BODYTALK
Page 46
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For the first time the Freight Transport Association staged a specialist bodybuilder's show as part of its conference. We were there to find out what's new in British bodies.
• By adding an exhibition to its biennial conference the FTA provided bodybuilders with the specialist alternative to the Birmingham motor show that so many of them have been calling for. Sadly the number of visitors to the outside exhibits were hardly representative of the FTA's full membership, many of whom could ill afford the time to visit Stratford, or may have been put off by the poor weather.
Many aspects of road transport were represented in one form or another, and the large number of signatories to the SMMT bodybuilders quality code at the show confirms the code's value both to operators and the industry at large.
Along with high-cube double-decked and demount trailers, there was a wide variety of sliding and curtain-sided vehicles for quick-access delivery work. Among these was an example of the dual-mode Trailertrain system, which promises to take heavy trailer traffic off the roads and make more economic use of both road and rail resources.
Although still in its prototype stage, Leyland Dafs TX450 concept vehicle contrasted starkly with the other exhibits in its vision of the future.
While moving goods is one thing, however, securing them in transit is another. Apex Load Control exhibited new roll pallet restraints and a captive decking
system that folds to the roof when not in use.
One way of avoiding axle overloads was highlighted by Farnham-based Weigh. write. Its latest system consists of a combined single-axle weighbridge and printer unit with a memory facility for storing vehicle data.
Although Trailertrain's dual-mode trailer is not new, it was on show as part of a system which the London-based company claims will cut transportation costs and capital expenditure. Seven of the special York Trailer-built semi-trailers have been on trial delivering to supermarkets for some time now and, says the company, the concept has proved itself The trailer's SAF air suspension gives a good ride and raises the axles once its rear is attached to the rail bogie.