British All-metal Bodies for Overseas L'URTIIER developments in connec
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tion with the use of Duramin ailmetal lightweight bodies—on the passenger-vehicle side—are reported by the Duramin Engineering Co., Ltd., Hythe Road, Willesden, London, N.W.10. It is interesting to learn that not only are operators in this country giving attention to the merits of this type of bodywork, but that in overseas countries it is also attracting favourable notice.
This is clearly indicated by an accompanying illustration, which shows a Duramin-bodied La.til bus—one of trove vehicles—equipped with a Gardner fourcylindered 38 b.h.p. oil engine that has recently been shipped to Shanghai. It may be recalled that almost four years ago the Duramin concern shipped an all-metal single-decker to Shanghai.
The body is of the central-entrance type, and seats 31 people, although there is ample space for a number of standing passengers. Despite the fact that DO attempt has been made to emulate the luxury coach, the interior is well illuminated and ventilated, and the seating is serviceable.
Particular interest attaches to the rustless all-metal body, because it not only combines strength with lightness, but will resist the ravaging effects of insect pests and extremes of temperature and humidity, which can prove damaging to timber and other types of body.
Including all glass, upholstery and internal fittings, the body weighs complete 1 ton 2 cwt. 2 qrs. It is constructed under British registered design No. 718,026, and we understand that patents have been applied for relating to the chief structural members, notably the type of pillar used which provides a neat and easy method of attaching the exterior panels. The vertical edges fold into a recess in the pillar, the top horizontal edges also folding into a recess in the sill, and,
as the bottom edges are bolted to the skirt rail, it is a matter of only a few moments to rettIOye Or to rep-lace a damaged panel.
A sliding door is fitted centrally on the near side of the body, and Quicktho patent •drop windows are used throughout: The floor framing is of channel-section duralumin, but the floor itself is of teak, being covered with cork linoleum.
Although the light metal alloys comprising the framework and the aluminium panels are more costly than either steel or timber, we are told that the price of this type of body is not much higher than one built of heavy materials. The weight of the complete vehicle is 4 tons II cwt.