The Troy Trailer.
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Two Models, a "War Type" and a "Peace Type," Described.
The question as to whether a trailer can be economically employed has frequently been the cause of much thought and some little discussion. The probabilities are that when hostilities are concluded, which we fear svill not be in the near future, the matter will become of considerably greater importance. Not only will the question of economy in the ordinary sense have to be discussed, but it is highly probable that, for a time at any rate, there will be a great shortage of transport facilities.
For short journeys where the time necessary for loading and unloading is long as compared with the travelling time, there is no doubt that the utilization of one or more trailers tends towards economy. The greater the distance travelled between terminal points, the less is the saving effected by the use of the trailer. It then becomes necessary to take into account other factors having an influence bearing on the relative costs of transport, with and without the. trailer.The limit point-to-point distance is determined to a great extent by the permissible speed of tractor and trailer. It is fairly obvious, of course, that if the speed be greater the distance up to which trailer service is economical is correspondingly increased, This point has been realized to its fullest extent by our friends in the States, and, since the ordinary trailer is not built in a manner calculated to stand use at speed, other and stronger ones have been designed. One of these, known as the Troy Trailer, is being sold in this country by the Troy Trailer Construction Co., Ltd., 49, Pall Mall.
Two models of this trailer are on view at the Carlton Vale premises of the company, one of which is undoubtedly a fine production from an engineering point of view ; it has rubber tires and is capable of being towed safely at a speed of 25 m.p.h It can carry a load of five tons. The principal feature of this model, and one which must commend itself to all who have had any experience with trailers, is that it is provided with steering gear of the Ackermann type, exactly similar to that which is found on almost every motorcar or lorry. Further, this steering gear is provided at both ends. The advantage of this is that for forward motion the steering gear for the rear axle is locked, and the trailer will follow in the same track as the tractor. When it is desired to reverse, which, be it noted, is almost impossible with the ordinary type of trailer, the front steering gear must be locked and the rear made operative. It is then possible to reverse with just so little difficulty as is encountered in the ordinary way when one is not in use.
The particular example under notice is a striking instance of what may be styled the " high-speed " or trailer de luxe" type, the substantially constructed frame being built up of rolled-channel steel, well gusseted and stayed ; all the component parts are in proportion. The chassis is well sprung, and allowances for adjustment are made wherever wear is likely to take place.
We should say that it is quite capable of being towed at 25 m.p.h. and of carrying its rated load without probability of trouble. We deal with the legality of this speed shortly.
It seems to us that it would be
The Troy Trailer—con.
of considerable service for Army purposes, either for handling stores or ammunition, or for the purpose of gun-carrying. We believe that the French Government have placed orders for a fair number, and efforts are being made to persuade our own W.D. to give it a trial.
As to the probability of its coming into use for ordinary commercial work we are very sceptical. It is well known that the law in this country does not permit a wagon drawing a trailer of more than 2 cwt. unladen to travel at more than 5 miles an hour. As a consequence the exceptional strength of springing put into this trailer is so much waste of material and money.
The other model trailer, however, is quite a different proposition. Although in principle it is just the same as the more expensive one, it is constructed on the lines which are more likely to be of use in this country. It is only designed for speeds of up to 5 or 6 miles an hour. The framework is of good stout ash beams, the wheels are steel shod, and no springs are provided. The capability of tracking with the towing machine and also of being reversed is shared with the firstmentioned model.
One of our illustrations shows a special model of the second type. This, it will be seen, is so arranged that it can either be used in its extended form with a wheelbase of 13 ft. 6 ins, for carrying logs, baulks of timber, or, if required, can be compressed to the size of an ordinary wagon.