Transporting:
Vintage Technology (1956 - 1960)
All those radios, televisions and radiograms had to be moved around the
country, so what better way to advertise your wares on the road than to spruce
up the old delivery van. Here are some great reminders of vintage
technology vans.
The vans of A. T. Stromberg,
Ltd., of Stoke-on-Trent, pictured on the right are seen carrying ITA
posters advertising the Midland Band III service, in an effort to urge the
public to have their TV receivers converted. ITA was the first UK independent TV station which was slowly gathering coverage in the UK at that time. [January 1956] |
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This picture is from a advert by
the famous aerial manufacturer, Belling- & Lee Ltd of Enfield.
The "Belling-Lee" Mobile Research
Unit provided speedy answers to technical queries about reception
difficulties "in the field". It was also frequently
employed on investigations into the design and performance of new
aerials. At one time it was also engaged in mapping the field
strengths of sound and vision in television fringe
areas. |
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Goodman's demonstration vehicle
arriving at the premises of Rae Macintosh & Co. Ltd., at Edinburgh,
for demonstrations during the Festival.
Goodman's was famous for its test gear and
multi-meters. |
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More sophisticated pictorial
images were beginning to appear by the time we get to 1956. I can imagine
this had quite an impact when first seen whizzing down the small town
streets.
One of the new Alba delivery vans with
their theme in colour on the side.
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Left is a picture of the
Morrison Electricar , an electric van used for deliveries and service
transport by a London Suburban wireless and electrical trader.
Topical at a time when petrol was in short
supply and rationed this was one of 15,000 electric vehicles on the roads
at the time. Driven with two pedals, these vehicles had up to 36
battery cells giving 280AH capacity. Although more expensive than
the petrol equivalents (up to £300 for the batteries and another £100
for the charger) the running costs of 2.395d were about one-third lower. |
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