3,000gal on two axles within 16 tons gross
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ONLY 4 tons 5cwt as a chassis-cab at the kerb, and only 6 tons I.5cwt with tank and auxiliaries—these are the remarkable figures which have been achieved with the tanker pictured here.
William Dobson Ltd., of Edinburgh, wanted a manoeuvrable but capacious vehicle for local deliveries and after some discussion Atkinson Vehicles Ltd. agreed to build a 15ft-wheelbase four-wheeler with a guaranteed kerb weight of less than 4 tons 12cwt (handsomely bettered, in fact).
To suit the need for a light but powerful engine the General Motors four-cylinder, two-stroke, unit-fuel-injected diesel of 140 b.h.p. was chosen. To make full use of the power at high r.p.m. (2,800) the Allison M31 single-stage three-element torque converter transmission is fitted.
Still in search of lightness with reliability, a Centrax hypoid single-reduction rear axle was adopted, as were Michelin "X" tubeless tyres, matrix-type radiator and crosswise silencer.
Darham Industries Ltd. worked closely with Atkinson throughout, and built the five-compartment mild steel tank—which is now in service, satisfactorily carrying 3,000gal of petroleum products.