Warrington Hauliers Put Fast Atkinson on Motorway
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AN Atkinson eight-wheeler has been specially built for motorway service with John Buckley and Co. (Warrington), Ltd. Its first journey was made with a Seammell 8-ton independent trailer, and 21i tons of washing powder was carried to the S.P.D. depot at Widford, Essex. A speed of 52 ni.p,h. was attained on the Ml.
The operators are Gardner adherents, and specified the 6LX engine for the prime mover. A ZF AK6/55 gearbox with overdrive and auxiliary gearbox was fitted for an even progression of speeds up to 50 m.p.h. In practice the speeds at which changes are made are: first to second, 3 m.p.h.: second to third, 5 m.p.h.: third to fourth, 9 m.p.h.; fourth to fifth. 15 m.p.h.: fifth to sixth. 20 m.p.h.: sixth to high, 30 m.p.h. A number of such outfits is to be supplied. The prime movers are 24 ft. long and the trailers 20 ft. Twin airline brakes operate on diaphragms instead of cylinders. The company have experienced excessive brake cylinder corrosion in winter because of road salt.
Engine noise is dampened by a foamplastics bonnet cover. The cab structure is of plastics. Automatic 60-point chassis lubrication is installed, and Firestone tyres are fitted all round.