A New Albion Four-tonner.
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First-published Particulars of the Latest Addition to the List a Models produced by the Famous Scottish Factory.
The last occasion upon which we were requested to give publicity to a description of the principal constructional features of a heavy Albion chassis was in September, 1910. We then wrote of and illustrated the first of this maker's three-tonners. We de scribed the new cab model in the same month of last year. Much water has passed under the bridge since 1910; the Albion three-tonner has become as popular in its own load-carrying sphere as have its remarkable smaller sisters. It is even rumoured that it is difficult, at the moment, for the Scotstoun works to keep abreast of its orders for these large models. Nevertheless, projected increased facilities have warranted the management in offering users a yet larger model, and, in consequence, a machine to carry four tons of net load is now ready for early delivery, and we have been accordingly asked to give some indication of its mechanical characteristics.
Follows the Three-tonner Closely.
Broadly the new machine has been evolved from the successful three-ton design, and, indeed, that predecessor's satisfactory engine and gearbox has been employed without material alteration ; the front axle, too, is another important unit which has been made common to the two types. Overall dimensions, frame strength, springs, and back axle are the principal features which are new, to accommodate the greater imposed load.
This employment of its existing well-tried components is obviously a move which will make special appeal to those purchasers who already have threetonners of the same class in use.
The Three-ton Engine as Before.
The engine is of the familiar 32 lep. Albion design, with its cylinders cast en bloc ; the bore is 41 in. and the stroke 5 in. All the valves are on one side, and their stems are enclosed by a single removable cover. The well-known Murray governor control, the ingenious Albion carburetter, with its fuel passage in the cylinder casting. the more-than-reliable lubritator, these are all, of course, prominent features of the well-tried engine design. Two of our illustrations are of this engine mounted in the new four-ton chassis.
The Ingenious Pump Mounting.
Some of our readers will, perhaps, not have seen the ingenious fan and pump-drive combination, clearly depicted in the same reproduction. Its use was first proposed when we were first shown the completed three-tonner, over two years ago. The forward end of the front water jacket is shaped to accommodate a large bracket which embraces the pump body, tlie housings for the pump gland and the mountings for fan and pump-spindle bearings. The pump, it will be seen, draws water from the bottom of the radiator and delivers it direct into the jackets,
Clutch, Gears and Chains.
The Albion patent single-disc type of clutch, Ferodo-faced, drives through an articulated propeller shaft to the large gearbox, and thence by roller chains to the hind road wheels. The gearbox has two compartments, the front one of Which houses the changespeed pairs, all, except the reverse, in constant mesh and engaged or disengaged with the shafts by the movement of dog clutches.
Apparently a First-class Job.
We have not had an opportunity, at the time of writing, personally to examine this machine ; we are indebted to the Albion Motor Car Co., Ltd., for the particulars and photographs from which this description has been written and illustrated. We, however. confidently anticipate that. when the occasion offers. we shall find full confirmation of our impressiou that this latest Albion prcduction is as trustworthy as its forerunners. It impresses us with its apparent ample strength. sufficient power and proper gearing. We shall look forward to a detailed examination and a personal test of this welcome addition to the Albion— may we say, repertoire.