HAULIERS SEE NEW MODELS AT ATKINSON TEST DAY
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AIUNSON Vehicles have held their first open day at their recently acquired test track. Prominent haulage executives attended demonstrations of three new vehicle configurations.
For the first time a View Line cab, mounted on a T.3266C double-drive, Cummins-engined six-wheeled tractive unit chassis was shown on severe braking and manoeuvrability tests, part of the intensive programme started last year by the research department before release for general sale in late 1967.
Also present was a new type of Dutchbuilt semi-trailer, the Hulo-Spoorloper, coupled to a four-wheeled Cummins-engined Atkinson tractive unit plated to 30 tons g.v.w. The tandem-axle Hub o trailer has a self-tracking rear axle which greatly increases the manoeuvrability of long articulated outfits.
High and low speed manoeuvrability tests were made between fixed obstacles and by comparison with a standard outfit, the benefits of this new design could readily be appreciated. A further advantage claimed for the Dutch trailer is that because of its inherent "follow-on" characteristics, jack-knifing is impossible. Braking was done from high speeds to try to promote jack-knifing conditions, but in all cases no such tendency was evident.
A rear-steering six-wheeled tractive unit, a prototype vehicle still under development, appeared briefly during the demonstrations illustrating Atkinson thinking for the next few years on the optimum artic combination for 32 tons and over under the present MoT regulations.
Presently fitted with the latest Gardner engine, the 180 b.h.p. 6IAB, this rear-steering Silver Knight has been designed to accommodate a wide range of engine types, from the Gardner, Cummins and Rolls-Royce factories. Incorporating a new suspension system, as well as several other novel features, this model is to be announced officially later this year.