• BRISTOL
Page 39
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Stand zu
I N view of its extensive experience in the operation of passenger vehicles, the Bristol concern (which, incidentally, is a joint owner, with the corporation, of the transport system run in the city of Bristol) is in an excellent position to visualize and meet the practical needs of the operator. This fact is revealed by an inspection of the two fine chassis to be seen on this stand.
One is a K type for double-deck bodywork, whilst the other is an L model, suitable as the basis of a singledeck coach or bus. The exhibit is completed by a couple of complete vehicles, both with bodywork by Eastern Coach Works, Ltd.
A double-decker on view is for the West Yorkshire Road Car Co., Ltd., whilst the single-decker is for the Western Welsh Omnibus Co., Ltd., the 32-seater front-entrance body being built to the design of the British Electrical Federation, Ltd.
On the mechanical side, a feature is the use of the Gardner SLW five cylindered oil engine of bore and 6-in, stroke, which, with a Treasury rating of 36.5 h.p., gives 85 b.h.p., at 1,700 r.p.m. The power unit is carried on a detachable front member and banjo member. The clutch ad gearbox are mounted as a unit with the engine, the clutch being of the singleplate type.
FOB. many years one of the most popular makes of taxicab in use in London, the Beardmore is featured at the Show in five examples. A stripped chassis enables visitors to appreciate the many good points in design. The specification includes . a 13.9 h.p. engine, in which forced-feed lubrication is employed.
A thermostat for the control of water circulation is incorporated in the cylinder head. Synchromesh engagement is provided for all the four forward gears, whilst the braking system is designed under Girling patents.
The complete vehicles on view comprise two three-quarter landaulets and two single landaulets, all being for four passengers. Each is treated with a different colour scheme, some of them being particularly attractive.
In all the examples, the upholstery is of hand-buffed graiu leather. The In the double-decker, a four-speed gearbox is provided, with a constantmesh third ratio. The single-decker, however, has a five-speed gearbox with constant-mesh engagement for the third and fifth ratios. The transmission system in each case includes Layrub and Hardy Spicer propeller shafts, with a self-aligning intermediate bearing.
The rear axle incorporates fully floating shafts, with offset underslung-worm drive. The wheelbase of the doubledecker chassis is 16 ft. 3 ins, and of the single-decker 17 ft. 6 ins. Triple Dewandre servo brakes are employed.
An examination of the chassis brings to light several neat features, which show forethought in design and an appreciation of operators' requirements.
The double-deck bus is a 53-seater. having a Burma teak main frame and English oak underframing, the side pillars being continuous. The bulkhead and wheel-arch units are of welded metal.
Heating apparatus is provided in the double-decker and the single-decker, that in the former being of ThermoEconomic make and fitted in both saloons. A Clayton heater with a special air-conditioning device is attached to the front bulkhead of the single-decker.—Bristol Tramways and Carriage Co., Ltd., Tramways Centre, Bristol.
Among improvements in the 1938 Mark VI model are the following:—A reduction of over 1 cwt. in unladen weight, made possible by the increased use of aluminium alloys, the introduction of box and tubular sections of higher tensile steel, and a reduction in the weight of the power unit by the use of an all-synchromesh gearbox. This type of gearbox is particularly appreciated by taxicab drivers, who are changing gear all day.
The compression ratio has been increased by approximately 10 per cent., affording higher efficiency, whilst the balancing of the engine has been improved and a flexible mounting has been provided. Another important point is the lowering of the centre of gravity. The clutch is automatically air cooled, whilst the rear axle has fully floating shafts.—Beardmore Motors, Ltd., 112, Great Portland Street, London, W .1 ,