A SIX-WHEELER FOR BAD LAND.
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Coupled Rear Axles With Four Driving Wheels, the Latter Shod With Twin Pneumatics, Assist in Conquering Sand and Snow.
CONSIDERABLE interest has been shown in the nena.ult six-wheeler designed for tiavelling over loose soil and bad land, which has been subjected to severe trials -ever the desert sands of Northern Africa and over the snows of Switzerland, but no complete and accurate information concerning the chassis can possibly be obtainable for a week or two yet. We are able, however, to give certain facts, which will be followed up by a full account of the trial and a useful description of the chassis.
The novel portion of the chassis c o mmences with t h e rear universal joint on the cardan shaft. This joint, which is very large, is
designed t o give a wide range of movement to the axle. From the joint the power
is conveyed through a double-reduction gear to the first of the twin rear axles. The axle casings are very substantial, each being built .up of a central casing in cast-steel and two heavy-gauge drawn-steel tubes, which unite this casing to the brake supports. The drive is conveyed from the forward one of the two axles to the rear one through a .double universal joint of colossal proportions. This double universal, which really consists of an exceedingly short propeller shaft, with a universal at each end, is enclosed in a horizontally articulated steel casing. This easing, whilst acting as a species of radius rod between the two axles, at the same time allows the axles to become completely out of alignment when the vehicle is passing over obstacles.
Helical gearing is used throughout in the differentials and bevel drives. Ordinary radius rods are fitted between the axles. on each side, in line with the springs. Very stout half-elliptic springs with a sharp camber are responsible f o r the rear suspension, -a ri d the frame is stiffened by a cross member at the point of attachment of the spring brackets. .The springs are d i rectiy attached to the forward driving axle, but shackled to the rear one.
owing universally-jointed connecting s, etc. The cover to the connecting for illustration purposes.