Diamond-T Introduces a 2-3-tonner
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kONG the new vehicles to be shown at Earls Court will be a Dianiond-T 2-3-tonner, and a new rigid six-wheeler, of which we hope to publish details shortly. The 2-3tonner is a six-cylinder petrol-engined machine similar in its main characteristics to others in the Diamond-T range. Apart from the use of a smaller engine, the essential differences lie in the employment of a straight frame, overhung rear springs and the positioning of the petrol tank under the seats in the driver's cab,
In order to provide for the utmost body space with a normal-control position, the cab is placed well forward. the cowling at the back of the instrument board actually coming over, but being well clear of, the rear of the engine.
The side-valve engine has cylinder dimensions of 95.7 mm. by 104.8 mm., the capacity thns being 3,622 c.c. With an R.A.C. rating of 27.34 hp., it gives 66 b.h.p. at 3,000 r.p.m., with a maximum torque of 151 lb.-ft. It is of L-head design, with a modified high-turbulence head, and possessing the desirable feature of generous water space around the valves and for the full length of the cylinders.
Cadmium-alloy hearings are used throughout, whilst the seven-bearing crankshaft is electrically heat-treated by the Tocco process, a system which was explained in the issue of The Commercial Motor dated August 27. A gear pump provides for force-feed lubrication, and a Zenith downdraught carburetter is responsible for supplying the mixture. Ignition is by battery and coil, the six-volt electrical equipment being of Auto-Lite make.
A single-plate clutch conveys the power to a four-speed gearbox, providing ratios of 5.43 to 1 (direct) and 9.17, 16.77 and 34.75 to 1 on the indirect gears; the reverse ratio is 42.46 to 1.
The central trunnion hearing of the flardy. Spicer open, tubular propeller shaft colsists of a double-thrust roller assembly mounted in rubber, needleroller universal joints being fitted at each end of the shaft.
A noteworthy feature of the rear axle is its generous proportions; it is of the banjo type, with fully floating
axle shafts. Suspension is by halfelliptic springs, front and rear, the after end of the rear spring being free to slide in a hardened-steel bracket.
A pedal controls Lockheed hydraulic brakes on all wheels, the hand brake, which is primarily intended for parking and emergency
A Straight-frame Model with Overslung Springs, and a Sixcylindered 66 b.h.p. Engine
use, operating on the transmission. The steel-spoked wheels, with demountable rims, carry 32-in. by 6-in. tyres.
Although it has been possible to provide 12 ft. of body space by arranging the cab well forward, the driver's compartment is not only particularly spacious, but well appointed.
The characteristically massive appearance of Diamond-T vehicles is maintained in this smaller model, the distinctive chromium-plated radiator grille being in strict keeping with the generous dimensions of the wings. A point worthy of note is that the front bracing stay of the wings passes behind the radiator.
The price of this new model has not yet been announced, but it is understood that the figure will be definitely competitive. The makers are Messrs. Diamond-T Motors, 414, London Road, Isleworth,,Middlesex,