lidd saves with GRP
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• Twenty new Tidd Streamliners form part of an order for more than 100 dry freight van semi-trailers Tidd is supplying to Exel Logistics, for use on its Woolworth's distribution contract. Great attention has been paid to the all-new Streamliner's design in line with Exers energy saving policy. The absence of exposed rivet or bolt heads, except on the rear door frame, make the body structure as smooth as many reefers.
Tidd has applied experience gained in the boatbuilding industry to the Streamliner design. Unusually extensive use is made of glass-fibre mouldings, most notably for the integral front bulkhead and wind deflector.
The roof and radiused cant rails are onepiece mouldings. Along with the wind deflector, both are bonded to the GRP/plywood sidewalls. The one-piece moulding helps keep the design weathertight. GRP mouldings are used for the side skirts, which are angled inwards behind the tandem bogie and help to reduce air drag. Above these is a top-hat section rub rail made from GRP with a hardwood insert.
All the GRP panels, including the sidewall panel facings, are colour impregnated in "Woolworths" red to cut painting to a minimum and reduce paint solvent emissions into the environment.
Tidd carried out on-site research at several Woolworth distribution centres to analyse the day-today trailer operations. Many design features incorporated into the trailers are a result of this operational study. In particular, it is designed to reduce external damage caused by careless reversing and internal damage from roll cages. Rugged stainless steel faced impact plates on either side of the door frame protect the tail-lift from shunt damage. Further protection is given by 45v bracing of the lift pillars below floor level. Inside, galvanised deflector guards reduce the risk of roll-pallets crashing against the wide-slat shutter's vertical guide channels, while an extruded aluminium kick rail prevents sidewall scuffing at foot level.
In wet weather, drips from the opened rear shutter are caught in drain gutters below the top runners. Flexible plastic hinges seal the shutter sections against the weather.