New Atkinson Six-wheeler Conversions
Page 49
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THE conversion to a six-wheeler of any type or make of four-wheeled vehicle, small or large, can now be tarried out by Atkinson Lorries, Kendal Street, Preston. The principle has already been applied to the newtype 30-cwt. Fords (which are then able to carry a pay-load of from 3 to 4 tons), and to heavy vehicles, amongst which are included the Leyland S.C2.2, R.A.F. and other types, the Thornycroft 1-17 type, Maudslay, A.E.C., PierceArrow, etc. Amongst those already completed are two Leylands, one with the original petrol engine, and the other
with a compression-ignition power unit, which has been fitted in place of the original unit, this engine conversion also being carried out by Atkinson Lorries.
The conversion device is patented, and is clearly shown in the illustrations which we reproduce. The chief points in connection with it, as applied to the 30-cwt. Ford, are that the position of the driving axle and of the side members of the chassis frame are not disturbed. • The supplementary frame consists of a 3-per-cent, nickel-steel pressing of 6fri ins. by 3 ins, by in. channel section, which embraces the original frame over a large portion of its length and is securely riveted to it, the rivets passing through the webs and thus not decreasing, the strength of the flanges.
Bolted to the side members are two brackets which carry a cross-bar, upon which are mounted the compensating beams. Links connected to the ends of these beams and to the inner ends of the two semi-elliptic springs serve to equalize the load between the axles.
The four springs are constructed of silieo-manganese steel, and at their outer ends are connected by links to brackets which are bolted to the new sections of the frame. The load is thus distributed over a far greater length of the chassis than is the case with the ordinary type of bogie with a single fulcrum.
The axles are coupled together by a radius rod at each side. These are connected to the spring seatings, and compel the axles to remain equi-distant under any conditions of loading.
The braking adequately meets the requirements of the latest regulations, and eight shoes in the four drums of the rear wheels are brought into action simultaneously by a pedal. As an aid to maintenance, the brake drums and shoes of the additional trailing axle are interchangeable with those on the driving axle. This also applies to the disc wheels and tyres, which are of 32-in. by 0-in. dimensions.: Roller bearings are fitted to the hubs of the trailing axle, and the compensating shaft is constructed of high-tensile steel.
Similar principles are employed in the case of other converted chassis,