Lightweight Leyland Octopus and New Van
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for the Show
THE Leyland Octopus series of
maximum-capacity eight-wheeled goods chassis has been augmented by a new model—the 240.14R—which has an unladen weight of under 6 tons 15 cwt. This is some 10 cwt. less than the lightest model in the Power-Plus Octopus range, as introduced two years ago, the weight reduction having been achieved by using a lighter rear bogie, light-alloy clutch and gearbox housings and air compressor, and the Leyland plastics-panelled cab. Leyland Motors, Ltd.. reveal also that they will be exhibiting a 4-ton-gross goods chassis at this year's Show.
The new model has the same gross weight ratings as the heavier Octopuses, but its wheelbase is 16 ft. 6 in., which is 6 in. less than that of the original longwheelbase model, although the load space behind the cab is the same-24 ft. 6 in. Because of its lighter construction, the 240,14R Octopus is to be made available only in the United Kingdom.
A Power-Plus 0.600 140-b.h.p. diesel is employed, with the clutch and gearbox in unit with it. The light-alloy box has forward ratios of 7.24, 4.61, 2.75, 1.69 and 1 to 1, with reverse of 6.5 to 1, and the option of an additional overdrive ratio of 0.76 to I. The new double-drive bogie uses lighter versions of the Leyland double-reduction rear axle and has the usual Leyland non-reactive four-spring suspension. Ratios of 5.55, 6.13 and 7.71 are offered. Telescopic dampers are fitted to the front axles, and a steeringspecification change is the use of Burman recirculating-ball gear without servo instead of Marks cam and double roller with servo.
As with the heavier models, brakes are fitted to the first, third and fourth axles only, these being air operated and affording a total frictional area of 1,002 sq. in. The single-pull handbrake is air assisted. The standard tyres are 9.00-20 radial steel cord. The cab is the plastics-panelled assembly that has been available on Leyland Power-Plus heavies since their introduction. It weighs 6.75 cwt., and the panelling is carried on the same steel framing members as are used in the Leyland all-steel cab.
The new Octopus will be exhibited on the Leyland stand at the Commercial Motor Show next month, together with an .entirely new two-axle van and lorry chassis of 4 tons gross vehicle weight, powered by a four-cylinder diesel engine. Details of this will be published in our September 7 issue. Another neW exhibit will be a Super Beaver four-wheeled normal-control export chassis with a gross rating of 18 tons.
There will be four other exhibits on the Leyland stand: a Leopard Continental touring coach with Danish bodywork which incorporates a wash room and cocktail bar; an M.C.W.-bodied 78-scat Atlantean (as described on page 997); one of the recently introduced air-braked Comets; and a Super Comet tractive unit with " matched" _ Scammell 12/14-ton semi-trailer, the S-cam brakes and wheels of which are interchangeable, with these of the tractive-unit driving axle.
Walker's Depot Moved
A DISPUTE regarding the weight of L-1a trailer involved in low-loader work arose at Manchester last Tuesday during a series of applications by R. Walker (Haulage), Ltd., in respect of a change of base. Mr. I. Booth, for the company, said that they wanted their B licences to be renewed and wished to move from the Royal Oak Garage, Wythenshawe, to Hall Lane, Woodley, the two points being nine miles apart.
Mr. E. Walker, a director of R. Walker (Haulage), Ltd., produced figures which showed that earnings and subcontracting had increased. He agreed with Mr. J. Backhouse, objecting for six independent road hauliers, that he had not stated on the relevant form that two articulated units would be used for lowloader work. They used all types of trailers, one being 40 ft. in length, but none of these was supposed. to exceed two tons. Mr. Backhouse stated that a 40-ft. trailer would inevitably weigh more.
Mr. A. H. Jolliffe, the North Western Deputy Licensing Authority, granted the change of base in respect of these two vehicles but asked that Walker's should submit a list of all the trailers which they intended to use for low-loader work.
He also agreed that 10 tippers on a B licence and a further five tippers on another B should be transferred, the radii of the normal users being calculated from Wythenshawe.
PLASTICS FOR ROAD TANKERS COLLPWING lengthy discussions I between the Home Office, the Fire Research Station and the British Plastics Federation, acceptance regulations have now been issued which permit certain reinforced plastics to be used in the construction of petroleum-carrying road tankers.
Copies of the new regulations are available from the British Plastics Federation, 47-48 Piccadilly, London, W.I.
CHEAPER ESSO PE,TROLS A T midnight last Wednesday the retail r-k price of Esso Mixture and Esso (regular grade) petrol were reduced by and Id. per gallon respectively. Esso state that the quality of these two petrols is also being substantially improved. Retail prices in the inner zone are now: Esso Mixture 4s. 7d., Esso 4s, 4d.