AN INTERESTING POST-OFFICE VAN.
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The illustration we reproduce herewith is of an interesting Bedford-Buick van which has recently been delivered to the authorities in charge of the research department of the G.P.O. It has been fitted up as a selfcontained office and laboratory and a number of special up-to-date instruments have been installed, which, we understand, will he used for testing purposes in connection with the engineering department.
It wili undoubtedly interest our readers to have brief particulars of the chassis to which this novel body has been fitted.
The power unit comprises a fourcylinder casting, with its cylinders cast in pairs, the bore and stroke being respectively 95 mm. and 95 mm. ; it is rated at 15 h.p. As is customary with this company's productions the engine is fitted with overhead valves. Lubrication of the engine is by gear pump.
A Zenith carburetter is fitted as standard, whilst ignition is effected by means of a Bosch hightension magneto. The engine power is transmitted to the gearbox, which affords three speeds and a reverse, through the medium of a leather-faced cone clutch.
On the fore end of the chassis semi-elliptic springs are fitted, whilst at the back three-quarter elliptic springs are bracketed to an upswept frame of pressed steel.
Artillery road-wheels 810 mm. by 90 rum. with detachable rims are fitted ; the wheelbase of the vehicle is 8 ft. 9 ins, and the track 4 ft.. 8 ins., whilst it has a road clearance of mi. ins.
An interesting feature of this van is the large dynamo which is fitted. When the current is not used for lighting purposes, it can be used to charge a large set of accumulators which is carried in the van. In any serious emergency, the dynamo, which can develop 10 h.p., can be used to drive the van with
out the power of the engine. It is so powerful, we understand, that It can be used to operate an Army-pattern: searchlight if required. The van, which will be in charge of engineer assistants of the G.P.O., will be used for its special purpose throughout the British Isles. It is interesting to note that the bodywork has been constructed to the order of the postal authorities, by the well-known coachbuilder, E. and H. Hera, Ltd., 36 38, Peckham Road, London, ; it is now in service.