AN ALBION
Page 43
Page 44
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forward control
2-4-TONNER
Latest Model of this Popular Machine has Shorter Wheelbase with Longer Space for the Body
TEE tendency to adopt the foiward position for the controls of commercial vehicles is responded to in a new Albion 40-45-cwt. chassis called Model 44, which has just been produced by Albion Motors, Ltd., Scotstoun, Glasgow. Whilst having a larger body space than was possible in the familiar type-43. machine of similar capacity, the new model has a shorter wheelbase and the advantage of a smaller turning
circle. Shortening of the wheelbase has permitted the maker to adopt a one-piece propeller shaft.
As regards the main dimensions, the wheelbase is 10 ft. 9 ins. (or 1 ft. 3 ins. less than on the type 43 chassis), and the distance from behind the cab to the end of the frame is 12 ft. 1, in., as compared with a measurement of 14 ft. 7i ins, from the dash of the bonneted type. This means that the standard lorry or van body has an internal length of 12 ft., compared with 10 ft. 9 ins., the width being 5 ft. 10 ins. The floor height of the lorry body is 3 ft. 6 ins., whilst that of the van (with wheel-arches) is 2 ft. 10i ins. The overall vehicle length is, on the basis of body sizes given above, 17 ft. 10i ins., and the maker recommends a maximum body weight of 14 cwt. Either 32-in.
by (twin rear) tyres, or 36-in. by 8-in. (single rear) tyres may be fitted.
The four-cylindered side-valve engine of 42 b.h.p. is convenient for forwardcontrol installation, because it has most of the auxiliaries grouped on the near side. In fact, only the dynamo, starter (which is extra) and magneto are on the off side of the power unit, and all these are comparatively easy of access, the magneto being actually above floor level since it is driven by a skew-geared transverse shaft which, on the near side, drives the water impeller.
On the near side of the unit are grouped the Zenith carburetter, governor, valves, crankcase dipstick, water ,impeller and Autovae, the lastnamed being conveniently placed beneath the near-side seat. The battery, incidentally, is similarly located beneath the driver's seat. The Autovae feeds petrol from an 18-gallon tank mounted upon outriggers on the near side of the frame, whilst on the normalcontrol chassis a gravity-feed dashmounted tank is fitted.
Considerable pains have been t: ken to ensure that the engine will be adequately cooled and that heat will not be conducted to the air in the cab. To this end, the engine is enclosed in a double covering ; the top and each detachable side comprise two sheets of steel with a considerable air space between them, whilst to the inner sheet is attached a layer of asbestos. The top portion of the cover is made in two sections, hinged along the off side, and a wide mouth at the forward end of the air cavity causes the fan to drive air between the two sheets of metal. In these circumstances, it is improbable that the outer covering would get unduly warm, even in arduous summer conditions.
It will be remembered that the type43 Albion had central gear change. In the new model, the lever is mounted at the right hand of the driver on an extension of the gearbox cover. Another alteration which is being made to the gearbox is the fitting of a swan-neck filler spout, with access from the cab.
By means of one of two stud holes and a detachable hook, the engine or engine-gearbox unit may be hoisted at the point of balance for the purpose of removing forward from the frame, and the foremost chassis cross-member is detachable.
Au interesting feature of this engine, of course, is the spring-loaded ball valve, which automatically relieves excess pressure in the oil system by spilling oil over the timing gear; the adjustment of the spring pressure is easily accessible.
As on the normal-control machine, Dewaudre braking is provided ; it takes effect on the rear wheels. The system is not compensated, but, in addition to the individual adjustments, there is a convenient master adjustment close to the vacuum cylinder on the off side of the frame.
We noticed, upon examination, that the cab afforded excellent accommodation ; the interior measures about 5 ft. 4 ins. wide and 4 ft. 2 ins, from front to back, and, of course, there is good visibility of the road ahead. A useful feature is the mounting of the instrument board on to the steering column. The turning circle is under 40 ft.