Airport Vehicles: What Users Want R EQUIREMZNTS in vehicles for use
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on airfields were outlined by Mr. George S. Lindgien, J.P., C.G., M.P., Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. at a dinner of the Institute of the Motor Trade, in Birmingham. He said that he thought there were opportunities for an enterprising manufacturer in the production of a trailer specially designed for hauling gliders.
Vehicles for use on airfielut should. he continued, afford the driver a good all-round view, be manceuvrable in cobfined spaces, not overhang too much beyond the wheels, and have welldiffused lighting. Another requirement was that the largest pneumatic tyres. consistent with the lowest possible vehicle overall height, should be fitted.
-Diminution of the fire risk was also important, and most air-line operators preferred oil-engined vehicles. Ample self-contained fire-fighting equipment should be provided, and not just one miniature extinguisher. Mr. Lindgren declared that the engines of vehicles for use on airfields should be governed to low maximum.
Speaking of the need for improved facilities for loading and unloading baggage and freight, Mr. Lindgren thought that improvements to the fork-lift truck and the development of mobile equipment on the lines of an,escalator would be Worth while. •
He imagined that a great deal of time would be saved if an operator had a small fleet of flat trailers which could be
towed up to an aircraft by a separate tractor, and the whole trailer, complete with load, lifted to the required height by a fork truck. On the other hand, it might be more practical to combine prime mover, platform and lifting device in one vehicle. Mr. Lindgren also spoke of the need for designing refuelling vehicles for cleanliness.
Referring to various specialized vehicles, which civil aviation was looking to the motor industry to develop. the speaker mentioned a diesel-electric crane of 30-cwt.-2-ton capacity. Among other requirements were a compact preheater vehicle for warming up engines, air-conditioning cabins, etc.; a vacuum. cleaning vehicle; and a small, and preferably electric, machine to convey fully prepared meals from the airport kitchen to the aircraft.
There was also a need for an improved utility van for carrying a driver and six or seven passengers and baggage, with facilities for quick loading and unloading.
I. OF T. MEETINGS NEXT WEEK
AMONG meetings arranged by the Institute of Transport are the following:—February 4: Luncheon, Connaught Rooms, London (Lord Brabazon to speak). February 4: Lecture by C. F. Klapper, A.M.Inst.T., on "Limiting Factors in Co-ordination," at imperial Hotel, Birmingham, at 6.30 p.m. February 5: Discussion on " Road Transport Facilities in the L.P.T.B. Surrey Area," at L.P.T.B. offices, Reigate, at 6 p.m.
HAULAGE RATES FOR PRODUCE AGREED
AN agreeinent on rates has been reached between the Road Haulage Association and Sheffield and District Wholesale Fruit and Potato Merchants' Association. It covers rates for loads from the ports of London, Liverpool, Hull and Manchester to Sheffield. The rate per ton from London is 36s., Liverpool 25s., Hull 20s., and Manchester 18s.
A table has been drawn up to show rates per package from the four ports in respect of apples, pears, grapes, oranges, grape fruit, onions, chestnuts, walnuts, tomatoes, cucumbers, lemons, potatoes, pe a c he s. pomegranates, sprouts, cauliflowers, and cabbages.
Further details can be obtained from the South Yorkshire area of the R.H.A. at Midland Bank Chambers, Charles Street, Sheffield, I.
2,800 VEHICLES FOR SALE
SOME 2,800 vehicles will be offered for sale by auction at Byram Park. Great North Road, Brotherton, Yorkshire, between February 10 and February 27. The sales will be held on February 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27. The auctioneers are Messrs. Hollis and Webb, 3, Park Place, Leeds, 1.
CAXTON HALL MEETING OFF
antinationalization meeting Tivilich had been arranged by the Hauliers' Mutual Federation, to be held at Caxton Hall, Westminster, S.W.l. on January 28. was abandoned. The reason is not clear.