging. In accordance with modern practice a three-quarter roller shutter and a stout tailboard serve to enclose the rear of the van, adequate protection for the sweets and preserves carried being thus assured. • The interior dimensions are: Length, 20 ft.; width, 7 ft.; and height, 6 ft. 6 ins., so that the capacity is approxi mately 910 cubic ft. There are two interior lights which derive their current from a battery carried in a cradle slung beneath the chassis frame. One or both lights can be used as desired.
In the side panels, at the four corners of the body, three-louvre type ventilators are arranged and, in addition, further ventilation is provided by two revolving-type fittings mounted in the roof.
The particularly smart body finish is in two shades of green with grey, roof, and black mouldings divided with a fine red line. It is sign-written with letters in real gold-leaf, some letters being outlined in red and others in black, all being shaded in a contrasting green.
We understand that amongst the post-war plans of the Capital Motor Co., Ltd., the large-scale production of similar bodies is projected. One of them is to be of the pantechnicon type, which should be of interest to the removals side of the road-haulage industry. Also under consideration is the institution of a standard charge for the complete overhauling and reconditioning of trailer.chassis, in connection with which work the equipping of a special shop is contemplated.