W.D. TESTS 15 VEHICLES IN WELSH MOUNTAINS
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TRIALS by the War Department of 1 15 representative vehicles, including certain types new to the Army, opened on Tuesday last. at Llangollen. The number included two six-wheelers. So far as practicable, all machines were constructed from standard commercial parts, although tyre equipment and engine-cooling systems had, in certain cases, been modified. In view of likely use in tropical countries, the War Department has embodied clauses in its specifications calling for a degree of cooling performance not ordinarily required in temperate climates.
The vehicles were a Hillman 20-70 van, Hillman Minx Scout car, Bedford and Commer B20 vans, Austin, Guy Ant, Commer Beetle and Centaur, Morris-Commercial C.S.8.T, C.S. 11-30 and Q-type, Bedford and Fordson v-a lorries, also Leyland Retriever and Harrier C.K.6 six-wheelers, With the object of assessing the performance of the vehicles on a long, steady climb of a graded road in hilly country, the Old .Horse Shoe Paes was used. Times were taken together with particulars of gears used and radiator temperatures. Stop and restart and brake tests were also made. The ascent of this hill, a
mile long, with an average gradient of 1 in 7_6, was accomplished by all vehicles.
On Alt-y-Bady, where there was a straight climb, conditions were more difficult, for a maximum gradient of I in 3.38 was combined with a loose and wet surface, and here outside assistance was needed by both the vans and the Austin lorry. A speedy climb was made by the Fordson.
A further test comprised crosscountry running Over a short circuit of rough heather. Here, again the Fordson made a spectacular round, the Leyland six-wheeler took the work in its majestic stride, but the Karrier was a non-starter. The average performance was hgh.
A powerful gale, carrying with it clouds of hail, blew up BwIch-y-Groes during Wednesday's test. All vehicles climbed the I-in-4 gradient satisfactorily. The stop and restart tests gave little trouble. Following luncheon, the party returned to Llangollen, where War Depaatmeat and manufacturer's' representatives held a conference on the whole series of trials. Up to the time of closing for press statistics are not available,