A.C.V. Introduces Two New Flat-engined Models
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THE two most recent additions to the growing number of underfloor-engined chassis being produced in this country come from the works of Maudslay Motor Co., Ltd., and Crossley Motors, Ltd., members of the A.C.V. group of companies.
The Maudslay Marathon Mark IV, one of three single-decker passenger models to be shown at Earls Court, is powered by the A.E.C. 9.6-litre sixcylindered direct-injection underfloor oil engine, which is mounted amidships. This unit develops 125 b.h.p. at 1,800 r.p.m., the torque being 430 lb.-ft. at 1,000 r.p.m.
A fluid coupling conveys the drive to a separately mounted four-speedand-reverse gearbox of the preselectivc epicyclic type. The preselective gear
lever is mounted on the steering column, the selector bands being operated by compressed air.
The final drive is by an underslung worm-driven rear axle having fully floating axle shafts. Compressed air is used for brake operation.
Semi-elliptic springs provide the suspension, with control by hydraulic dampers. The tyres are 11 ins. by 20 ins., with twins at the rear. Complete with all accessories, the chassis weighs 5 tons 2 cwt.
The model to be shown is for overseas operation and is 8 ft. wide, with
left-hand steering. The Park Royal 39-seater bus body mounted on the chassis incorporates pillars of the type which eliminates the need for timber fillings and enables both exterior and interior panels to be riveted to the framing. The interior truss panels are of steel and hiduminium, the body frame being of integral construction with the steel underframe.
There are two doors, one forward of the front wheels on the right-hand side
of the body, and one immediately in front of the rear wheels. They are of the Park Royal patented two-leaf type, operated by C.A.V. electric gear under the control of the driver.
Of the two coaches to be shown by Crossley Motors. Ltd., the Mark IV is also powered by an A.E.C. 9.6-litre, horizontal six-cylindered direct-injection oil engine. A single-dry-plate clutch takes the drive to a four-speed synchromesh gearbox. the rear axle being of the underslung worm-driven type.
The compressed -air brakes are operated from a single-cylindered corn, pressor mounted integrally with the engine crankcase and driven by an eccentric on the crankshaft. The radiator is mounted forward of the front axle, the fan being driven by a jackshaft from the engine. Semi-elliptic springs are used, with hydraulic dampers at the front and a stabilizer at the rear. The chassis to be shown will have left-hand drive.
The news that this model was to be shown at Earls Court was published exclusively in "The Commercial Motor" on September 1.
An example of the A.E.C. Matador Mark III four-wheeled chassis will form one of the exhibits of A.E.C., Ltd. The feature of interest is that it is powered by the maker's 11.3-litre oil engine, which develops 150 b.h.p. at 1,800 r.p.m. The chassis to be shown is for export and has left-hand drive. A dry-plate clutch conveys the power to a five-speed gearbox, with constantmesh wheels for second, third and fourth speeds.
The rear axle is of the double-reduction type. The primary reduction is by spiral-bevel and pinion; and the secondary reduction is through a double-helical pinion and gear. Compressed air is used for brake operation. This chassis has a wheelbase of 9 ft. 6 ins., overall length of 15 ft. 9 ins., and an overall width of 8 ft.