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Quick painting in MEB spray shop
Page 47
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• A quick-drying paint, developed by the Midlands Electricity Board in collaboration with a manufacturer, is now used by the Board in conjunction with hot-spray painting to reduce overall painting time to a minimum. On average a total of 10 new or overhauled vehicles has to be painted every week in the spray shop which is located at the Central Transport workshops of the Board at Gorcott Hill, near Redditch, Worcs. The paint gives a touchdry surface within 10/15min of application. It is produced by the 3M Co. Ltd., 3M House, Wigmore Street, London, W1A 1 ET.
The second and final stage of the operation is application of the vehicle markings. These comprise MEB initials and the words Midlands Electricity which are printed-out in full, together with delineation lines on each side of the red stripe at centre-line level between the cream above and dark green below. To match the speed of spraying, the MEB employs the 3M Fleetmark marking system. All the lettering of the MEB emblem is supplied in a single sheet.
Application requires no special skills or equipment. The backing paper is first removed to expose the adhesive on the lettering and carrier paper. A low-tack adhesive on the carrier paper allows the complete sheet to be held correctly in position while pressure is applied firmly to all areas of the lettering. Once this pressure has been exerted the lettering is permanently bonded to the surface and the carrier tape can be peeled off.
The red lettering of the MEB markings is of Scotchlite reflective sheeting, which is used as an aid to safety. All new vehicles are fitted with Reflecto-lite safety plates made to BS AU145. Scotchcal film may be used as an alternative to reflective lettering. This is also supplied by the 3M Company for Fleetmark applications, the black edge of the red centre band on the MEB livery being of Scotchcal film which also has a strong adhesive property ensuring a positive bond with the surface.