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Thornycroft Nippy as a Tractive Unit

14th October 1939
Page 25
Page 25, 14th October 1939 — Thornycroft Nippy as a Tractive Unit
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Short-wheelbase Model Introduced for Use in Conjunct ion with 6-8-ton Semi-trailer

'TO fulfil a substantial order received from the Great 1 Western Railway Co., John L Thornycroft and Co., Ltd„ Smith Square, London, SW. 1, has modified its Nippy chassis for use with a semi-trailer as an alternative tractive unit to the Scammell mechanical horse.

The Nippy, readers will remember, was introduced in its original form at the Scottish Show nearly a year ago. A description and road-test report appeared in our issue dated February 17. It was rated as a 3-tonner and powered by a 60 b.h.p. petrol engine.

Accordingly, the model is well suited to form the basis of a tractive unit for an outfit designed for 6-8-ton loads, and such a machine incorporating this latest Thornycroft product 'should possess excellent ma.nceuvrability, adaptability and liveliness.

Whilst the Scammell three-wheeler has an engine of 2.043-litres capacity, developing 38 b.h.p., the Nippy's 3.865 litres give it a big advantage for operation at higher speeds, particularly for trunk-road work. In respect of manceuvrability, its loss to the smaller unit, with its single front wheel, is mitigated by the short wheelbase of the Thornycroft; this has been reduced to 8 ft.

As regards hard service, hauling full loads over rough roads, or handling its semi-trailer on unmade surfaces, its sturdy construction constitutes a definite asset.

The new Nippy can obviously be used, if desired, with a variety of semi-trailers of different type, a point that commonly appeals strongly to municipal authorities. Also, it can act as partner to a Scammell MH model, taking over the semi-trailer, perhaps, on the outskirts of the inner area in which the latter tractive unit is the more convenient to operate. Such double interchangeability enlarges scope to a markedly valuable extent. . As can be seen from accompanying pictures, the model is equipped with the Scarnmell instantaneous coupling gear, and the whole chassis is particularly sturdy. At their point of maximum section, the longitudinal frame members have a depth of 7 ins. Girling brakes operated by Lockheed hydraulic means are standardized, whilst an F. and J. vacuum servo motor and large storage cylinder supply power for actuating the brakes on the trailing wheels. The bore and stroke of the four-cylindered engine are, respectively, 98.4 mm. and 127 mm.

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Organisations: Tractive Unit
Locations: London

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