Reid Railton Story

karlcars

Hello!

I'm joining because I'm working on a biography of British engineer Reid Railton. He had many contacts with Hudson, whom he served as a consultant for some years. I looking for any information about Railton's relationship with Hudson, in the UK and the USA.

Of course his best-known connection is with the Hudson-based Railton car. This is pretty well documented but again I'm interested in any fresh information. 

One thing about which I'm curious is the design of the 1932-33 Terraplane. Claimed for it is a form of unit body construction. Its brochure claims that it is the first such design in the auto industry. I'm looking for any information about the actual construction of the Terraplane that will help me understand this claim.

Thanks for any help!

Karl Ludvigsen

my email karlcars@btinternet.com

Jon B

Welcome, Karl, and good luck researching your biography.  I hope that some of our members can assist you with answers to your questions.  I don't know if you are a member of the H-E-T Club but you might also consider joining that.  The website is at http://www.hetclub.org/ 

The '32 would not have had a true unit body as we know it, but possibly the body was welded to the frame?  Again, maybe someone can chime in with an answer to this question.

Now that you have been made a forum member, feel free to post messages under any of the categories listed at the left.

46HudsonPU

Hi Karl,

Moved your post to 'Hudson' from 'Greetings & Introductions' so everyone can see it (one of our administrative duties for new members).

Welcome aboard!

StillOutThere

Howdy Karl,   Imperative that you get a copy of "Land Flying - The Terrplane" by James Fack where the '32-33 Essex-Terraplane unit-body construction method is fully explained.   Unit-body was then applied to the '34 and later Hudsons.   Basically it is the bolting of an all steel body and all steel floor at thirty plus mounting points around the perimeter and X-membered frame.  A progressive idea in the day when the majority of cars were part-composite wood structured bodies and mounted at no more than 8-10 points on the frame.   Given WWII's interruption, the introduction of Hudson's Mono-Bilt full unibody construction only 16 years later has to be considered as the outcome of the unit-construction principle.

Geoff

Contrary to popular opinion, the only input Railton had in developing the Railton sports car was to allow his name to be used.

PaulButler

Hi Karl and welcome.

I have many of your books on my bookshelves so look forward to seeing what comes out next!

For those that aren't aware Karl is an accomplished author; among the books I have of his are driver profiles of Stirling Moss, Jackie Stewart , Juan Manuel Fangio, Alberto Ascari and your own Dan Gurney.

One of my favourite books is "Mercedes-Benz, Quicksilver History". My all time favourite racing car is the Mercedes-Benz W125. If you've never seen one take a look; it's a car that looks fast standing still! On the wall behind me as I type I have autographed photos of the pre-war Mercedes drivers including Rudolf Caracciola and the UK driver Richard "Dick" Seaman.

Off topic I know but I'm quite excited that a part of my other automotive love has joined up!

His books are always meticulously researched and well written so for this fan it's an honour to have him on board the forum! 

karlcars

Just a note to let folks know that I am now well into the writing of the Railton biography and indeed the chapter on Railton automobiles, Hudson origins etc.

All very interesting and thanks for offers of assistance.

29sptphaeton

Hi Karl, Reid Railtons daughter Sally Joslin lived in the Boston MA area last I knew. Reid's son is n CA and is a member of the Railton owners Club. Ed Moore

transportequipaolcom

Another classic book was: Porsche, Exellence was Expected. This is still considered by many to be the Porsche bible.