Design.

It is neither necessary nor advisable to construct the whole of the car of one class of timber, such as kauri for instance. This timber is becoming very costly on account of its growing scarcity. Douglas fir could be used for floor bearers, top and bottom rails and intermediate rails and studs, and besides being cheaper, should be more serviceable than kauri on account of its strength and elasticity. If it is desirable to avoid using imported timber, red pine would be quite suitable for studs, floor, counterfloor, ceiling and roof, and would prove a considerable saving.

Standardisation of parts would be a further aid to economy. Windows and doors might be kept to a standard size and so cheapen construction. A further saving would accrue by keeping spares in stock for repairs.

Doors fitted with loose pin hinges look much superior to, and are more convenient than, those fitted with ordinary steel or brass hinges. The extra cost would be saved many times over by the easy removal of the doors when necessary for painting. The flooring, and, more especially, the side sheathing, if standardised, would save much in time when repairs were necessary.

Facilities for the easy removal of windows, doors, swingover chairs and other inside fittings should be thoroughly studied. As a car is renovated many times, any improvement effected in this direction would mean a considerable amount saved during the life of a car.