New Rear-engined Heavy-duty Coach Chassis
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A REAR-ENGINED coach chassis rl with hydraulic control for the clutch and accelerator, and thermostatically actuated electric drive for the fan, has been built by Motor Traction Ltd., Teevan Road, Croydon, and is now being equipped with a Whitson 41-seat luxury body. This passenger addition to the Rutland range is called the Clipper and is available with a series of power and transmission units for various duties in the domestic and overseas markets.
The prototype of 16-ft. 6-in, wheelbase, which is being produced for a home operator, has a 30-ft. frame. A Perkins R6 six-cylindered engine, developing 108 b.h.p. at 2,700 r.p.m., is installed longitudinally and within 4 in. of the maximum legal overhang. For lighter duty the Perkins P6 oil engine could be employed and, being shorter than the R6 unit, would be easier to accommodate in the space permitted by law.
A 14-in.-diameter clutch is employed with the g6 engine, and a David Brown four-speed synchromesh gearbox is attached as a unit which is disposed centrally between the main frame members behind the axle. The Clipper, having heavy-duty axles and a robust frame, is designed for tough work.
An Eaton two-speed rear axle, with electrically operated shift control, and a Kirkstall front axle beam with 1i-in.
kingpins, are provided. The chassis frame, which is level and parallel, is 7L' in. deep, Ain. thick and has 3-in.
flanvs. •
The chassis is designed for left or right-hand drive. The change-over is assisted by the use of hydraulic operation between the pedals and the clutch unit and the throttle venturi controlling the fuel-injection pump. Two hydraulic slave cylinders are interposed in the accelerator hydraulic system to provide instantaneous reaction tcis\rnovement of the pedal.
Another unusual feature is the electrically driven fan controlled by a thermo switch in the cooling system. acting through a relay. The fan and radiator are mounted at the side of the chassis, and an air scoop is provided for subsequent attachment. by the bodybuilder.
Other details of the heavy-duty Clipper chassis include 31-in.-wide springs, 4 ft. 2 in. long at the front and 4 ft. 7 in. at the rear, Newton Bennet telescopic hydraulic dampers at all wheels, and Manes type 861 steering gear.
The Clayton Dewandre brake servo is connected through a Girling hydraulic system to 41-in.-wide shoes at the front and 5-in, shoes at the rear. The drums are 151 in. in diameter with 10stud hubs at the rear. A 4.8-gallon fuel tank is fitted behind the servo motor on the off side of the frame.