Royalite Wings for London Buses
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FOLLOWING experimental tests over the past year London Transport. has adopted Royalite nitrite thermoplastic as the standard material for front and rear wing valances on its buses. It is being used in place of aluminium as original equipment on new Routemaster buses, and as the standard replacement for the steel wings of the older RT bus. London Transport engineers are said to have found it cheaper and quicker to replace damaged metal wings with Royalite parts than to carry out repairs.
Royalite, which is manufactured by The North British Rubber Co. Ltd., of Edinburgh, has been used as an interior trim by many operators and car manufacturers since its introduction in 1957. The London Transport tests have, however, proved that it is an ideal material for external use such as wings. Its rubber-like qualities absorb shock and allow wings to spring back into shape after initial denting or distortion caused by glancing blows which would per manently damage steel or aluminium wings.
As the pigment extends through the thickness of the material, scratches or scrapes to the surface paint do not cause unsightly blemishes. Furthermore, unpainted Royalite does not rust.
Protective Lining
THEproblem of providing a protective coating to line the insides of tanks is said to be answered by a new product of Docker Brothers, Rotton Park Street, Ladywood, Birmingham, 16. It is called Tanktene and is a specially formulated amine-cured epoxy material. Claims made for Tanklene are that it provides excellent resistance to crude oils, semirefined crudes, relined petroleum spirits, vegetables and fatty oils, liquid brine, water and methanol.
Three grades are made; standard, water/methanol resistant and acid and/or alkali resistant. The selection depends on the liquids to be carried in the tank. It is supplied in a two-pack form, consisting of a base material, and a separate activator, pre-packed in the correct proportions of five parts material to one part activator. These materials are mixed immediately prior to use.
Application can be, by brush or spray, but strict adherence to technique is important and there are some restrictions
to its use. Full details can be obtained from the makers.