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TWO men, both owners of mixed ;fleets of goods vehicles, were exchanging views, when one of them, a Mr. Price, remarked: "What do you think of this streamlining business, Bartlett? I see that you have something very modern in your latest acquisition. I'll bet it cost a tidy penny."
"As a matter of fact, there was very little difference in the price, compared with the previous van," said Mr. Bartlett, "and I consider that it is a good investment. One must move with the times. Then, the new van is sure to be noticed more, and I am a great believer in publicity. When your van covers hundreds of miles a week, it is seen not only by thousands of people, but by a continually changing set of spectators."
"But do you think," asked Mr. Price, "that you will get your extra money back in increased trade and new customers? Also, what about loss of loading capacity?"
"As a business man," said Mr. Bartlett, "I shall expect that extra money to earn its 4-5 per cent., but, at least, I can look upon it as an insurance premium covering five years' risk against loss of trade. At
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the same time, you did not seem to worry when you spent £200 on a new shop front. You had greater convenience for trading and, no doubt, your customers were favourably impressed, but you can't take the new shop front around the district as I can my new van."
" But I doubled my trade in three years," observed Mr. Price.
"I dare say you did," replied Mr. Bartlett, "because not only was your shop more attractive, but you and your assistants were also affected by the change—more enterprise, quicker thinking, the psychological effect of more stimulating surroundings, and all that kind of thing. Well, I consider that a smart, up-to-date van,
which is different from the old 'straight-up-and-down affair,' helps its owners to think differently and to get out of the rut."
"But what about the space you have lost in the van?," queried Mr. Price.
"There is a certain amount of wasted space," admitted Mr. Bartlett, "but the coachbuilder made me a drawing and it was stipulated that the capacity, calculated on the rectangular area—that is, deducting all the rounded spaces—must not be less than that of the old van. But I am having another vehicle shortly, which will be somewhat smaller in capacity. I am convinced that some of my vans are never really full. It will mean loading sometimes nearer the roof, also rounded corners can often be used."
"Have you thought about repairs, upkeep and weight?" inquired Mr. Price. "A patch on a square boxvan is almost unnoticed and a repair to one of those fancy-shaped wings will cost as much as an ordinary new one."
"Maintenance of the body may be more costly, but that has yet to be proved," said Mr. Bartlett. "In any case, it is a small item in the total upkeep expense. Moreover. I have no rear wings to consider on my new six-wheeler, because the rear wheels are paddle-boxed.
"Paddle-boxes are cheaper than wings. I have seen forward-control vans with paddle-boxed front wheels.
Even a normal-control vehicle can have the front wheels enclosed in a similar manner. • "Then there are various degrees of streamlining," continued Mr. Bartlett, warming to his subject. " You must admit that every new van has some feature which reduces wind resistance. Various angles are given to the sloping' windscreen and to the front of the roof.
" The back of the van can be shaped like that of a private sports saloon, but that design would not ,init everyone. Still, the roller shutter is handy when the back is boldly curved. Doors, however, are quite practicable with a moderate curve. With a sharper curve, you can have a small shutter, or a hinge
flap at the top. • "With regard to the question of weight, I am not paying any increased tax for a heavier vehicle."
" Well, I must admit that you have given more thought to the subject than I have," said Mr. Price. "Of course, with these shaped mouldings and bands of colour you have a streamlined effect without much alteration from the Old outline. Do you think that this camouflage has the desired effect?"
"Certainly I do," replied his friend. "The curves look best when they are related to the shape of the body, but, at the same time, when the design is more conventional, a curved band of colour at once demands attention, whereas straight lines do not excite any comment.
Also, when these bands of colour are not outlined with mouldings, you can have the decorative ,scheme altered when the van is repainted.
Value of Standardized Display.
"Some firms have a standardized colour scheme and writing display. I admit that this repetition is good, because the public becomes familiar with the appearance of the vehicle and a glance at once proclaims its ownership. Thus, the whole van becomes a kind of trade mark.
"But I think you can still have a distinctive trade mark and vary your colour scheme. My view is that the panels should be regarded as advertising space, in which the copy and layout should be changed when the van is repainted."
"Well, the coachbuilclers and paint manufacturers won't quarrel with you, I'm sure," said Mr. Price, "but we are wandering somewhat from the subject of streamlining. You have some sided lorries. Are you going to have these 'streamlined' when they are replaced? "
"So far as possible," replied Mr'. Bartlett. There will he no difficulty about the cal). Instead of the usual height of sides, T propose .raising them to the roof line of the cab and then having some sweeping curves to make the job look more lively. With paddle-boxed rear wheels, I shall have a large space for some bold lettering. Also, the high sides will be an advantage from the loading point of view."
"But," pointed out Mr. Price, "the sides will not be hinged and you will not be able to load over the side." • "Well, if I want side loading," said his fellow tradesman, "I can have side doors, or roof over the front part of the body and fit a roller shutter."
. "Let me know," said Mr. Price, "when you are ordering those new bodies. Perhaps I will go with you to the coachbuilder."