The 12-cwt. Phanomobile.
Page 8
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
We Try the Four-cylinder Model in Traffic and are Pleased With It.
At the present time there is a very large number of householdsupply tradesmen, general dealers, London and Manchester warehousemen who, in view of the keen competitive nature of the trading which prevails throughout the country, owe their success in no small measure to the light-delivery type of motorvan. Promptitude in the despatch and delivery of perishable goods, daily household requisites and general supplies, is not,.only essential to ensure continued custom but is undoubtedly a good recommendation to increased business. A machine which is particularly adapted for town and suburban delivery of tradesmen's goods is the 12-cwt. Phanomobile.
Following upon a demonstration run made recently, we are able again to acquaint our readers with the latest developments in connection with these handy little utility machines constructed by Phanomobiles, Ltd., 328, Upper Street, Islington, N. The particular model under our observation, and which we ran through the thickest of London traffic, has a load-carrying capacity of 12 cwt. The four-cylinder transversely disposed engine has a bore and stroke of 74 mm. by 90 mm. respectively, and is rated at 14-18 h.p. As a self-contained unit, it is bolted to a bracket which is attached to the front springfork. An important improvement eonstitutes the fitting of both inlet
and exhaust mechanically-operated valves by means of a single cam
shaft. Taking into consideration the disposition of the engine, the maker has given particular attention to the crankcase design to ensure the obtaining of a rigid construction with the minimum amount of weight. This component, east in gun-metal of light section, certainly impressed us as being " clean " and compact in form. The crankshaft runs on three self-aligning ball bearings, and is lubricated by pressure feed, an oil-level indicator being located on the dashboard. A Bosch weather-proof magneto provides for high-tension ignition. The company's own improved form of carburetter is generally fitted and is of the piston-valve type, being quite automatic. The engine power is transmitted to an epicyclic gearbox through a light-running roller chain ; this unit, which is enclosed in a suitable casing, is provided with two speeds and reverse. A well-built pressed-steel frame is employed, and the main suspension takes the form of a set of coil springs for the front of the chassis, and laminated semi-elliptic at the rear. The tubular form of back axle is constructed in one piece. A duplex set of brakes is fitted to the rear wheels, the tire sizes of the latter being 700 mm. by 85 mm. The price of the equipment, provided with a roomy box-van type of body, is ,E185. During our short observation run through congested traffic, the acceleration of the engine was a particularly noticeable feature, and the machine was quite easy to manoeuvre. We were also favourably impressed with the smooth running of the transmission, vibration -teeing reduced to a minimum.