THREE STAR CHASSIS EMPLOYING IDENTICAL ENGINES.
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THE Star Engineering Co., Ltd., of Frederick Street, Wolverhampton, are, this year, exhibiting four models of their well-known. commercial vehicles. Of these, two are 30 cwt., one 50 cwt., and one 3 ton.
The engine of all models is the same, and although it would seem at first sight that an engine suitable for a 30 cwt. chassis would be under-powered for a 3 ton chassis, or if suitable for the latter
overpowered for the smaller capacity vehicle, experience has shown that the 20-25hp engine employed is entirely suitable. This is a four-cylinder, with cylinders cast in pairs, the bore and stroke being 90 mm. by 150 mm., and rating 20.1 h.p. Lubrication is by forced feed to all parts of the engine. A combined cast aluminium tank and tubular radiator is fitted, and a belt-driven fan induces
draught. Circulation is by pump, a centrifugal pump being driven from the rear end of the crankshaft. A Zenith carburetter is fitted as standard.
The clutch is Ferodo-lined, and the gearbox gives four forward speeds and a reverse, the gear lever working in a gate change. A worm-drive back axle is this year fitted on all models. The worm and axle shaft are mounted on ball bearings, arid a large double-thrust ball race is fitted. The weight of the car is carried on the tubes extending from the axle -box, none falling on the shafts, these being connected to the hubs for the purpose of drive only. The totque rod is composed of two plates of channel section bolted together, and the frame is of pressed steel, suitably proportioned_ to . take the load stresses.
The front axle is II section steel stamped and ball bearing steering head, and substantial steering Joints are fitted. Pressed steel wheels, single in front and twin in rear, are interchangeable and detachable. The chassis can be supplied with 880 mm. by 120 mm. Dunlop pneumatics, or 80 ram. Dunlop band tyres on 720 mm. diameter rims. The foot brake with external grip is easily adjusted, arid two powerful internal-expanding brakes are fitted to the rear wheels.
The 50 cwt. chassis is very similar to the 30 cwt., but is of course, of a strength suitable for the load. As already mentioned, the engine, clutch, and gearbox are "similar to those of the lighter vehicle, and worm drive is again fitted. The frame is ofpressed steel, deep section, with engine and gearbox carried on a separate underframe. The springs are semi-elliptic front and rear, and Dunlop band tyres of 100 ram. section are fitted
on 720 mm, diameter rims, twin tyres being fitted to the rear wheels.
The 30 cwt. chassis, whilst similar in most respects to the 15cwt., is again of stouter construction, and being specially designed for char-a-banes work has a wheelbase of 13 ft. 6 ins. The foot brake operates on the rear end of the worm
shaft. In order to get the increased length of chassis, the cardan shaft is divided by a universal joint.. An inspection of the chassis shows the two halves of the shaft working at an angle, but the weight of the body and load
straightens -these halves,-so that the universal joint•only operates to a minimum extent except when the vehicle is running light.
Of the four vehicles exhibited the market gardener's wagon and the panelled box delivery van are mounted on 30 cwt. chassis. The body of the market gardener's wagon is constructed with deep sides and tailboard, measuring 2 ft. 5 ins, from the floor. The front is built up 8 ins, above the driver's cab. A detachable rail, or cage sides, are fitted on top of the fixed sides, making the total height from the floor 4 ft. 7 ins. The sides are well' bound together with angle steel bars, and the tailboard is hung on heavy forged hinges and catch bar, and can be lowered to any position required. The internal capacity is 8 ft. 2 ins. by 5 ft. ,5 ins. by 4 ft. .7 ins. The finish is in royal blue with vermilion red wheels, these being fitted with pneumatic tyres.
The dimensions of the panelled box delivery van are ft. long by 5 ft. wide 'by 5 ft. 2 ins, high, two largo doors at the back opening from the centre. A luggage rail is fitted on the roof for carrying boxes and parcels.
The entire car is painted dark olive green, except the top panel, which is a light privet green, suitable for any special inscription which may be desired to be painted upon it. The price comes out at E855, this being £675 for the chassis and £180 for the body.
The tipping wagon is mounted on a 80 cwt. chassis. The body is of the platform type with 18 in. sides and end. The bottom is constructed with strong ash runners from front to back to carry the hinges at the hack of the chassis, and the fixing for the tipping gear in front. The tailboard is hinged on the top of the sides, and is made to open or close at, the bottom, with a forged spring lever. The carrying capacity is 8 ft. 9 ins, long by 5 ft. 7 ins, wide, but these sizes can be increased according to requirements.
The well-known Star tipping. gear is, of course, employed. The bevels for operating the screws are 'protected by a casing which acts as a support for the
tipping screw, and which works in trunnions carried on the frame and not
on the shaft. There are also ample thrust washers at the bottom of the screw, carried in the casing. These are totally enclosed, and have their own greaser fitted. A stop at the end of the screw eliminates any possibility of overwinding, whilst the angle of tip is sufficient to clear any load. The price of the tipping wagon complete is £915, E775 of this 'being for the chassis 4nd £140 for the body and tipping gear.
The largest vehicle shown—the 3 ton char-a-banes—has a carrying capacity for 25 persons, including driver. The body is divided into five rows of seats, giving comfortable seating and plenty of leg room. The seats are well upholstered and fitted with spring backs and cushions. A Cape cart extension hood gives etrery possible protection in wet weather.
The entire ear is finished in a pleasing shade of grey, with nickel plated fittings. The price complete is £1,275.