FOUR REPUBLIC CHASSIS,
Page 18
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Models Designed for Loads of from 1 to 31 Tons, and Constructed from Components Produced by Well-known American Manufacturers.
.14 OTOR LORRIES of Republic manufacture were used to a-considerable extent by the American Government during the war, and they gained a very good name in this connection. A certain number of chassis was imported into England in 1916, but after that the imparts. ceased. Republic Motor Trucks of 81-82, Bolsover Street, London, W. 1, are now concessionnaires for the four Republic models.
Apart from a few minor details, and, of course, strength of the construction, these four models are of very similar design. We propose to deal in particular with the 24-ton chassis, but will point out where the others differ. It must be remembered that the load capacities given are the capacities stated by the manufacturers; in actual practice all these models will carry an overload of at least half a, ton in case of necessity. The 24-ton chassis is fitted with a Continental Red Seal i engine, with a bore and stroke
of 4-if ns, and ins. respectively. The four cylinders are cast en b'oe, with all the valves on one side. The crankshaft is carried in three bearings attached to the npper half of the crankcase. Forced-feed oil circulation is employed, and the cooling water circulation is by centrifugal pump, the cooling being assisted by an 18 in. fan.
The radiator is built up from several iron castings, so that the core can be removed for repair or rep'aceraent.
A H.T. magneto, with spark cohtrol from the steering -wheel, is provided, and the engine is governed.
The clutch, which is of the bonded asbestos and steel-plate type, runs dry, and the gearbox, -which gives four forward speeds and a reverse, is bui:t as a unit, with the engine. The gear-operating lever has a
ball and socket joint situated at the top of the gearbox, and is cen
trally positioned. The drive is taken through a two-piece propeller shaft, supported at the centre by a self-aligning bearing, and provided with three universal joints, to a Torbensen internal gear double rear axle, in which the load is carried by a stout I-beam forging. A reduction being incorporated in the final drive gears' the driving shafts are relieved of much of the strain.
Both brakes operate on the rear wheel drums. One is of the internal-expanding type and the other external-contracting. The springing is particularly well
designed. The rear springs are provided with special clamps, which simplify their fitting and removal.
Wood artillery .wheels are employed, and these run on adjustable taper roller hearings. • The steering gear is of the worm and split-nut. type. The tie-bar is situated at the front of the axle.
We have not yet mentioned the frame. This is constructed of channel-section pressed steel, and is provided with strong pressed-steel cross-members. It is slightly inswept towards the front, in order to 'allow for a large steering lock.
Particular care has been paid to those small details in design which so often cause considerable trouble and irritation, though not of particular importance in themselves ; for instance, the silencer supports are strong malleable iron castings—a great improvement Car the's " tinny " fitments which are often provided.
The Main differences between the model we have just described and the otherl; are as follow : The one and 14-ton chassis are provided with engines
3i, ins. by 5 ins, bore and stroke, and have only threo speeds forward. The smallest mode] employs a one-piece pro. pelter shaft, and can be fitted with solid or pneumatic tyres, as desired, at; an extra cost. The 34-tonnes' has an engine with a bore and stroke of 44ins. and 54 ins. respectively, This model is also provided with hollow-spoked east-steel wheels, and has a. final gait.
Ta{ in. of 10 to 1. The emergency -brake is of the, externalcontracting type, and operates on the rear axle pinion shafts, whereas in the other models, all brakes operate on the rear wheel drums.
If required, the larger models can Ile fitted with Giant .pneureaties.
The following dimensions of the 24-ton model may be of interest :—Wheelbase, 144 ins. or 168 ins. ; weight of chassis, 4,000 lb.
The prices are £525, £625, 750, and £1,100 .respectively,