Goods Transport at Minimum Cost
Page 49
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FEWER light commercial vehicles, but noteworthy improvements in those that remain, distinguish this year's Cycle and Motor Cycle Show at Earls Court, London, from the previous one held two years ago. The Show closes to-morrow.
Novelty, in the form of the first new ultra-light vehicle since before the war, appears on Stand '70, where Sharp's Commercials, Ltd., Preston, exhibits the Sharp's Commercial 3-cwt. vehicle. This is described more fully on page 422. Even more original is another exhibit of the same concern, the Unicycle. This borrows au idea from that section of the Show where power units for motorizing cycles are displayed, for the basis of the Unicycle is a complete power unit ready for mounting in any light vehicle. The Unicycle consists of a 250 c.c. four-stroke engine, complete with a three-speed gearbox, and chain driver to a wheel mounted on the necessary suspension system and provided with worm and wheel steering. The driving wheel has a split steel rim, fitted with a 4.00 by 8 tyre, and incorporates an alloy hub carrying a cast-iron brake drum, The engine is mounted on a tubular steel fork, from the bottom of which. is trailing arm. All controls—steering wheel, brake, clutch and accelerator pedals and gear lever—are located ready for use, as well as the fuel and lubricating-oil tanks.
The manufacturer claims that the unit can be attached to any light body by four bolts and immediately put into service. It is capable of pulling a 3-cwt. load, and of returning a fuel-consumption rate of 70-80 m.p.g. Electrical equipment includes a flywheel magneto dynamo and rectifier.
Still the only light goods vehicle in its class, the Reliant continues to undergo slight modifications to improve its handling and performance. The two established models, the 6-cwt and Newt., are shown this year by the manufacturer, Reliant Engineering Co. (Tamworth), Ltd: (Stand 48). Both are now fitted with pressed-steel, easy-clean wheels, which were formerly provided only on the 10-cwt. A 6-cwt. open truck and a 10-cwt. van are shown, representing the complete range.
A minor improvement is seen in the incorporation in the front coil spring of Girling double-acting shock absorber. A further change is found in the radiator cap, which is now located above the clash panel where it is readily accessible.
A similar process of refinement is seen in the products of W. R. Pashley, Ltd., Chester Street, Birmingham, 6. Three examples of the Pashley 3-cwt are shown on Stand 81—a box carrier, an open truck with an aluminium body and an ice-cream sales vehicle. Suspension on Pashley vehicles is now by coil springs at the front, controlled by hydraulic shock-absorbers.
The open truck is now available with a wide shield, ensuring complete pro tection for the rider. Powered by a Villiers 197 c.c. two-stroke engine, Pashley vehicles have been exported to many countries, enjoying particular success in Holland.
On Stand 24, the Dot Cycle and Motor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Manchester, displays two commercial threewheelers, also powered by the Villiers 197 c.c. engine. Both these machines have a chain-driven rear wheel, and two front wheels, which carry the body. Box or open versions are available. A pistol-type hand brake is now fitted.