More Power and Reduced Weight in
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The New Trojan Van
4S briefly announced in last week's issue of The Commercial Motor, Trojan, Ltd., Vicarage Road Works, Purley Way, Croydon, has introduced a new, economical, efficient light van of useful. proportions, in the form of the 7-10-cwt. Lightweight model.
The company is fortunate in having at its disposal the experience of what is believed to be the largest delivery-van operator in the country, and this factor has played its part in the design and construction of a vehicle intended specifically for the work of short-distance delivery entailing many stops.
In order to meet the needs of small traders, economy of operation, which has always been a feature of Trojan vehicles, has been given close attention by the reduction of weight Moreover, ample power at low speeds is provided, improved acceleration from rest is available and the price is low-1140. The turning circle is of a dimension usnally associated with taxicabs, so that loss , of time in manoeuvring in confined spaces is minimized.
Weight has been reduced in connection with the flywheel, crankshaft and punt-type chassis, to mention a few of the components, whilst aluminium is employed for the bonnet and rear double doors. The use of Sundeala body panelling has resulted in a further economy in weight, as has covering of the roof with fabric. By these judicious reductions it has been possible to include the vehicle in the 12-cwt. unladen weight category, in which an annual duty of £.10 is payable.
The reduction in weight has, of course, had an important influence on the performance of the van, which we found during a short run to be much improved. Moreover, the maximum b.h.p, of the two-stroke-cycle engine has been increased from 12 to 16. The wellknown Trojan characteristic of ample power at low speeds has been retained, and we found it possible to start away from rest in top gear, without protests from the engine or transmission.
The four-cylindered power nnit has a bore and stroke of 2/ins. and 44 ins, respectively, giving a total cylinder capacity of 1,488 c.c. As is the usual practice of the manufacturer, the engine is mounted horizontally in the frame, under the driver's seat, being supported fore and aft by a cross-member. The Trojan carburetter is now mounted close to the manifold, whilst the Delco-Remy coil-ignition system is employed. A Lucas lighting set and dynamo complete the electrical apparatus.
Power is transmitted from the engine to the rear wheels through a two-speedand-reverse epicyclic preSelective gearbox, which is controlled by means, of a neat lever on the steering column; and a worm drive, in place of the familiar
chain system, the propeller 'shaft being on the off side.
The deep, pressed-steel punt-type chassis frame is • braced by four crossmembers and by diagonal struts.
Additional ventilation of the engine is provided by reducing the length of pump undershield. At the front the road sPrings are of the cantilever type, whilst at the rear semi-elliptics are employed. External-contracting brakes are used on the rear wheels, and the pedal everates both bands of the near-side split drum and the solid band of the off-side drum, whilst the lever contracts the off-side band.
The body has a capacity of 80 cubic ft., and long loads may extend into the space beside the driver's bucket seat. There are two doors to the cab, with celluloid drop windows. Access to the worm drive and to the battery and dis
tributorare provided by hinged panels in the body skirts, on the off side and near side respectively.
The spare wheel is carried in a cradle at the rear and 4.50-in. by 19-in. pneumatics are fitted all round.
Although weight has been-'-reduced and the price has been kept to a low level, the solidity of construction for which Trojan vehicles are noted has not been sacrificed.