New N.C.B. Electrics Include Refuse Collector
Page 53
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Also 30-cwt. Van of 330 cubic ft Capacity TO new models of electric vehicle have been developed by Northern Coachbuilders, Ltd., Newcastle-onTyne, and they will be seen for the first time at the Commercial Motor Transport Exhibition at Earls Court. One is a 30-cwt. boxvan of 330 cubic ft. capacity and the other a 4-5-tonner, which has been produced for refuseCollection purposes in conjunction with Walker Bros. (Wigan), Ltd.
The transmission of the 30-cwt. vehicle is of conventional N.C.B. design, incorporating a doublereduction spur-spiral-bevel axle coupled through a Layrub propeller shaft to a B.T.-H. motor. The control gear embodies the B.T.-FL-N.C.B. push button parallel-series system and the quickly detachable contactor panel is mounted below the driver's seat, where it is readily accessible. The use of CorTen high-tensile steel for the chassis frame greatly reduces unladen weight. A sliding door is fitted on each side of the roomy cab and, in conjunction with a low entrance step, makes for speedy operation on local delivery work. Tip-up seats and adequate headroom allow the driver to drive while standing, for which•purpose the controls have had to be specialty arranged. An unusual feature is the fitting of an electrically controlled parking brake which is operated by a toggle switch on the steering-column panel.
The maker believes that this is the first occasion on which such a brake has been incorporated in an electric vehicle.
A central sliding door permits access to the loading compartment from the cab. In addition, the usual hinged doors are fitted to the rear.
The framework of the body and cab is made of extruded aluminium-alloy sections to which 18-gauge aluminium panels are riveted. The body is suitable for adaptation for service as a mobile shop.
Standard bodies for milk and bread delivery will also be available on the new 30-cwt. chassis.
, Standardization
Many components used in the Walker Prodigy chassis are incorporated in the Walker-N.C.B. 4-5-tonner. Likewise, the electrical equipment comprises standard units as used in the new 30-cwt. chassis, but two motors, giving a combined output of 24.5 h.p. at the one-hour rating, are employed, instead of one. Voltage (144) is doubled by fitting two standard aide MVU 210 amp.-hour batteries of 36 cells each.
The usual worm axle has been replaced by a spiral-bevel unit and an additional reduction box affords an overall ratio of 20 to 1. The special reduction box, mounted between the two motors, affords a ratio of 3 to 1, whilst the ratio of the rear axle is 7 to 1.
According to Northern Coachbuilders, Ltd., the vehicle, when fitted with a Paragon refuse-collection body, has a range of 40 miles at a maximum speed of 15 m.p.h. The company has set out to provide a higher performance than is usual with heavy electric vehicles.