Bristol.
Page 35
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Saloon Omnibus. 4 ton Lorry.
STAND No. 90.
THE exhibit of a concern which uses itself many of the vehicles itsmanufactures is bound to be of more than ordinary interest, and the practical experience accumulated in this way is certain to have a good effect on the design of the vehicles. That such is the case can be perceived instantly by an inspection of the exhibits on this stand. The Bristol 29-seater saloon bus has been designed as the result of the experience gathered in the operation of large numbers of this type of vehicle, and therefore embodies many novel features. The large detachable side windows, fixed or removed by means of a sort of railway carriage door key, make it, possible to get the maximum amount of fresh air into the bus in suitable weather. Ventilation has also been provided for in an efficient and novel manner, and the windows in the front .partition, when open, can be locked in such a way as
to prevent all possibility of rattle. Spring-backed seats and a neat arrangement of interior lighting with exterior wiring add to the attractions of an excellently planned vehicle.
The 4 ton lorry with drop sides is a good example of a large-capacity freightcarrying machine, and the stripped chassis—finely but not gaudily, finished —enables the sound mechanical construction to besappreciated: •
Amongst the many excellent features of the design—which is characterized throughout by extreme robustness and is very neat—must be mentioned the ingenious centrally mounted change-speed mechanism. The usual gates is dispensed with, and a slotted " rotor " mounted inside the gearbox casing performs the function of gear selection. The clutch is of the single-plate type, and experience has proved its extreme durability and freedom from trouble of any sort. The brake adjustments, both hand and foot, are very accessible and well thought out, and the rear brake drams have now been increased in diameter to 24 ins. In conjunction with a powerful foot brake, carried at the rear of the gearbox, this makes an eminently satisfactory braking system.
The neat engine design, with large diameter water passages for thermosyphon cooling and vertical dynamo drive, is well worth inspection. It will be seen that the adjustment of the silent timing chain is well arranged. The special type of governor, mounted attthe end of the camshaft, and quite protected from maltreatment, is another good point: Material appears to have been selected with unusual care. The frame is of 3 per cent. nickel-steel; and all shafts are of 60 ton steel.