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New Lightweight Semi-trailers
Page 57
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LIGHTWEICHT semi-trailers designed 1.--4 for maximum gross weights within the Construction and Use Regulations are being built by commercial vehicle distributors and repairers, T. W. Walker Ltd., of Lanehouse Garage, Thornaby Road, Thornaby-on-Tees, near Stockton.
By using thinner gauge steel than usual and modified designs for the frame—but embodying established running gear, braking system and landing gear25-year-old Mr. Tony Walker has built a 27-ft. tandem axle semi-trailer to carry 20 tons gross with an unladen weight of 3 tons 6 cwt. Mr. Walker told The Commercial Motor he is confident he will get the unladen weight-down to 2 tons 10 cwt. without any loss in operating or handling efficiency.
Price for a 27-ft. model with three-line braking system is approximately £1,350 with a six-month money-back guarantee.
At present +-in. steel is being used for the frames, but as supplies become avail able thickness will be used.
. A choice of Rubery Owen or B.P.W. axles and suspension is offered, whilst fitted as standard is Intertruck Easy Gear landing gear, Clayton Dewandre air-system braking and Kerung 1-in-thick hardwood flooring, Work on the first trailer started seven weeks ago. Now two have been completed—one 27 ft. and one 40 ft. long. Six 13-m., 20-tormers are under construction, each of which will have a 2 tons 15 cwt. unladen weight.
R. W. Isles, Haughton, Road, Darlington, bought the first trailer, a 27-ft.-long tandem axle unit with three-line braking system, and an unladen weight of 3 tons
6 cwt. After 4,000 miles Mr. Isles described it as " champion ". He is particularly impressed with the braking performance.
Now that the first trailers have been built, plans are proceeding rapidly to extend the production facilities. The Board of Trade has agreed to make a loan (under the depressed area scheme for industry) of £37.500 towards the cost of a factory and plant. Mr. Walker also plans to build trailers incorporating a movable kingpin, which would give four variable positions for coupling.
All lengths up to 50 ft. are to be built and all will be of maximum permitted width. Two 50-footers have already been ordered.
The sheet metal workers on the T. W. Walker Ltd. staff have also built lightweight bodies, mainly tippers, for operators who demand increased payloads.