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THE LATEST IN ALBIONS.

25th September 1923
Page 14
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Page 14, 25th September 1923 — THE LATEST IN ALBIONS.
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The Mark 2 Chassis, which Embodies a New Engine in its Design.

rril-fl MAKERS OE Albion ooinmercial

vehicles have built ap such a reputation for reliable and efficient productions that.. an new development in design,-or the • introduction of -a new model, possessei a special interest and significance. No concern in the country carries out research and experimental work i1 a more thorough fashion than the Albion Motor Car Co., Ltd., at Sootstoun, and their existing designs represent such a high standard of excellence that modifications are aot lightly adopted.

However, the experience; of the war years and the period since has suggested certain refinements which make for greater all-round efficiency, hence we find that the company's 32 h.p. engine, which is fitted to a number of models, reveals several outstanding alterations which will figure on vehicles to be exhibited al the Olympia Shoe.

The 3-ton and 4-ton Albion chassis fitted with the new a will, in future, be known as the Mark 2. So far as the frame, transmission and other outstanding components are concerned, no change has to be recorded in the design of these chassis, although the bonnetand radiator have been given more shapely outlines. The former is now tapered, and has two sets of horizontal louvres, whilst the radiator, which is of the same capacity as the unit previously employed, is of higher build, but not quite so deep.

The bore and stroke of the new engine remain as before, i.e., 4i ins. by 5 ins, respectively, giving an R.A.C. -rating of 32.4 and its maximum output 'at .1,150 r.p.m. Noteworthy changes are to be found in the cylinder block. The • four cylinders form a monobloc, but each pair of cylinders'has a detachable. head. These heads are interchangeable, and each is held in position by 12 studs. The_compression seal is

obtained by a copper asbestos gasket of simple form.

The circulation of the water is provided for by six large countersunk holes into each of which is fitted a double conical rubber ring reinforced by split brass centres. By this method of construction an easily removable and replacable head is obtained, and any .trouble with the water and compression joints is thus avoided. The combustion heads are of smooth finish and are shaped to acontour that ensures the best possible gas flow, The sparking plugs are mounted centrally, and the only means of securing access to the valves is by lifting the heads.

On the near side of the latest 32 h.p. engine the exhaust manifold has been raised,' this improvement giving ready access to the valve springs and tappets, and from the manifold a lagged pipe over the cylinder heads conveys exhaust gases to a hot-spot on the induction manifold. The provision of this hotspot is claimed to eliminate pinking with the present-day fuels; moreover, the temperature can be instantly adjusted according to requirements. The hot-spot control can be clearly seen in our illustration showing the off side of the engine. An Albion-Zenith instrument is used for carburation purposes. There is, of course, a separate water ups take to each detachable head, and the use of a higher radiator provides a more natural flow for the water than in pre

vious designs, , The net result of these alterations is a better-cooled engine and the development of sufficient extra power to allow a higher standard gear to be used. .

As . a result of a comparative test which was recently carried opt with chassis -fitted with the old and new engines, it was found that, over 81 miles of give-and-take roads, a saving of 32 per cent. in petrol consumption and 15 per cent, in time were recorded in favour LA the latest unit. In each case the total weight of the vehicle wit,h load was 61, tons. It is stated that, on the bench, the new engine develops from 10 per cent. to 15 per cent, more power than its prototype.

Chain drive is, of course, retained on the latest Albion model, as the makers consider that it still remains the most simple and economical form of drive for heavy commercial vehicles, apart from giving a minimum tyre wear as a result of the low unsprung weight. Some little time ago the company fitted slightly longer springs to the 3ton and 4-ton chassis, and these are, of course, used on the Mark 2 model.

The range of Albion models is very complete, and it will be rendered more so by the addition of a new bus. chassis designed to carry a 20-23-seater .body. Details of this model are, as yet, not available, although we hope to publish particulars of it at an early date. The existing range of Albion models includes a 25-cwt., a standard 30-cwt., and a 30-cwt. subsidy type, and vehicles with carrying capacities of 2, 4, 3 and 4 tons. There is also a special 72-cwt. pantechnicon chassis, whilst 30-cwt., 2ton and 4-ton tipping wagons are standardized productions. End or three-way tipping bodies, operated hydraulically or by hand, can be fitted to either the 30-cwt.. or 2-ton model, but with the 4-tonner hydraulically operated bodies only are fitted. The 3-tonrers and 4-tanners can also be supplied with extra long wheelbases when re(mired. Two ambulance chassis of 20 h.p. and 24 h.p. respectively are listed. The range of bus chassis in

cludes a 12-seater, a 16 seater, and an 18-seater, and the new 20-23-seater already referred to. So far as moths coaches are concerned. there is a 15seater and a 19-seater, which will be in.: traduced at the forthcoming show. The company have recently reconsidered the prices of their models, and, without detailing them all, it. is worth while pointing soot; that, at £695, the 3ton chassis, which is of a proved and efficient type, represents• good value at a competitive figure, We had an opportunity of testing the running of the Mark 2 chassis with the new engine, and we were favourably impressed with its performance. The eNtra, power output is sufficient to giVe really excellent acceleration with a full load, and tolnaintain a speed on ordina,rv gradients without flagging. 'Those who !have hitherto considered the Albion. a little alaw will find that their criticism has been fully considered and met in the new model with its greater power and higher gear ratio. The new hot-spot induction. manifead also proved its worth in eliminating pinking under all ordinary conditions.

The brakes on the Albion chassis remain as efficient as ever, and on the test which we conducted the chassis was allowed to gather speed on a 1-in-6 descent, when it was pulled up and held on each brake separately, whilst, with both brakes in use, the vehicle, weighing with its load over 6 tans, was stopped in the course a a few yards,

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