Merriworth lightweight skeletal
Page 28
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• Among the new semi-trailers which will be seen at Earls Court in September will be a lightweight skeletal container carrier that is being introduced by Merriworth (Engineering) Ltd. The company claims that the design saves in excess of 10 cwt. in unladen weight over standard designs of skeletal trailer. Single taper-leaf springs and low profile tubeless tyres are used.
The taper-leaf springs have been manufactured by Jonas Woodhead specially for Merriworth and they are 3.5 in.-wide, that is a 17 per cent increase on the normal width used, providing greater roll stiffness for a given spring rate.
Fabricated 1-beam sidemembers 18 in. in depth form the main frames and these are braced by pressed steel cross members situated adjacent to each outrigger. At other strategic points in the frame 6.5 in. tubular cross-members are welded in position. The rear bogie is a self-contained, bolted-on sub assembly and the trailer is designed to accept either 20 or 30ft. containers.