A NEW FRAMELESS TANKER B ESIDES the fact hat the tank
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is constructed of aluminium alloy, there are several interesting features in the new Scammell articulated six-wheeled tanker. So far as the power unit, axles, brakes, wheels and -turntable are
concerned, there is no departure from the usual Scammell practice. There is no rear chassis frame, however, and the tank itself forms the connection between the trailing axle and the turntable.
With a total capacity of 3,000 gallons, provided by six 500-gallon compartments, the tank has a diameter of 5 ft. 3 ins, and its length is 24 ft. l in. over the ends, whilst the overall length of the complete vehicle is 32 ft. 6 ins.
Each compartment has a manhole of standard diameter, with an aluminium lid ; the 2k-in. patent spherical foot valves are also made of aluminium alloy. A similar light metal is used for the tubular ladder, the conduit for the rear-light cable, the supporting plates for the walk platform and the tees, carrying the steel feet on which the tank is mounted.
At the rear, on each side, is a light but particularly rigid arch built up of steel plates welded together. To thes6 are attached the rear suspension springs, which are pivoted at their forward ends and are free to slide on blocks at the rear.
Mention must be made of another unusual feature. Although the total capacity of the tank is 3,000 gallons for the transport of, say, kerosene, the rearmost 500-gallon compartment can be detached so as to reduce the maximum load to 2,500 gallons if petrol is to be carried. When this compartment is not in use a dished end plate is bolted on to the end of the main tank to give a finished appearance. Another interesting departure from usual practice is that a Lister 2 h.p. engine is arranged to drive a Kitson rotor pump, this unit being carried in a special cradle slung beneath the main tank. The construction of the tank and its fittings has been carried out by Thompson Bros. (Bilston), Ltd., Bilston, to the instructions of Scammell Lorries, Ltd., Watford, and both concerns may be congratulated on the result.