Rhode.
Page 28
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TWO 20-25-cwt. M. and D. (Mead and Deakin) chassis are shown on this stand, neither of which is fitted with bodywork, so that the interesting design is easy to examine. Although the chassis is entirely new, in general principles it follows the well-tried lines of the Rhode private-car chassis, and it is a straightforward job of a robust character ; in fact, the makers state that they have endeavoured to produce a vehicle capable of lasting service, rather than one built with the aim of competing with lower-priced chassis.
The engine is unusual for a moanercial Vehicle in that an overhead camshaft is employed to operate the valves through the medium of rockers; the bore and stroke of this four-cylinder unit are 80 mm. and 120 mm. respectively. A fully balanced three-bearing crankshaft is employed, and exceptional lightness of the reciprocating parts is ensured by the fact that the pistons are made of aluminium and the connecting
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rod of Duralurain; -a vertical shaft at the forward end of the cylinder block conveys the drive to the overhead camshaft, and at the topof this shaft the dynamo and magneto are placed transversely in a very accessible position.
The oiling arrangements are of excep tonal interest, the lubricant being thrown upwards by the flywheel and then flung to the bearings under the action of gravity. The four-forwardspeed gearbox is mounted as a unit' with the engine, and has an extension at the rear which is carried in a spherical housing on a cross-member; this forms one support, whilst two others are afforded by trunnions at each side of the crankcase.
The propeller shaft is enclosed in a torque tube and conveys the drive to an overhead worm in the back axle; a fourwheel-braking system has been adopted, a feature of which is the accessible adjusting nut at the end of each pull rod. Furthermore, an independent set of rear brakes is fitted, coupled to a hand lever mounted on the gearbox ; the chassis is supported on semi-elliptic springs all round, and large balloon tyres are fitted.
Rhode Motor Co., Paytheswood Road, Tysqley, Birmingham,