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| . . . depend equally on how a caravan
is put together |
| The floor is laid like the
one at home, but on top of the chassis, using tongue-and-groove
timber a full ¾in. thick. Underneath it is thickly coated
with a bitumous-based preservative. On top is eventually laid
a deep pile carpet with foam underlay. |
| Not only does it look and
feel good, but it provides insulation where it is most needed. |
| The walls and end panels
are brought to the base, followed by the roof, a one-piece
unit, torsionally very strong because of its cantilever contraction. |
| Caravanners like windows,
large ones and plenty of them. Windows inevitably reduce the
rigidity of the body, but in the T-Line this is minimised
by the use of the Ellbee window, in which the frame is part
of the unit. This means much more accurate fitting, minimising
draughts and teaks, providing a stiffening effect. |
| The same principle is now
applied to the doorway, again with a frame or surround as an
integral part of the unit, for a snug fit with double weather
strip. |
| One does not need to be an
expert to see the quality in the fittings, the furniture units,
the easy-clean plastic surfaces, the rich upholstery and curtains,
and Sin. thick polyurethane mattresses of the correct density
for comfort while sitting or sleeping. |
| Foam mattresses, incidentally,
are not only more durable than the interior-sprung type,
but are only one quarter of the weight, saving some 80lbs. |
| Look at the details, like
the full-length piano-type hinges, the positive door catches
that won't spring apart on the move, spilling contents. |
| Materials are important,
but quality and durability depend equally on how a caravan
is put together. The joiner built tradition is the same, but
the difference is in mechanisation, the use of power tools. |
| Production is not only quicker,
and thus less costly, but it is more accurate. It would take
a highly skilled craftsman to match the accuracy of a multi-headed
cross-cut saw which can simultaneously produce six identical
pieces of timber. |
| Or the multi-headed circular
saw which does eight rips at a time without need for corrective
planning. |
| Pieces that are precisely
cut, joints accurately made, mean that each part fits snugly
together in the jig, to produce when everything is joined,
a lightweight caravan that is strong and rigid. |
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| Reproduced from a 1970 publication by Thomson T-Line Caravans
Ltd called The "T-Line Story" |
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Copyright © 1998
- 2012Thomson T-Line History & Information |
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Disclaimer -
The information provided on this Website site is offered with no
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