First Job for World's Biggest Trailer
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A T 7 p.m. on Tuesday, a new 230-ton 1—t trailer built by Cranes (Dereham), Ltd., for B.R.S. (Pickfords), Ltd., began its first journey to transport a 150-ton generator stator made by Richardson's Westgarth from Royal Victoria Docks to Richborough Power Station, Kent. Although only 75 miles by the direct route, 160 miles in all will have been covered by the time the journey is completed tomorrow morning.
The trailer is said to be the biggest in service in the world. It has a 30-ft.-long load-support frame mounted on " swannecks " at the front and rear. These are supported through turntables on steerable bogies each having 20 wheels. The wheels are located in five rows on both bogies.
Braking is through an air-assisted hydraulic system with Girling 15.5-in. x 6-in, two-leading-shoe units at all wheels. Connections for the two-line airpressure system are fitted at both ends of the unit, and the brakes can also be applied by a rear-end steersman. Michelin G20 Metallic tyres are fitted.
The design of the trailer frame allows for a large degree of flexibility in the loads that can be carried; the length of the load frame can he increased from its basic 30 ft. to 35 ft. by fitting an extra middle section; the width is adjustable from 7 ft. 2 in. to 14 ft. 2 in. and it can be mounted in two positions on the swanneck members. The swan-necks can also be adjusted so that in the lower mounting position the frame height can be varied from 3 ft. to 6 ft. whilst in the upper position the minimum height is 6 ft. 9 in. and the maximum 9 ft. 9 in.
Overall length of the unit excluding the drawbar is 89 ft. 11 in. which is increased to 94 ft. 11 in. when the frame mid-extension is fitted.
FLAT FARE FOR BELFAST
r-t A TWOPENNY flat bus fare for Belfast has been recommended by the Corporation transport committee. The scheme will come into effect for four weeks between May 21 and June 17, from 9.30 a.m. until 12 noon.