A Dual Tank Vehicle.
Page 19
Page 20
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
oNE OF the most interesting types of tank wagons which has been put on the road is that recently brought into service by Shell-Alex, Ltd. The chassis consists of a six-wheeled tractor-lorry manufactured by Scammell Lorries Ltd., of Spitalflelds, London, E. 1. On this is mounted two, tanks made by the Steel Barrel Co., Ltd., of Uxbridge. Both these tanks are of the D-shape type which was brought out by the Steel Barrel Co. not very long ago, and which permits of a larger volume of liquid being carried than in a round tank of the same length and height, whilst it also has the advantage that the centre of gravity of the whole vehicle is con
siderably lowered. .
Two tanks are utilized because the shape of the drop frame on the Scammell tractor-lorry would, if full advantage i3 to be taken of the loading space available, necessitate the use of an unwieldy tank if one only Were employed. With the two tanks, a smaller one of 500 gallons capacity is mounted on the upper part of the frame over the turntable, whilst a large tank of 1,500 gallons capa
city is carried on the dropped portion, both tanks being mounted on strong wood bearers shaped to the bottoms of the tanks. This arrangement gives very even loading of the frame, and also permits a certain amount of, flexibility, although the enormous strength of the cranked side-members of the Scammell trailer attachment prevents its deflection from being any more than that given on the strongest pressed-steel frame with straight side-members. The vehicle is designed to carry Shell motor spirit, and by referring to the illustration it witl be seen .that the hose pipes are" carried in convenient tubular boxes running along the sides of the large tank on extensions of the tank bearers. Each of these containers is provided with a hinged cover held by a thumbscrew. At the rear of the vehicle is a box with a hinged lid containing the discharge valves and the connections for the hose pipes_
One of the conspicuous features of the complete machine is the well-known trade mark of the company, taking the form of a huge shell at the rear end of the large tank. To enable both tanks to be emptied simultaneously they are connected together, the _pipe between them !being situated close to the bottom of the smaller tank so that this can be entirely emptied.
The vehicle is provided with a wellbuilt cab, which affords adequate protection to the driver and any other occupants. This cab has a double windscreen, the upper portions at each side of which can he adjusted according to require
meats. A small oval -window is fitted into each side, and two are provided at the rear, and high side doors add to the appearance and the efficiency of the protection afforded. The complete vehicle presents a very fine appearance.