Crossley

12th November 1929, Page 159

12th November 1929

Page 159

Page 159, 12th November 1929 — Crossley

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TIIE exhibits on this stand are very comprehensive, as they cover the whole field of municipal and private Operator's requirements. Both single and double-deck buses are on view, as well as luxurious coaches on both four and six-cylinder-engined chassis.

Actually, one of the latest additions to the Crossley range—a 38-110 h.p. chassis—is laid bare for inspection of its many ingenious details of construction. This vehicle has been produced largely to cater for high-grade passenger work, and, as such, combines an excellent road performance, with good springing and fine brakes. The engine has six cylinders with bore and stroke dimensions of 101.6 mm. and 140 mm. respectively, and, although rated at 38.4 h.p., actually develops a maximum output of 110 b.h.p.

We know from experience with this vehicle that the engine runs smoothly and with commendable silence. Doubtless the stiff seven-bearing crankshaft, careful design for the layout of the sideby-side valves and accurate workmanship, contribute in no small measure to this happy state of affairs. To facilitate decarbonization there are two separate cylinder heads, each Cbvering three cylinders, whilst the sump is removable for access to the big-end bearings, and the pistons can be withdrawn from underneath without necessitating the removal of the cylinder block.

A dry-sump system of lubrication, with a double self-priming pinion pump driven by spiral gears from the cam shaft, serves the dual purpose of exhausting the sump and circulating oil under pressure from the reservoir; all the major bearings of the engine receive their quota of lubricant under full pressure.

A single-plate Ferodo-faced clutch is used in conjunction with a separately mounted four-speed gearbox controlled by right-hand lever. In the forwarddrive chassis the control for the gears is carried out in an ingenious manner. A lever swings in a gate of usual form, and by means of a large-diameter tubular shaft (running rearwards) operates the change-speed selector mechanism. Self-aligning phosphor-bronze bearings carry the tubular shaft, thus disposing of all possibility of cross binding. A two-stage open propeller shaft transmits the drive to a fully floating, under-driven-worm rear axle. ' Both hand and foot brakes are of the internal-expanding type operating in largediameter drums attached to all four wheels. The four-wheel system is operated by pedal, assisted by a Dewandre servo attachment, whilst the lever applies (by a separate mechanism) shoes within the rear drums only.

One of the most interesting exhibits is a body which has been built and designed throughout at the Crossley works, and which is a fine example of the modern double-deck bus. The staircase is enclosed and particular attention has been paid to keeping the overall height as low as possible; actually, the top of the roof only stands 13 ft. from the ground when the vehicle is unloaded.

Another vehicle of more than passing interest is a long-distance luxury all-weather coach, which has been specially slesigned for one of the famous northern operators. It is the last word in comfort and, with a lavatory and cloakroom incorporated in the design, is likely to set a new style in next season's luxury coaches.

The now well-known Crossley Eagle four-cylinder chassis is shown in two forms, one with a 32-seater frontentrance bus body built by C. H. Roe (1923), Ltd., of Leeds, and another ' with a 28-seater de luxe Pullman saloon, the bodywork being by Duple Bodies and Motors, Ltd.