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Semi Pipe-dream

23rd February 1962
Page 41
Page 41, 23rd February 1962 — Semi Pipe-dream
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

ISit a pipe-dream to consider the possibility, in future years, of a group of operators getting together to use a pool of jointly-owned semitrailers, each operator being free to run the tractive unit of his choice, and thus gaining the maximum benefit from the use of articulation at the minimum cost? The prime consideration would be, of course, complete standardization between the tractive unit and the semi-trailer so that any two could be joined together; standardization, that is, of such component items as brakes and couplings, not of basic individual designs. In other words, freedom for the operator to choose which unit he fancied with no other restriction to be borne in mind.

British Road Services are already a considerable way towards this ideal, because their sheer size enables them to standardize on makes and interchange semi-trailers like rail wagons. If (as seems likely) the use of articulation continued to grow as it has done in the past few year's, then smaller hauliers, and possibly even C-licensees, might want similar arrangements. But here, because a number of individual operating concerns would be involved, everybody would .not necessarily agree to model standardization. That is why this pipe-dream (should it, perhaps, be called a "semi pipe-dream "?) would require complete interchangeability of tractive units and semi-trailers, regardless of make.

The manufacturers are certainly keenly aware of the need for standardization, because it has been for a long time a topic of discussion within the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. On the face of it the fact that a tractive unit and a semi-trailer, made perhaps 300 miles apart, match up at all is a tribute to the manufacturers. But, as they realize themselves, this is not enough. The ideal is, as stated, complete interchangeability. Indeed, a considerable number of standards have already been agreed in relation to such things as light and brake couplings and fifth wheels. However, whilst acbording every praise for what has been done, it is relevant to remark that the degree of urgency is becoming more marked—as, no doubt, the manufacturers realize: .

Continental Operations

One of the major factors that is making things more difficult is the growth towards each other of this country and the Continent. Not only Great Britain, but the rest of Europe as well must be taken into consideration Standards must be related to Continental design. A second edge to this Continental Sword of Damocles is that the use of articulated operation across the Channel is growing rapidly. It will continue to grow and, when the Common Market Commission accepts Great Britain's application for membership, use of semi-trailers will be greatly stimulated as cross-Channel transport—in both directions— snowballs.

Related considerations are those of speed limits, axle weights and dimensions. It is a Ministry proposal that artics should be allowed to travel at 40 m.p.h. outside built-up areas: this will present certain . problems on braking and power/weight ratios. The Ministry is also considering whether to increase the dimensions, gross weights and axle loadings to come into line with Continental practice, and it seems likely that increases will be sanctioned. The manufacturers have, therefore, .a great deal to consider in relation to articulated unit design, as a whole. Added to all this, they have to consider the impact of produetion problems (and therefore price) in relation to Standardization.. Nevertheless. dreams—even pipe-dreams—are the stuff from which progress is fashioned. They should never be ignored.


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