A VALUABLE BOOK FOR THE BODY BUILDER.
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0" Of the Most useful additions to the libraries of the 41esigner and the builder of motor-vehicle bodies is Motor Bodywork," by Mr. Herbert J. Butler, who has had a distinguished career in the coachbuilding industry and in journalism. He has, in recent years, contributed a number of special articles on the subject in the columns of this journal. The new work is published at 52s. 6d. by W. R. Howell and Co., of Bedford Row Chambers, 42 Theohald's Road, London, W.C.1. It runs to nearly 500 pages, is copiously illustrated with photographs, detail drawings and a large number of plates, being reproductions of blue prints and working drawings. It has an excellent index and, by means of cross-references, repetition has been avoided.
Quite one-half of the book is devoted to the design and construction of commercial and passenger bodywork, including platform lorries, lorries with fixed and movable sides (including brewers' lorries, market gardeners' vans and builders' lorries), boxvans, tilted vans, self-discharging and tipping svegons, trailers, ambulances, hearses, single-deck omnibuses, double-deck omnibuses, chars-hebancs, taxicabs, commercial travellers' cars, caravans, refreshment stalls, tank wagons, fire appliance bodywork, lower wagons, prison vans, etc., so that it will be seen that the scope of the work is very complete.
Each variety of body is fully discussed in detail; its 'characteristic features are considered and attention is given
to methods of economical production, the ways in which the design may be modified and to the limitations brought about by chassis design and the needs and requirements of the user. Details of design, of the uses and merits of different materials, of the work of the drawing office, and of methods -of construction, mounting and finishing (except painting) .are gone into very thoroughly. The hand and machine tools used in wood working and metal working and the various processes employed are adequately dealt with, but, despite the comprehensiveness of the work, there is no overcrowding; instead there is a clarity of thought and expression which is commendable.
In reading through the chapters on commercial goods and passenger-carrying vehicles and on special bodies and appliances for commercial work, the impression has grown strongly upon us that here is a wealth of information which must be of importance and value not duly to the designer and builder of bodies but to the user on a large scale. Every fleet manager shoeld make a point of having a copy of the work and 'of discussing various chapters with those members of his staff upon whom devolve the employment and the mainten,ance of the bodies, because a fuller knowledge upon the why and wherefore of the use of eertaia forms, materials and methods of construction invariably tends to economy in upkeep. On approved orders, this volume may be purchased by monthly instalments at a very slight increase in the price.