Light Alloy Specified for Mobile Shop
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A LIGHT-ALLOY body was specified rt by the Walsall and District Cooperative Society, Ltd., when it was decided to purchase a second mobile grocery shop for their fleet, because it was considered that the structure would last longer and be stronger and lighter than a composite 'type. The body, which was built by Wilsdon and Co., Ltd., Solihull, is based on an Austin petrol-engined 3-ton chassis. The vehicle was supplied by R. J. Evans and Kitchen, Ltd.
The shop has a rear entrance on the left for customers, who are served under cover from the transverse counter and must leave the vehicle by the single door. Under-cover shopping is generally approved by the buying public, and is considered by the Society to be preferable to purchases being made through an opening at the back as it reduces the danger of accidents.
Ample lighting during the day is provided by two Weathershields ,ventilating roof panels, the only window being at the rear of the shopping platform. Unglazed side panels enable the shelving space to be increased.
Following normal Wilsdon practice, the roof is jig-built, and the side framing members are of top-hat section
Channel members of light alloy form the underframe bearers, which are designed to take the full weight of the shelves. These are partly of light alloy and partly of Handy Angle section.
An increase in the wheelbase from 11 ft. 6 in. to 13 ft. 7 in. was provided by a Baico extension, and this enabled a body with a length of 17 ft. 5 in. to be employed.