The New Three-ton F.I.A.T. Chassis.
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First-published Description of a Well-designed Model which Made its First Appearance at the Manchester Show.
During our preliminary visit to the second _North of England Show last month, one of the few machines winch had not turned up when we had to leave for the south, in order to put our Show report in hand, was the three-ton F.I.A.T. chassis. It had been delayed en route from Turin. When it did arrive, we took the opportunity to examine it with some care, and came to the conclusion that our readers would be interested to have a short account of its principal constructional features in one of our issues. The first opportunity to photograph this model occurred last week, and we, therefore, went out to the Wembley works to see Mr. Stuart, Kennedy in respect of it. The photographs we reproduce herewith were taken on that occasion.
There is, of course, no denying the fact that the F.T.A.T. designers are exceptionally skilled ; F.I.A.T. design throughout gives one the impression of finality ; there is an entire absence of evidence of "making do" and of after-thoughts. All the smaller details are as carefully planned and are so obviously integral parts of the whole as are such important components as. say, the engine or the gearbox. Our impression of the three-tonner did much to bear out our previous opinion it is one of the cleanest jobs of its kind that we have seen.
To commence with, the engineis of an entirely new F.I.A.T. type. It is rated at 30 h.p., and has a bore of 95 mm., whilst the stroke is a long one--1 80 mm. The valves are cased in, and practically the whole of the carburetter and induction accessories are part and parcel of the cylinder casting, with the result. that the crank chamber is accessible
to an unusual degree. The standard method of camshaft, magneto and pump drive on F.I.A.T. models is preserved, well proportioned spur gears operate the camshaft, whilst a helically-driven cross shaft operates at its one end the large vane pump, and at the other the ZIJ4 Bosch magneto. The lubrication of the engine is by a small geared pump drawing the oil from a sump in the base and forcing it through the drilled holes in the crankshaft.
F.I.A.T. models, as a rule, depend for the air cooling of their radiators upon the fan blades, which are part and parcel of the large-diameter flywheel. On the three-tonner, however, we find that a useful additional fan is mounted in the usual position behind the radiator, and is belt-driven from the crankshaft. The clutch is of standard F.I.A.T. multi-disc type, and thence the drive is by means of a long intermediate shaft located in a special bearing to prevent whirling, fixed to a cross member some little way to the rear of the clutch.
The gearbox houses, of course, the first and second change-speed shafts, one above the other, the bevel-gear reduction, and the differential gearing. The chain sprockets are at the ends of the differential shafts, which, in addition to their location in the gearbox. are housed in ball bearings on the side members of the frame.
Of particular interest is the type of radius rod adopted. Each embodies the major portion of a very substantial form of chain case. Its construction can well be seen from one of the illustrations included on page 47. It will be seen also from the same picture that ample means of adjustment to secure suitable chain tension is provided. The pressed-steel framework is of exceptional merit, and the workmanship is particularly good in this
respect. The side members are quite straight, with the exception of a .slight indent to clear the rear spring bolts. A feature which will make a special appeal to users is the provision of suitable self-contained oil cups at almost every movable part of the chassis.
We may add a word as to the brakes. Two of these are operated together from a pedal, one of which :ids on the propeller shaft immedi
ately in front of the gearbox, whilst the other is located on the nearside sprocket or differential shaft. The pull-up hand lever controls powerful internal-expanding brakes on the back wheels. Both the firstmentioned brakes are water-cooled. The wheelbase of this machine is
just over 11 ft. 9 in., whilst the welldesigned cast-steel road wheels carry 750 rum. by 120 nun. Continental tires on the front, and 900 mm. by 120 mm. treads of the same make but of the twin variety on the rear. This model is a line example of modern construction.