B.M.C. 'Engine in Big Bedford
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Shows Marked Economy
AN improvement in the fuelconsumption rate from 14 m.p.g. to 20 m.p.g. has resulted from the conversion of a 1954 Bedford S-type 7-tonner, originally powered by a 104-b.h.p. indirect-injection oil engine, to operate with a B.M.C. direct-injection 5.1-litre unit developing 90 b.h.p.
The mileage covered by the vehicle since the conversion three months ago is about 16,000. The engine, complete with the standard B.M.C. gearbox, was installed by Praills (Hereford), Ltd., Flolmer Road, Hereford, for the operators, John F. Goodwin (Hereford), Ltd„ fruit and preserves canners, Three Elms, Hereford, who run the vehicle mainly on long-distance deliveries to Scotland and the London area carrying loads of up to 9 tons. On average, return loads are rather more than half of the maximum capacity.
Despite the reduced rated power of the replacement engine, the road performance of the vehicle is highly satisfactory, and for at least part of the output range hill climbing is better. For example, Shap Fell can be surmounted in second gear with a full load, whereas bottom gear was formerly required. Before the original engine was replaced, the vehicle had covered 90.000 miles.
The old engine developed its ratqd maximum power at 2,400 r.p.m., and the standard back-axle ratio is well suited to the characteristics of the new unit, which also develops' peak output at this speed.
The B.M.C. engine has a torque output of 228 lb.-ft. at 1,500 r.p.m., which compares with a torque of 240 lb.-ft. at 1,600 r.p.m. developed by the original Unit.
No major structural alterations to the chassis were required for the conversion, the only chassis member to be modified being the detachable front cross-member, the flange of which was reshaped to facilitate the use of the 154 B.M.C. mounting. The rear mounting brackets were repositioned, but no change had to be made to them. Standard propeller shafts were retained.
Other alterations included minor modification to the radiator core frame and reversal of the cab rear mounting to provide space for the gearbox. The only new part required was a speedometer cable.
Total cost of the conversion, which included the supply of the engine and gearbox and various fittings, was £540. Of this the cost of removing the original engine, modifying the chassis and installing the new unit was approximately £80. Praills have been advised by the British Motor Corporation that the engine and gearbox are covered by the normal guarantee.
A number of Austin 7-tonners in the operators' fleet of 16 vehicles is also equipped with the B.M.C. 5.1-litre engine, and with 7-ton loads average about 21 m.p.g. Apart from peak periods, all the concern's produce is carried by their own vehicles, and it is claimed that this practice reduces delivery costs by half.
An interesting experiment is the use • of a nylon-based sheet to which is attached fabric side panels to give ventilation of the produce. The sheet is almost untearable, and its weight is about half that of a conventional sheet: FIBRES FOR PLASTICS
V NOWN as Tygamat, chopped-glass • I••• strand material, intended for use in making reinforced plastics, has been introduced by Fothergill and Harvey (Sales), Ltd., Harvester House, Peter. Street, Manchester, 2. It is being marketed in 3-ft.-wide rolls in weights of 1 oz., 11 oi. and 2 oz. per sq. ft. Three different binders arc available for each weight.
MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITIES Wrexham Borough Council require a refuse collector.
rytaeney Urban District Council .are to buy a 2-ton tipper.
Dewsbury Corporation are to buy a lony lrorn 0. Box, Ltd.
Glasgow Corporation are to buy eight Albion cleansing vehicles.
Condon Transport Committee recommend the purchase of a Thames tipper.
Havant and WalerloavIlle Urban District Council are to buy a gully-emptier.
Plymouth City Council are to obtain three refuse collectors and two tippers.
Breconshire County Council invite tenders for she supply of four 5-ton tippers.
Denbighshire County Council are to acquire a Bedford 5-ton and a 3-too tipper.
siretioni Corporation are to buy a Thames lorry from H. V., Nunn and Co., Ltd,
Perielth Urban District Council wish to borrow £2,334 to buy -a Bedford-I-acre sweeper. Chesterfield Transport Committee wish to borrow £59,065 to buy 12 double-deckers.
Preston Highways Committee are to but, a Morris 5-cwt. van and a Bedford 10-12-cwt. van. Brentwood Urban District Council are to buy .wo refuse collectors Mid a Bedford 10-12-cwt.
van. '
Doncaster Highways Committee recommend that .1 3-ton tipper be Ordered from E. and G. Chartesworth, Ltd.
Burton-on-Trent Transport Committee ham that the Ministry of Transport will consider an Application for a loan to buy two buses.
Lytham St: Armes Corporation arc advised LO buy a Bedford 5-tonner from the Premier Garage, and another 'from Imperial Garages "(Blackpool), Ltd.
' Blackpool l'ransport Committee invite tenders for the supply Of 30 double-deck bodies. The electrical services committee wish to buy a Thames-Rawlinson tower wagon from Furrows, Ltd.
Hull Health Committee recommend that Mc Paragon (Hull) Motor Co., Ltd., should supply five Morris ambulances and Iwo sitting-case venieles with Appleyard bodywork, The watch committee wish to order a low-loading trailer from Weeks and Co. (Engineers). Ltd.