Commer

12th November 1929, Page 158

12th November 1929

Page 158

Page 158, 12th November 1929 — Commer

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SIX examples of the latest practice in commercial-vehicle construction are staged by this well-established concern. It is important to note that every one of them is an entirely new design ; the three types are the Invader—for 20-seater bodies—the Avenger, intended for 32-50-seater coachwork, and the 6-7-ton goods marrying machine.

Dealing with the bodies shown on the chassis of the Invader and Avenger patterns. One of the 'bodies on the Invader has been built in the Commer works; the vehicle is a 16-seater, having the contours of a large private car, the wings being of a more sporting type Inas those usually fitted to coaches. Irie overall height is 7 ft. S. ins., and special attention has been paid to the interior lighting. A 20-seater body, also of. an Invader, is of Willowbrook want-facture.

E20 " A 26-seater de-luxe coach body by Beadle is mounted on an Avenger ; the sacrifice' of six seats in this body has been made to afford occupants the optimum of comfort.

As each of the three chassis types is shown in stripped form, it will be opportune to describe them here 'in some detail. Overhead-inlet valves and side exhaust valves are found on the engine of the Invader ; six cylinders of 80 mm. bore and 116 mm. stroke give a capacity of 3,498 c.c. The cylinder head, block and upper part of the crankcase are three separate castings ; seven bearings carry the crankshaft, which drives the camshaft through a duplex-roller chain.

Engine suspension is by two tubular bearers, carried in split brackets, at the front, whilst rubber-insulated brackets support the rear of-the unit, to which is connected the four-forward-speed gearbox. A ribbed casing is used for 'the gearbox and a striking point is the silent third speed. This takes the form of a pair of helical gears with dog engagement. Hotchkis.s drive is used for the fully floating spiral-bevel axle ; semi-elliptic springs are used both fore and aft.

The Avenger is intended for carrying bodies for 32-50 passengers ; efficiently to handle this burden, an engine of 105 mm. bore and 140 mm. stroke is provided; its power output is in excess of 100 b.h.p. It is -of the six-cylindered type with valves on the near aide, upon which face are all the auxiliaries.

A four-speed gearbox is mounted in unit fashion with the engine the intermediate bearing of the propeller shaft is carried in a massive east tubular cross-member, which also supports the Dewandre servo motor. Au underslungworm axle is used, the drive being on the well-known Hotchkiss system.

The third model—and a very striking one to British eyes—is the new 6:7-ton chassis. The front axle has been set farther back than usual, to relieve the rear axle of some of its burden. ly this means there is no fear of exceeding the legal weight limit per axle when the full load is being carried and the rear tyres are more‘lightly loaded, which is conducive to long life and safety.

This chassis has the same type of engine and .gearbox unit as lug the Avenger ; the propeller shaft also is similar. An overhead-worm-type axle is used, however, for the goods-carrying machine. This has a built-up casing which is reinforced with nickel-steel tubes. Desvandre vacuum-servo actuation is employed for the service brake ; the hand-applied set of shoes lies beside the pair which is controlled by the pedal. The drums are detachable without disturbing the hubs on their bearings. Two optional wheelbasps are listed, either 14 ft. or 15 ft., as !nay be desired by the purchaser.