Repair Equipment for an M.T. Column.
Page 9
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A batch of repair shop lorries has lately been turned out for use at the war by Dennis Bros., Ltd., in conjunction with Drummond Bros., Ltd., the machine-tool makers, of Guildford. .The type of vehicle is a standard three-ton Dennis worm-driven lorry, but specially strengthened to take the extra heavy usage that it will experience. It has a very strong body with fiat sides, which are arranged to form tables when let down on to the special supports provided. These can be used either as extensions to the floor of the van or as work benches if used from the road level.
The equipment is extremely thorough, and all the machine tools are arranged to be driven by power, or, if necessary, by foot. 'The power unit to drive it consists of a 3 h.p. petrol motor directcoupled with a D.C. dynamo giving an output of 700 watts. The current is used to light very thoroughly the vehicle by means of 12 portable hand lamps and two twin roof lights and also to drive an electric grinder and a portable drill. The main shaft, which is fixed to the roof by J hangers, is driven by belt directly from the petrol motor.
One of the most important tools is a 6 in. Drummond screw-cutting lathe, which is capable of dealing with millingand boring by means of its special table, and also with drilling work, should the other machines be in use.
Another useful tool is a sensitive radial drilling machine, a speciality of Drummond construction. This is capable of quite delicate work and also of quite heavy or a,wkward jobs. It will drill to thecentre of a circle 44 ins, diameter and will take in work up to 12 ins. deep on the table ; for larger or specially awkward work the side table is used, which gives a great range of utility to this machine.
Other equipment consists of a substantial portable forge and anvil, a portable iron work bench with vice and a full range of small tools. As will be noticed from the illustration the roof is arranged to carry additional supplies of petrol or iron and steel for use in the workshop.
We look forward to the days, after this war is over, when the value of such motor shops on wheels will be extended. Some Home and many Colonial opportunities undoubtedly exist for their use in agricultural or special commercial work. There are numerous examples of agrimotor and lorry service in which the machine cannot as readily be taken to the workshop as the workshop to the machine.