Van for Route Survey
Page 58
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ADAPTED in the undertaking's own workshops, a Bedford 10-12-cwt. vehicle with Martin Walter Utilecon body is being used for route-survey work by London Transport. A sleoder telescopic mast, which fits into a socket on the near side of the front bumper takes the place of the unwieldy trellis-work of the collapsible height-gauge formerly used, and to enable the operator to watch for obstructions such as low bridges, overhanging trees and lamp-posts, a glass porthole has been let into the roof of the cab on the near side above the seat.
A desk for the operator carries a recorder which automatically describes on a paper tape the speed of the vehicle, the distance travelled, the time taken and the duration of any stops, a gradient gauge and a clock. Above the desk is a dial which shows the camber of the road and, to the left, an instrument which records, in yards, the distance between any two points. This instrument is operated by a wheel which can be lowered on to the road surface, as required, by means of a lever inside the van.
The survey vehicle is well equipped with seats, windows and electric lights, as well as a heater, and operates anywhere within the London Transport area.
Although intended primarily for surveys, the van is also suited to act as a radio-control car during events such as race meetings. It conveys radio equipment to the site and works in conjunction with walkie-talkie sets operating at important loading points. Extensive use is made of radio for calling up vehicles when required to reduce the time passengers need spend in queues.
B24