A Streamlined 1-ton Electric Van
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The 1937 Programme of the Erewash Concern Includes a Light Model with Some New Ideas, Including a Sliding DOM' at the Front of the
Driver's Cab
E'OR some months past registration
statistics have given proof of the fact that the light electric vehicle is finding an increasing market, and developments of which we are aware clearly suggest that this type of vehicle is attracting much notice from some important makers. One company associated with this movement is the Erewash Electric Traction Co.; Ray Street, lIeanor, and one of its new models for 1937 is the 1-ton streamlined van, illustrated on this page.
There are several outstanding features about this product, the most novel, perhaps, being the front sliding door, which leads to the driver's cab.
The chassis has been specially planned for this arrangement and has a wheelbase of 6 ft, 6 ins. and a track of 4 ft. 9 ins.
The motor gives a road speed of 1820 m.p.h. and affords the .Vehicle good hill-climbing qualities: The D.P. Kathanode batteries are housed in lead-coated steel cases and are easy of access. They are stated to give a range of 50 miles' running.
New Type of Controller.
The controller is of an entirely new design and is foot-operated. It gives three forward speeds and reverse, and occupie., the minimum of space. The reversing switch is mounted on the dashboard, a key for locking it being incorporated. The sturdy back axle is of the double-reduction type, and the Hardy Spicer propeller shaft has needlebearing universal joints. Bendix brakes are utilized, including a new pull-on type of hand brake, which is fitted to the dashboard. The wheels are of the steel disc type and are shod with 25-in. by 6-in. tyres.
'rhe first model of this new van was made for Clark's Dyeworks, Ltd., of Rettord. Mr, M. H. Clark, sales manager, had original ideas as to the type of van body best suited to the company's needs and, in collaboration with Mr. A. Hartshorn, of Messrs. Hartshorn, ol Heanor, a design of smart and modern appearance, incorporating utilitarian features, was evolved. In order to achieve the desired. object, certain difficulties had to he overcome, but the result is quite pleasing and efficient.
The sliding door at the front has proved to be a most convenient form of entrance and, when a large number of calls has to be made, it is a great time-saver. The rear of the van is enclosed by a sliding shutter, which disappears into the roof. The shutter is spring-loaded and is easy to operate, and it covers the rear step when lowered.
Two large chromium-plated racks run the full length of the interior, and are for accommodating parcels which require special care in handling. A chromium-plated wire-net screen is fitted behind the driver's seat. The body has good loading space and the front entrance enables packages to be quickly loaded and unloaded.
The exterior is most attractive in finish, and is carried out in dove grey and two shades of blue synthetic enamel. Polished aluminium mouldings, between which are stainless-steel letters, contribute to the distinctive streamlined effect.
We are told that, in use in a normal collecting area, the vehicle showed a distinct saving as compared with a petrol vehicle previously in operation.