The Iron Age 1936-08-20: Vol 138 Iss 8

From Republic you can get any type carbon steel, practically any form except rails and heavy structurals. Republic Carbon Steels, like Agathon Alloy Steels, are made high standards metallurgical control and quality. those who use carbon steels extended the gical service which has played small part making Republic the world’s largest producer alloy steels and leading producer carbon For information regarding Republic Carbon Steels other products, write Department IA. GENERAL OFFICES: CLEVELAND, OHIO GUST 20, 193 a LOOKS AND ALSO FINDS When you look for metallurgical facts, Hos- The Wire thet Made Heat Possible kins Electric Furnaces lead you them. The conditions test can duplicated day after day with certainty, because the heat controllable and uniform distribu- tion. For research production, Hoskins Electric Furnaces are available many sizes and several types—all equipped with durable Chromel elements. For useful furnace facts, send for Catalog Hoskins Mfg. Co., Detroit, Mich. 2—THE IRON AGE, August 20, 1936 THE IRON AGE, published every Thursday the CHILTON CO., (INC.), Chestnut 56th Sts., Philadelphia, Pa. second class November 1932, the Post Office Philadelphia under Act March 1879. $6.00 year S., Canada $8.50, Foreign Vol. ad AP 3 Y a FRITZ J. FRANK President J. H. VAN DEVENTER Editor Cc. E. WRIGHT A. I. FINDLEY Managing Editor Editor Emeritus Machinery Editor Art Editor Metallurgical Editor Associate Editors Resident District Editors Washington Chicago Cleveland Detroit Pittsburgh Editorial Correspondents London, England Cincinnati Boston AND 56TH STREETS, PHILADELPHIA, PA. Hamburg, Germany Milwaukee San Francisco Sales Offices SANDERSON ASA ROUNDTREE, JR. ALLISON Toronto, Ontario Birmingham, Ala. Newark, WEST 39TH STREET NEW YORK, Roy TuRNER St. Louis Buffalo Conten 20, 1936 The House Trailer Boom New and Varied Uses for Steel Rate Activity Capital Goods NEWS CONTENTS Products Advertised Owned and Published CHILTON COMPANY Copyright 1936 Chilton Company (Inc.) (Incorporated) Index Advertisers Executive and Publication Offices, Chestnut and 56th Sts., Philadelphia, Pa. BAUR, General Advertising Manager MUSSELMAN, President DIX, Manager Reader Service PRITZ FRANK, Executive Vice-President Member, Audit Bureau Circulations ADVERTISING STAFF Emerson Findley, 621 Union Bldg., Cleveland B. L. Herman, 675 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, JOSEPH S. HILDRETH. i Indexed in the Industrial Arts Index. N. Y.. and Chilton Bldg., Chestnut & 56th Sts., Philadelphia, Pa. *ublist re hurs . Subserip- GEORGE H. GRIFFITHS ee H. K. Hottenstein, 802 Otis Bidg., Chicago Price: United and Pos- Peirce Lewis, 7310 Woodward Ave., Detroit EVERIT TERHUNE, sessions, Mexico, Cuba, $6.00; Ober, 239 39th New York $8.50, including duty; Robinson, 428 Park Pittsburgh ERNEST HASTINGS, $12.00 year. Single copy, cents Sweetser, 239 West 39th New York WILLIAM BARBER, Treasurer Cable Address, ‘‘Ironage, Warren, Box 81, Hartford, Conn. PREDERIC STEVENS Vice-Pesident Member, Associated Business Papers JOHN BLAIR MOFFETT, Secretary i : 4 4 Py pa matter Sheets Accurately Sheared Intricate parts quickly flame cut from heavy plates and Ten Thousand Sizes and Kinds Steel Products Ready Ship Partial List Products Immediate steel—ready use—is quickly available from the Cold Finished Shafting ten strategically located Ryerson plants. Beams and Heavy Structurals Channels, Angles, Tees and Zees Splices Bolts, Ete. These large stores include all the newer steels, special alloys Wire, and allied lines such welding rod, babbitt, etc. They offer Hot and Bands unusual possibilities for concentrating purchases and thus saving Extra Wide Cold Finished Flats Alloy Steels—Tool time and trouble. Heat Treated Alloy Steel Bars Boiler Tubes and Fittings Ryerson facilities for cutting, handling and shipping, develop- Welding Rod—Mechanical Tubing Rivets, Bolts, Nuts, Washers, Etc. ments almost century Steel-Service, assure accuracy, Concrete Reinforcing Bars Babbitt Metal and Solder dependability and speed. Write for the Ryerson Stock List “Key Immediate Ryerson Son, Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Detroit, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Buffalo, Boston, Philadelphia, Jersey 24—THE IRON AGE, August 20, 1936 THE IRON AUGUST, 20, 1936 ESTABLISHED Vol. 138, No. Using the word that sense, can say, with truth, that skilled work- men form the aristocracy labor. Skilled men take natural and pardonable pride their craftsmanship. God help America the time ever comes when they not! The truest and soundest democracy one which there room and opportunity for the aristocracies mind and hand. Skilled labor, course, forms minority the entire field labor. That, again, natural circumstance. Skill any kind the exception and not the comes from the possession natural abilities above the ordinary from intensive training both. Such artisans and craftsmen have and should receive considerably higher return for their services than what call common labor. the interest the public and industry that this so, for this class labor contributes far more the advancement standards living than does unskilled labor.- there were not sizable wage rates according skill and ability, there would little acquire and exercise craftsmanship, especially since mechanical aids have taken the backaches out most common labor jobs. Skilled labor, union non-union, would well resist the process the which threatens reduce the differentials and which the fruition New Deal labor philosophy. The New Deal people think, talk and act terms masses. John Lewis's mass unionization plan fruition this philosoohy. Note the enthusiastic support and attention that has received from the President and from both the official Cabinet and the kitchen cabinet. Also note the quite differ- ing ent official attitude exhibited toward Mr. Green. ten fat ladies sit conference determine dress styles with ninety thin, ones, they are going come out wearing and not > re AY a | | | GENTLEMEN! your hats one tech- nical man who also Dr. Antonio Longoria—Cleveland’s engaging Spanish-born consulting electrical never again speaks for public consumption, has already proved that the aver- age modest technical man could probably enhance his financial and social status were revert some the practices the ancient craft alchemy. For those days savant’s reputation varied di- rectly with the vividness his imagination and how successfully shrouded laboratory develop- ments with mysticism. For readers unfamiliar with Dr. Antonio Longoria, the following facts will serve establish back- ground. small apartment- laboratory 12943 Clifton Boule- vard, Cleveland, Antonio Longoria, B.Sc., M.D., E.E., and his assistant, Joe Pivowar, labor adapt various electrical phenomena problems encountered modern industry. Dr. Longoria was born and edu- cated physician Spain, came this country 1911, forsook medicine for science, and thereafter became just another obscure inven- tor. That is, obscure until startled unprepared Pittsburgh welding meeting April 15, 1936, with ex- hibits thin non-ferrous metals butt-welded together “in- visible ray” which joined metallic sheets not fusion but “break- ing down the molecular attraction 26—THE IRON AGE, August 20, 1936 the edges the abutting pieces.” This “breaking down” takes place while the temperature less than 700 deg. F., that is, tempera- ture far below the actual fusion point. Dr. Longoria’s Pittsburgh audience was not impressed his so-called “invisible ray” was the indisputable evidence that his thin non-ferrous sheets (30 gage and thinner) were butt- welded together successfully that the joint was far superior any obtainable such thin soft metals conventional welding methods. Shortly thereafter welding maga- zine printed indefinite article describing another Longoria inven- tion—the joining the fine-wire mesh used Fourdrinier paper making machinery. the same time Cleveland welding expert wrote: the relatively low tempera- ture; the high-frequency vibration ... breaks down the molecular bond that the weld takes place much the same manner the metal were brought the molten state.” there little question but what this development prom- ises the most important welding the last years.” The welding expert connected with THESE Three standbys the science flame and arc welding. Will they scrapped? Cleveland magazine which fea- ture article June stated follows: (it) may well prove the most remarkable scientific development the century.” has welded (stainless steel) to- gether perfectly, the temperature during welding not exceeding 700 deg. F.” However, Dr. Longoria did not become national figure until visited New York several weeks ago. The New York Times and other metropolitan papers devoted columns “death rays,” “invisible ray welding,” and his statement that “my patents were bought not change the industrial world, but preserve its status quo.” The Times quoted Dr. Longoria say- ing that $6,000,000 had been paid 4 \ ¢ ‘ for the patents, and later the World-Telegram quoted him saying that only $3,200,000 was re- ceived and that (Dr. Longo- ria) did not want wreck civiliza- tion and therefore was scrapping his death ray.” The result was that THE IRON AGE received for additional specific information regarding the welding equipment, what results have been obtained and how this process may influence future welding technique. The writer, long familiar with Dr. Longoria’s imaginative mind and capable manner surrounding his welding invention with mysterious explanations and conflicting state- ments, hopes answer these re- quests herein manner ana- lytical the facts hand permit. There will attempt drama- tize otherwise conventional for- ward step the welding art confounding the issue with descrip- tions mysterious “invisible rays” (what rays aren’t?), “death rays,’ which border the pseudo-scien- tific. ’ LIPPERT Metallurgical Editor, THe However, before embarking the subject “invisible ray” weld- ing, the author cannot resist cock- ing questioning eye some the other “revolutionary” achievements credited Dr. Longoria. This questioning has its objective set aright somewhat distorted ebullient writers. For instance, even though Carty laid down the prin- ciples telephone phantom THIS Dr. "invisible ray" machine which joins thin non-ferrous metals perfectly. What's inside the box? circuits 1886 and literally thou- sands men have contributed its perfection, and, today, the co- axial system permits 240 telephone conversations over one wire, has been stated that “(Dr. Longoria) perfected the so-called phantom telephone circuit.” Or, the statement (Dr. Longoria) proved electricity vibratory emission building loudspeaker which magnets windings were used,” would fai! impress many radio amateurs who bought post-war German ra- dios with condenser loudspeakers. Or, has been said that Dr. Longoria has developed superior optical system and designed microscope years ahead conven- tional instruments; however, the assembly under consideration standard model used special re- THE IRON AGE, August 20, 1936—27 | 4 ° “ ° ° ° search workers pathological and bacteriological investigations. continue: Dr. Longoria sup- posedly kills “birds the fly with high-frequency rays.” The World-Telegram last week stated that this ray” had been dis- for the “sake humanity.” However, seems pity that, Fig. PERFECT WELD, There has been only one machine built, and this experimental unit was designed for butt-welding thin non-ferrous metal strips. When thin strips ferrous metals thick strips non-ferrous metals have been passed under the weld- ing head, the resulting joint has been far from satisfactory. These narrow and uniform, joins these two strips pure copper. prior the scrapping, Dr. Longo- ria should forego the priceless op- portunity confound the next con- vention physicists bagging pigeon, for instance, distance of, say, ft. Also, print the statement that Dr. Longoria perfected sur- gical knife which disintegrates tis- sues means high-frequency current. The spokesman for the medical profession says .D’Ar- sonval and Tesla first investigated use high-frequency energy destroy tissue. Credit for the mod- ern electrical knife goes George Wyeth. However, Doctors Riviere, Doyen, Clark, Cook, Beer, Hart and Pozzi contributed the early One fact cannot discounted— the field welding, Dr. Longo- ria has initiated process worthy detailed examination, even though its present status hardly 28—THE IRON AGE, August 20, 1936 poor results, however, not war- rant criticism, obvious that the real worth the procedure will proved only when larger ma- chines are constructed and addi- tional reséarch refines the tech- nique. All but one specimen butt- welded strip examined the au- thor were thinner than gage. Brass can welded brass, cop- per copper, copper brass, phosphor bronze 96-3-1 copper- silicon-manganese alloy, phosphor that any two metals can joined (lead tin, lead steel, etc.) but the author has seen only those previously mentioned. All the thin non-ferrous strips are joined beautifully uniform weld, there warping the metal, the total affected zone not over in. wide, and there only small bead. most cases the underside the weld shows discoloration, but the upper side occasionally has slightly black- ened and “sputtered” appearance. That the weld visually much could desired evident from the picture Fig. which shows two 36-gage copper strips joined. The Erichsen draws pic- tured Fig. were made independent laboratory, prove that the process has enviable physical merit well. The cen- ter impression across the line weld and flanked impres- sions the unwelded copper. Note that the split the center impres- sion normal the weld—the other two impressions have similar splits their far sides. The metal shown Fig. 32-gage brass, which generally hard butt- weld perfectly. The cupping tests prove that there loss duc- tility incident the welding opera- tion. Other tests have indicated little reduction strength fatigue resistance. Again examining the pure cop- per weld Fig. the narrow joint indicates that Dr. Longoria has succeeded concentrating welding energy small area and applying just where desired. This follows from the fact that copper excellent conductor heat and methods such thin material re- sults considerable warping buckling and much wider weld- ing This brings focus the natu- ral question what the nature the welding energy? exam- ining the copper joint the author noted little heat discoloration next the line weld, and, also, there appeared adjacent band copper oxide which was easily removed with eraser. This would indicate that the metal had actually fused together. However, this observation does not with Dr. Longoria’s statement that “at time does the metal temper- ature exceed 700 deg. F.,” re- ports other writers that whole new principle welding has been discovered, and that quency ray “breaks down the mole- cular bond and the metals weld together without fusion.” Whether there actual fusion whether revolutionary “mole- cular principle has been put into practice paramount importance. For all welding processes the raising the metal melting temperature often makes subsequent stress relief ; aan treatments necessary heat-treat- ment required correct changes the metal’s structure stainless steel). Successful seam welding below the critical temper- ature would surely radical and discovery. For additional light this con- troversial issue, the author asked one the country’s cleverest mi- croscopists for analysis sev- eral welds. cross-section the copper joint shown 300 diameters Fig. Note the grain growth ad- jacent the fused zone. This micrograph also clearly shows the “cored” appearance fused metal. Any cast single phase metal al- loy would reveal similar pattern. continue this same ques- tion: The author saw two 32-gage stainless steel strips welded; the joint showed considerably more dis- coloration and the heat band was wider than that the case copper. The weld was obviously not fully satisfactory, but Dr. Lon- goria assured the writer that many better ones had There was thin layer dark oxide and number small pits along the line weld, and cop- per-color was noticeable through- out the fused zone. The joint whole had the typical appearance backed-up automatic are weld using bare rod and little too much heat. tional view this weld 200 diameters, showing the normal structure, the fused zone and the intermediate zone where grain growth had Dr. Longoria has also welded fairly successfully two strips 26-gage silicon steel. The joint secured was particularly encour- aging view the general diffi- culty welding this type steel —for instance gas weld generally results buckling and much wider heat zone and less homo- geneous joint. micrograph this weld reproduced Fig. The view shows the normal crystal structure the annealed strip, the Fig. PURE COPPER, welded the new process. Details 300 diameters. The natural question readers how the “invisible ray” machine actually operates. Any description the experimental unit neces- sarily sketchy view the secrecy and rounding its operation. This con- dition understandable when realized that the machine has ° ° ° Fig. LOSS DUCTILITY, when Dr. “invisible ray" welds 32-gage brass strips. FUSED ZONE STRUCTURE STRUCTURE fused zone and the intermediate zone where grain refinement took place. Therefore, these three cases the microscope reveals that the structural changes adjacent the fused zones are typical those ordinarily obtained with conven- tional fusion welding these metals. The evidence seemingly proves that Dr. Longoria’s process results actual fusion the met- als. From the foregoing evident that for certain types the work the Longoria machine more effi- cient than other welding equip- ment, even though there fusion. yet prove itself commercially, that very few patents have been issued its operation and that lawsuit threatens hold its ex- ploitation. sketch the welding head shown page 27. evident that the equipment not bulky for the bakelite box enclosing the “works” hardly measures in. this box there are three co-axial adjustment knobs, and, emerging from one side, there ordinary twisted flexible No. lamp cord. The complete machine essen- tially modified small-size lathe bed. All equipment above the ways THE IRON AGE, August 20, 1936—29 J j the lathe has been removed with the exception flat steel plat- form (carriage) which moves for- ward and backward means the lead screw. The bakelite box, welding head, mounted short distance from one end the lathe such manner that the steel platform will pass under with only fraction inch clear- ance. The steel platform ground- means one wire leading nearby water pipe. the steel platform, fine line has been scribed. Two strips metal are laid this platform that the abutting edges fall direct- along this line (the edges must touch, but are under great pres- sure); the metal strips are held firmly place means sev- eral screwdowns. switch turned, the platform carries the two metal strips slowly under the bakelite box, and they emerge from the other side perfectly joined. There perceptible heat, vibration, smoke and noise with the exception slight hiss. possible stop the strips when they are half through and reverse the machine, which case the metal joined only the point where the machine was stopped. the joined strips emerge from under the box they are not very hot. This, however, not sig- nificant for the strips are thin and they are close contact with the comparatively massive steel plat- form; even though the edges have been raised the melting point the dissipation heat rapid that the metal only warm the touch second later. From the nature impressions welded soft copper strips, probable that there narrow roller with- the box which presses the edges the two strips tightly against the platform just before actual welding occurs. Thus there very little air beneath the strips, which accounts for the bright appear- ance the underside the weld. The “invisible ray” producing the weld (said be) high-fre- quency energy the order kw. between 1,000,000 and 2,000,000 cycles. This energy could made heat the edges the strips induction (as duction furnace) but such opera- tion unlikely view the very narrow heat zone. More likely 30—THE IRON AGE, August 20, 1936 FUSED ZONE Fig. 4—STAINLESS STEEL, 4 re 4 ve GRAIN NORMAL GROWTH ANNEALED STRUCTURE welded the This view 200 diameters indicates that actual fusion has taken place. that there spark discharge along the edges the (grounded the steel platform) such intensity that narrow zone metal fused. may be, however, that electrode actually rubs along the abutting edges metal; for will remembered that the stainless steel weld showed distinct copper color along the line weld. was noted that the twisted wire emerging from the bakelite box apparently lead bank tubes. These tubes could have been the source high-frequency energy and the twisted cord was certainly capable carrying kw. for some time without breaking down elec- Dr. however, that the tubes had noth- ing with the welding machine, but that the twisted cord brought only ordinary 110 volt D.C. cur- rent into the welding head. the latter actually the case, hard imagine just how con- tinuous discharge brought about inside the box. The experimental machine welds speed about ft. per min., but Dr. Longoria positive that speeds ft., 100 ft., even greater are possible with great amount trouble. any case, the type joint produced, the po- tential speed welding and the possible adaptation the process all types metals and alloys are all attractive that hard-headed business men have undertaken its exploitation. The Yoder Co., Cleve- land, heads syndicate, whose other members are large non- ferrous manufacturer Water- bury, Conn., James Begg, indus- trial promoter with Otis Co., Cleveland, and recent Republican candidate for Governor Ohio, and Edward Beck, Cleveland investment broker. cate currently supervising the building larger machine the Yoder Co. plant. the fall, the syndicate will transformed into corporation with power license and sell machines all over the world for the joining non-ferrous metals and ferrous metals, with the exception the United States. From present indications, probable that the American Steel Wire Co. will have the exclusive ferrous rights this country when and machine produced which will turn out satisfactory ferrous joints. Dr. Longoria has said that this latter company has been pay- ing him monthly retainer fee ever since 1929. cannot determined just changed hands between the syndi- cate and the inventor. The total amount committed probably not much over $600,000, and likely that only part this already has been paid. When the ferrous ma- chine perfected, the American Steel Wire Co. probably pre- pared lay down sizable sum for exclusive rights. Any prophecy the probable future application Dr. Longo- ria’s welding process dangerous, for the author ever mindful the statement made Hippocrates 2300 years ago that “life short, experience treacherous and judg- ment difficult.” one time per \ — 4 4 FUSED ZONE NOTE CORED STRUCTURE Fig. 5—SILICON-IRON ALLOY, REFINED NORMAL GRAIN ZONE ANNEALED STRUCTURE welded Dr. Longoria. Structure changes shown 100 diameters. cussion welding seemed have excellent future but turned out the other hand, eight years ago one thought that are welds would ever have ductility, strength and fatigue resistance equal that the parent metal—nevertheless such the case today. The Longoria process undoubted- gives good results thin non- ferrous metals, but equally certain that much work has yet done before will applicable thick metals, particularly fer- rous alloys. The author would ven- ture guess that will many year before Longoria’s machine supersedes the fast and efficient continuous resistance welders used several large pipe plants the speedy spot welders used auto- body shops. Dr. Longoria has said that ships henceforth will welded instead riveted less cost, skyscrapers and towers once made feasible with rivets now may the nature fantasy inasmuch laboratory machine portable Masses, °So ° Traveling S- efiicient unit for such construc- tional work. any case existing welding methods have been em- ployed build ships and “sky- and, furthermore, weld- ing would employed for such construction even greater ex- tent erection problems were not difficult, not expen- sive and architects not slow revamping their designs. That is, welding for construction purposes dependent many factors other than satisfactory welding equip- ment. Dr. Longoria has also stated that “where have been paid handful millions, industries, particularly the steel industry, saving countless millions not tions have been bought main- tain the industry’s status quo.” This also seems somewhat fantasy for the Yoder Co. obviously interested the welding machine that they can equip their pipe forming and strip form- ing machinery with welding units. may assumed that they will A.C. Pole mixed with Carbon A.C. Pole Fig. 6—HIGH-FREQUENCY SMELTING, practiced the laboratory the Kikuchi, Japan. brought out rapidly their development Further- more, hardly seems likely that the American Steel Wire Co. has been paying fee for years just for the privilege scrapping idea when perfected. High-Frequency Dr. Longoria has made industry high-frequency conscious, and for this reason the following descrip- tion high-frequency smelting appended even though has connection with the Cleveland welding experiments. Several months ago THE IRON AGE men- tioned that Japanese laboratory worker named Hideyuki Kikuchi was using high-frequency energy experimentally for the reduction iron ore. Since that time have received numerous requests for ad- ditional data. According reports received from Honda, president Tohoku Imperial University, and from several other Japanese sources, the Kikuchi process still the laboratory stage and makes use current about 1,000,000 cycles. continu- ously working system, pictured Fig. Development smelting “electro-magnetic energy” may revolutionary metallurgical ad- may merely another disappoint- ment Japan’s efforts utilize her iron sand deposits. Kikuchi makes use small furnaces, and variety ores have been sucess- fully smelted experimentally. Pat- ent claims specify the rapid re- fining iron sands, iron ore the liquefaction coal. The Japanese government building experimental plant costing $147,000 Yawata, and several commercial companies are considering the building similar equipment. the procedure de- velops commercially, will prob- ably alleviate Japan’s “hunger” for ore, evident recent years. Al- though Japan has millions tons iron sand deposits the north- ern coast, the steel industry has been forced reach out into for- eign areas for all iron ore sup- plies. The Japanese army urging the Kikuchi experiments forward, for this may the means whereby will avoid the danger the steel industry being “choked” war time naval and military blockade. THE IRON AGE, August 20, ‘ 4 ive ] § has been shown this sum- mer new industry cen- tered Michigan, close its automotive parent. This analysis present trends based visits ten the leading manufacturers having total volume 700 units week. QUIETLY unos- tentatiously, was the stage set for world dominance automo- bile production third century ago, Detroit southeastern Michigan have, during the past six months, become the center another related industry which some observers predict will have economic and social effects far- reaching those developed from the horseless carriage. This new industry which has shown such phe- nomenal growth recent months that the manufacture trailer coaches. Why the industry should have blossomed Michigan one knows, other than offshoot the automotive industry, al- though yet none the large automobile manufacturers have entered the field. quite likely that some may so, however, soon the volume sales reaches point where production methods are used, calling for large expenditures tooling and equip- ment. Assembly lines are com- mon use, however. Many the companies now pro- ducing this area have execu- tives men who have been engaged custom body work and build- ing commercial truck and trailer units, but was largely acci- 32—THE IRON AGE, August 20, 1936 dent that the man chiefly respon- sible for the development the in- dustry should have been De- troiter. Oddly enough, his former business was running small bio- logical laboratory. Arthur Sherman, president the Covered Wagon Co., ranked the largest manufacturer travel trailers the United States, the man who really started the present trailer boom. got his idea from camp- ing out tent-type trailers and later home-made box-like affair, built 1928, which his children called “covered wagon.” 1932 about this type camp housing wheels that Sherman exhibited improved model the Detroit Auto Show and result, secured sufficient orders employ men plant having 13,000 sq. ft. floor space. Three times four years the Covered Wagon Co. has been compelled move larger production quarters. November, 1935, operations had expanded point where the company pur- chased the former plant the Copeland Products Co. (refrigera- tors) Mt. Clemens, containing 150,000 sq. ft. space. May this year the company added spraying and drying unit and leased three other buildings for fabrication, bringing the present productive space 200,000 sq. ft. When the Copeland plant was bought last winter, was expected that the space provided would take care expansion for the next five years. was not dreamed that time, however, what tremendous growth sales and volume would take place. Total 1935 production was 1134 units two models, al- most triple that 1934. June, 1936 alone, production was 1234 units three models. The average daily run now around 65. The history this company typical many the field. Silver Dome, Inc., Detroit, recently tripled its floor space 72,000 sq. ft. and now producing between and trailers day. Palace Coach Co. Flint has also practi- cally doubled its space and pro- ducing about units day. The Aladdin Co. Bay City has re- cently taken over additional space day before very long. Roycraft Coach Co. Chesaning, Mich. | / { al tts Market Possibilities currently producing day and double this output next year. The Vagabond Coach Co. New Hudson, Mich. working two shifts and has acquired additional space another part the town. Its production four day. Many smaller companies average one day. Most these companies employ between 100 and 150 men and are present operating 10-hour day, six days week. Covered Wagon Co. working two shifts several departments. Dec. 30, when the company moved into its new Mt. Clemens plant, there were 260 people the payroll. June 30, 1936 there were over 1100. From this, would appear that the house trailer industry the fast- est moving industry have today. Why people are suddenly going over house trailers one seems know. Typical buyers are elder- couples living small retire- ment incomes and with the urge travel. There are also large num- bers people, estimated over 100,000, who are living these types houses exclusively. Oper- ating expenses are much than * Photo Covered Wagon Co. paying rent and there are land taxes taken into account. Va- cationists offer big market and the coaches are designed that they may used either summer winter for the late fall hunting season. Prophets like Bill Stout and Roger Babson predict that within years more than half the population the United States will living automobile trailers. Several the important trailer manufacturers have tioned. estimated that there are anywhere from 250 1000 trailer builders. The majority these, however, are small back- alley shops garages turning out from one half dozen weekly and selling their product fast they can complete unit. They will continue exist long the few real producers continue fall behind keeping production step- ped the present buying de- mand. first most these fac- tories were selling direct. Within the last half year, however, the companies have built dealer and distributing organization al- most wholly automotive charac- ter. Covered Wagon has 700 out- lets, fact that explains its huge ° ° FRANK OLIVER Detroit Editor, The Iron Age lead over other makers. the larger cities, however, such New York, Chicago and Detroit, dealers handling travel coaches exclusively have been established. Such dealers have placed orders running high $100,000 with the factories single time. Trailer prices range all the way from $345 for 11-ft. weekend model $12,000 for extra fancy custom-built jobs. The real volume builders, however, supply coaches selling between $400 and $1200, and those the $600-$800 class are the most rapid sellers. few builders offer standard models the $1800-$2100 range higher. built today, the average trailer coach, are judge the output the larger builders, constructed largely wood, using hardwood frame and ply- wood panels both inside and outside. Occasionally pressed wood board such Masonite replaces plywood for the exterior. Typical covering artificial leather Fabricoid. Interior trim almost entirely plywood and some the best grade vehicles have their cabinet work done solid wood in- cluding some the more expensive types such mahogany. Steel Uses This not say, however, that there little metal used the con- struction these trailers. Many companies metal chas- sis wood reinforced with struc- tural angles channels. The Roy- THE IRON AGE, August 20, 1936—33 \ craft Coach Co., for example, uses square tubing reinforced with wood core junction points. The chassis under the Palace coach made 2-in. channel steel with cross members welded into the main channel. The Trotwood Trailer Co. using channel steel com- bined with seamless drawn tubing. More than one company that using wood chassis frames today reporting that will using steel frame next year. Already the Saginaw Stamping Tool Co. producing all-welded steel frame flush floor support. This company does not make trailers but sup- plying certain accessories, includ- ing this steel chassis, the trade. This particular chassis incorpor- ates independent wheel suspension employing coil springs the “knee action” type. The wheel housing, which integral, made heavy gauge flat steel and reinforced with angle steel which carries the spring load. bridge truss design featured for the longitudinal frame members and three separate X-members give exceptional rigid- ity the structure. The Ozark trailer employs drop-type channel frame comprising two main chan- nels bolted alternately over and under the floor. The Travelcar Co. Detroit makes line coaches featuring steel side and roof frames made T-sections welded together. also has independent wheel sus- pension, like the Trotwood trailer, employing leaf springs encased welded steel housing for one-half its length order prevent slip- page under torsional strain. The spring supports are carried cross channels made two angles bolted center plate. Other cross members the chassis, how- ever, are wood. cast steel hitch member arc welded the bot- tom angle sill the steel side frame. Plywood used for the sides and attached the frame with flat head screw bolts. This about eight units week. few weeks ago, the Edwards Iron Works South Bend, Ind. announced would begin produc- ing trailers Sept. featuring all-steel chassis and all-steel body frame. former body engi- neer for Hudson Motor Car Co. the designer. innovation the shipment the unit knock-down form dealers. will also have metal cabinets and ventilating system walls. The Coach toward the use steel body the present time, the answer seems no. There one company the field featuring such body. the Kabin Koach Co. East Detroit, producing about Worden, who heads this com- pany, body engineer who has been connected with the Briggs Mfg. Co. and the Murrey Corp. The Kabin Koach has steel chassis frame The side walls are made sections attaching body sheets and gage oak frames in. wide. The wood frames are bolted together form the unil side walls. The steel top follows 34—THE IRON AGE, August 20, 1936 ¥ + = cooler than most shaded trees. Arguments Against Steel Walls The other side the story the public inter- trailers? view ventional type tourist coach em- the Sport and Trailer ploying Fabricoid exterior over Show, Los Angeles, plywood. From sampling ten May. leading companies, per cent the output finished. Here are some the arguments given (1) Steel too heavy; weighs the square foot, where- Clare Coach Co. ° \ Bay City Aladdin Co. Alma Trailer Co. Products Co. Saginaw conventional automobile lines with soft center composed black Fabricoid spread over Kersey felt top chicken wire which Chesaning stretched over oak frame. The metal part the roof shaped Palace Coach Co. hand under flexible power ham- FLINT Roycraft Coach Co. mer such used for bumping out bodies. formed ten pieces gas welded together metal jig. Inside, the steel wall painted with aluminum act Lansing insulator and under the roof metal there gasket paper. The Mt. Clemens interior finished with plywood Vagabond Coach Co. which acts further insulator New Hudson plus the in. dead air space Travelcar Co. between the walls. The company claims that its coach was the Mecca for visitors recent “Tin Can Tourist” assemblies though standing the sun, was Covered Wagon Co. Kabin Koach Co. Detroit Silver Dome, Inc: THE IRON AGE, 20, 1936—35 plywood side wall weighs but (Kabin Koach’s 19-ft. weighs 2800 lb. compared with 2100 lb. for Covered Wagon’s ft. coach, 2300 lb. for 18-ft. steel frame model.) (2) Steel conducts and attracts heat too easily. The inside automobile livable hot day only when the car motion with all the windows open. HIS charming interior shows what can done with fine cabinet work and good design. The ° ° RIGHT types trailers are finding wide market. The Aladdin coach has sheet steel nose, formed under power hammer. trailer remains stationary many days time and cannot cooled rush passing air. steel trailer, these people point out, cannot insulated against heat cold and therefore im- practical. the other hand one the leaders the industry, sell- ing Fabricoid covered coach, says the only satisfactory insulation dead-air space sufficient dimen- sion prevent the transmission heat either direction. Kabin Koach, incidentally, has the largest air space any. (It looks ABOVE framing predominates trailer. This Ozark model, bolted throughout and braced with steel angle plates the corners. Floor bolted longitudinal steel channels. RIGHT ILVER chassis incorporates welded steel V-front base which also houses the parking leg assembly. 3 + L. 4 fr there would have some offi- cial AAA tests clear con- troversy this kind.) (3) The body trailer not protected from scraping against trees and brush. Con- sequently passes through such wooded places the paint scraped off and steel shows ugly rust spots. (Sharp branches may also tear Fabricoid coating, particularly ABOVE hammerina sheet met- coming back. Roof sec- tions Kabin Koach being shaped after gas welding. Alad- din's steel nose also formed this manner. (4) Lastly, steel said impractical that the event accident, the body bumping necessary straighten the steel body much more difficult and ex- pensive than repair plywood, which not nearly readily dam- aged because its resilience. One the chief arguments the Fabricoid outer finish the fact that once installed place with tacks, requires further finishing. least two days can saved time fabrication over steel fiber board exterior coated with synthetic enamel. does not tear readily, nor fade and easy keep clean. Composite Construction between the extremes the wall trailer the one hand and the all- steel trailer the other have intermediate grades using part both. The Aladdin Co., for example, makes trailer with rounded front nose made sheet metal. This nose made four pieces steel welded together after being shaped hand under hammer. Silver sheet metal construction its front base, which are welded into box section for Its function insure maximum strength the point where the coach couples the car. This V-front base also houses the park- ing leg assembly with its built-in leveler jack. Silver Dome also uses composite type construction its door, employing sheet steel nailed over hardwood frame. The inside door panel also steel and full-length piano hinge Typical roof construction ply- wood panels mounted over framing either hard-wood plywood, and covered with duck, paint- with aluminum finish. Generally the corners are made metal. production jobs like the Covered Wagon, these sheet metal corners are stamped, although they are more often knocked out under power hammer. Another place that sheet metal almost invari- ably used for the wheel housings which may galvanized steel riveted and soldered together, hot rolled annealed steel, Galvan- BELOW ABIN KOACH has arc-weld- frame made standard angles, and body shell! mounted hardwood frame. Roof also steel, with soft center section. nealed seamed and welded. Many trailers like Covered Wagon have water tanks formed fit the in- terior. this particular unit they are made Galvanneal formed hand brakes with so-called Pitts- burgh lock seam. Other trailers use commercial galvanized tanks bought the outside. Shower stalls are lined with galvanized steel, but few trailers are equip- ped. (To Concluded Next Week) THE IRON AGE, | List Stas | ° ° ° EASTHAM marine engine dis- charge pipe casting and weighing ap- proximately 1500 shown Fig. Its general design best described 90-deg. elbow at- tached 15-deg. offset; the el- bow flange connect with the low- pressure cylinder, the elongated offset end discharging exhaust Formerly Two Farts and 38—THE IRON AGE, August 20, 1936 steam into the horizontal style con- denser. Early practice favored the as- sembly two separate castings, flanged and bolted together the broken line, system which made things easy for the foundry depart- ment, but increased machining and assembly costs. The decision economize those departments put different complexion the matter, particularly when realized that orders for marine en- gines are usually booked one time, with scarcely any two alike en- gine discharge pipe, in. inside diameter, ft. long and weighing about 1500 The upper view shows the posi- tion which the pipe was molded. Plan and section dis- charge pipe core iron mold, paper cov- ered and weighted below the floor level. either horsepower design. Standardization patterns is, therefore, possible limited de- gree only, and the number in- stances where existing patterns coreboxes can altered suit new order very limited. Merging the two castings, and thus creating hybrid design, would, ordinary procedure had been followed, have made the pro- duction cost much higher both pattern shop and foundry. order, maintain the saving the machine shop, pre- liminary conference ways and means from the blueprint stage became advisable. Decide Skeleton Arrangement Instead highly finished full pattern and pair expensive core- boxes, used once, with prospect repeat order, skele- ton arrangement both coreroom and the molding floor was de- cided on, the casting molded the position indicated the upper view Fig. sweep frame lumber, following the contour the projected pipe casting, and fitted with reversible battens designed permit the frame stand accurate position machined plate—either side pared bed sunk the foundry floor, that portion the frame in- : | y wag | / b>, D 7 = — -~ . xy Ty, ' ‘Tun, ‘ ‘ Floor | tended form the elbow being ac- curately levelled line with the shop floor. Inside and under the frame, sand was packed degree density necessary prevent swelling when receiving molten metal, and yet soft enough compatible with the use “dab- ber stick.” The inside the frame was then strickled out its full depth in., and the core iron molded “fishbone” design. The prongs fol- lowing the curve the body were shaped using pointed bar, bent shape, chalk-marked indicate the length, and thrust into the sand the proper distances apart. The frame was then removed, and all parts the mold below the floor level covered with heavy paper. Sand was then spread over the paper-covered area thickness about in., number flat thin plates laid over the whole, and weighted prevent strain leak when pouring the metal. The molten iron was introduced into the top elbow end left open for the purpose. This practice line with that resorted when molding large irons, and shown detail Drag Half Core When sweeping the first drag half the core, the frame was laid the machined deck oven car and the same lot light steel plates used cover the core iron mold were packed under the high portion form working face. thin layer pre- pared sand was then laid readi- ness receive the clay-washed core iron. The half core was then rammed and swept shape from the elbow end upwards, indicated the composite views the par- tially made core Fig The frame and packing removed, the half core was blackwashed and dried over night, maximum oven 3—Drag half discharge pipe core partially swept. 4—Completed core before sec- ond drying. temperature 450 deg. pre- venting “burning” the surface the core this later stage. The following morning, upon its removal from the oven, the core was lifted from the car, turned over soft sand and empty bag packing, and replaced the car deck position permit the cope shown the view the completed core, Fig. this latter operation was accomplished reversing the position the frame, which was (CONCLUDED PAGE 61) THE IRON AGE, August 20, 1936—39 Ig e 3 STAINLESS STEEL PACKING HOUSE CONVEYORS ONVEYORS with stainless steel are used Armour Co.'s Chicago plant for inspection the viscera beef. Tabies »re ft. long and con- veyor slats ft. in. wide and %-in. thick. About tons Enduro stainless was used and tables were fabricated Co., Chicago. Work re- quired very accurate shearing the strip, perfect alinement sections and rather difficult welding operations attaching the stainless steel form the conveyor belt. LOCOMOTIVE MAIN RODS CHROME PLATED heat-treated alloy steel locomotive main rods, consisting two main rods and four 9-ft. side rods, de- signed and built the Timken Roller Bearing Co., for use with its bearings heavy-duty, high-speed steam passenger locomotives. Weighing only 510 the rod shown represents substantial saving weight compared with standard construction. Chrome plating required construction special plating tank long, 3-ft. wide and 3-ft. deep. OIL PIPE LINES Kansas was necessary carry oil pipe lines over passing motorists. The line was built for the WORLD'S OUGLAS AIRCRAFT Co., Inc., Santa Monica, Cal., has work nearing kind the world. located air field company con height pin ft.; the width between pins 2/4 ft. in., and Uni WELDED BOTTOM HIS immense plate sheet steel, 220 ft. diameter and 300 tons constructed Stacey Brothers Gas Construction Co., Cincinnati, Ford ever built. The circular plate made hundreds plates high — highway, bridge was built that carries the pipe over the heads Pipe Line Co. (Photo Lincoln Electric Co., Cleveland.) STAINLESS STEEL WHITE HOUSE KITCHEN TAINLESS steel was used extensively the new White House kitchen—for the stove, sinks, counter tops, metal cabinets, for dish washer and for portable and permanent Thermotainers. Equipment was fabricated Waters-Genter Division, McGraw Electric Co., Chicago; Tracy Mfg. Co., Pittsburgh: Excel Metal Cabinet Y., and Hobart Mfg. Co., Troy, Ohio. ‘= A AIRPLANE HANGAR nearing completion new steel hangar—said the largest structure its and Unit has length 300 ft. and over-all width 285 ft. The clear height ft., 250 ft. Structure has floor area 85,500 sq. PLATE weight, serves the bottom plate for gas holder being Motor Co.'s Rouge plant. said the first bottom plate its size high The gas holder will completed late this year and will tower CHEMICAL TANK MADE FROM ONE building. STAINLESS PLATE HEMICAL tanks have for some time been made from steel, but this one was fabricated from one plate, in. thick, 116 wide, in. long, weighing 7500 which was rolled from 5-ton ingot Allegheny Steel Co., and fabricated into the tank the Devine Mfg. Co., Mount Vernon, Necessary acces- sories, such sheets, bars, tubing and smaller plates, weighed Ib. and all were made from Allegheny's metal. & < 4 Wee IGH tensile steels are coming into great favor for construction truck tanks because their saving weight without sacrifice strength and resistance wear. Weight reduction ranges from per cent compared with ordinary carbon steels. The truck rank illustrated was fabricated from Youngstown Sheet Tube Co.'s Yoloy, copper steel with high tensile properties Steel Products Co., Savannah, Ga. this instance weight reduction 750 was accomplished 3250-gal., four-compartment drop tank. Tank mounted special tandem trailer, also built Steel Products Co. RUBBER LINED STEEL TANK FOR CARRYING ACIDS Merrimac Chemical Co., Everett, Mass., uses three rubber-lined steel truck tanks speed deliveries sodium hypochlorite and muriatic acid. The tank filled while suspended from the loading platform, and then lowered onto the truck chassis form complete truck unit. When the truck returns the empty tank removed and filled one quickly attached. This system greatly reduces loading time and enables efficient service with minimum trucking equipment. The lining was sup- plied Goodrich Rubber Co. NICKEL COPPER SHEETS CAR DOORS previously encountered cold forming opera- tions, which called for deep drawing steel, have been materi- ally reduced recent production box car doors Youngstown Steel Door Co., Youngstown. Youngstown Sheet Tube Co.'s Yoloy, nickel copper sheet steel, was used. weight reduction 150 Ib. per door was achieved compared with carbon steel comparable strength. The fabricator found that door panels having three-way draw the end each corruga- tion involved very little spring-back. USED FOR STAINLESS STEEL LINING FOR CRACKING PLANT PORTION stainless steel lining cra