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Post by kiwijim on Nov 1, 2011 17:56:20 GMT 10
Howdy all, If these two aren't Cousins, I'll eat my hat. Check out the likeness, note the roof shape, the rear windows, and say what you think..... The first photo is posted by Dolphin73campervan, in the Whereisit tread. I think every-one knows the Thomson in the second. ;D   |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 1, 2011 18:41:18 GMT 10
Yes, kiwijim, the Dolphin is extremely British in its design. The 'inverted boat hull' roof is the obvious one, but also other design cues.
Not that the Scots would ever think of themselves as Brits (!), but the Thomson sure has similar characteristics.
It's actually an extremely good roof profile. Not only does water not collect on an essentially flat roof, but boat hulls are shaped the way they are for one simple reason; stability and low drag in the water. At touring speeds the same characteristics come in handy when dealing with air resistance!
I have to admit to being a bit of a 'caravan spotter' when watching British movies or TV programmes set in the '50s, '60s and '70s. The roof profile is very distinct!
I'd have to bet that the fellow who made Dolphin caravans and/or campervans in Dandenong back in the 1970s was a Brit. Certainly the original owner, who commissioned the campervan back in 1973, was originally a Brit, who came out to Australia alone at age 17 to start a life as a jackeroo way back in the 1940s, and totally fell in love with Australia. The Dolphin was his retirement vehicle enabling him to explore the country he'd adopted and which he loved.
Cheers,
Neil
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Post by kiwijim on Nov 2, 2011 5:27:11 GMT 10
Howdy Neil, Yes, I have to agree about the benefits of having the roof in the shape of an inverted Boat Hull, This more than proved it's self when we were down in Tassie, when it rains down that way, "Boy"it rains, what I noticed most that there is no drumming of heavy rain that you get of a flat roof van, only a light tapping of the rain drops. It was interesting to read the history of the Manufacture of my van the Thomson, it appears that the entire roof section was made in a Boat Hull jig, then when finished, was rolled over and attached to the walls. looking at your Camper, I bet the roof was made the same way. Back in 1970, the Thomsons were being produced ( in Scotland )at a rate of over 300 a week, then they suddenly stopped production in 1984, I believe the Company ventured into Park Home Estates and that was the end of them. I have to agree also that the roof shape was a terrific benefit when being passed by a truck on the highway, there is no sign of wind resistance and I never noticed the sudden whack of air as the truck passed. Having another look at your Camper, I noticed the rear window is exactly the same shape, minus the top louvers that are on the Thomson, this makes me wonder if the fittings for your camper came from the same factory that produced items for Thomson. kiwijim  |
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