British Built for Canadian Television
Page 49
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THE circumstances surrounding the recent delivery by Marshall Motor Bodies, Ltd., Cambridge, of two television vans to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, were somewhat unusual, in that the Chevrolet chassis were imported and modified in this country. The modification involved the conversion from normal control to forward, control to provide the maximum space behind the driver's compartment.
Each vehicle carries all the necessary cameras and technical equipment for producing outside broadcasts. The special body is of composite construction and has a reinforced roof, as it has to support the weight of the field cameras and the relay 'antenna. Access to the roof is gained by a light-alloy ladder which leads to a small trap in the forward portion of the roof.
The interior finish is particularly attractive, the roof being in matt ivory with wall panels of Formica. Bird'seye maple is used above the frenchpolished garnish rail, the panel below .which has a cherry mahogany finish. Thick black rubber is used for the floor covering, and the upholstery is of cream-coloured Vynide.
Provision is made for both battery and mains lighting, and ample natural lighting is provided by side and reardoor windows of large area.
The rear doors are not carried right down to the rear earbreadth, so that cables can be trailed below them when the unit is functioning. The space below the doors and the earbreadth is fitted in by a rubber draught 'excluder.
An air-conditioning unit is provided in the rear of the roof, and the tempera. lure of the body is maintained by units coupled to the engine in conjunction with a paraffin radiator.
The body was designed in consultation with Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Co., Ltd., which was responsible for the supply and installation of the equipment