A PASSENGER VEHICLE WITH MODERN FEATURES.
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Brief Details of the Vulcan Safety Coach, the Design of which Indicates the Trend of Modern Development.
PRACTICALLY all the prominent makers in this country of motorbuses and motor coaches have directed their attention towards the production of one or more types of low-loading passenger-carrying vehicle, and users are now provided with a wide range of dithent models from which to choose. Prominent amongst vehicles of this
description is the Vulcan Safety Coach, of which an illustration appears on this page. This is one of the latest produets of the Vulcan Motor and Engineering Co. (1906), Ltd., Crossens, Southport, and it embodies features which. are reflective of the progress taking place in connection with vehicles of this Class. _
For instance, its power unit is of a type which is finding increasing favour for passenger-vehicle service, being a six-cylinder with a bore of 95 mm. and a stroke of 140 mm., which develops 72 h.p. at 2,000 r.p.m., and has an R.A.C. rating of 33.6 h.p. The cylinder casting is of monobloc construction and, in keeping with the trend of modern development, it is provided with a detachable head. The valves are of the side-by-side type and are operated through adjustable tappets. The camshaft is mounted on bearings of ample size and is driven by silent chain.
Lubrication is effected by an oil pump placed low in the sump. It is driven by spiral gearing from the camshaft and forces oil to all main and camshaft bearings. The surplus oil passes through a relief valve to the timing wheels and magneto driving chain.
The cooling water is circulated by pump, which is driven from in extension of the dynamo spindle ; the dynamo is mounted on the off side of the engine. The cooling effect is aided by a gilled-tube radiator and a fan which runs on roller bearings. Two earburetters are used and a starter is fitted on the off side, the driving pinion engaging a toothed ring on the flywheel.' The engiee ig three-point suspended and is mounted in a sub-frame.
From the engine the power is conveyed through a multiple dry-plate clutch and then by a universally jointed
shaft to a four-speed-and-reverse chaindriven gearbox, which is mounted amidships in the frame and from which a further shaft connects with the double-reduction rear axle. The first reduction is by bevel and pinion and the Second by pinions, on the ends of the driving shafts, and spur wheils bolted to the hubs. The gear ratios are as follow :—Top speed, 6.8 to 1 ; third. 9.8 to 1; second, 15.4 to 1; first, 27.6 to I and reverse, 26.4 to 1.
Another feature indicative of modern thought in passenger chassis design is the use of brakes on all wheels. All the brakes are, of the internal-expanding pattern, those -which are foot-operated being servo-assisted and taking effect on the four wheels, whilst the hand brake actuates shoes which bear up against drums in the rear wheels. The front brake drums are 17 ins, in diameter and those on the rear wheels are 18 ins. and 211 ins. respectively, the latter being part of the foot-controlled system. The servo motor is mounted between the engine and gearbox.
Special attention has been given to the springinF of the Wean Safety Coach chassis, the assemblies at the front and rear being semi-e,lliptics fitted with patent damping plates. The rear springs are underslung.
The frame members are of deep section and are connected by Egeven strong cross-members. The shape of the frame is in keeping with the object of securing a low loading-line and, at a point to the rear of the engine, the side members are downswept to a level which is maintained to the rear with the exception of a hump to accommodate the rear axle.
The Merles steering gear is employed in this Vulcan model, an intermediate swinging lever being used to avoid undue shortening of the steering rod. Having now given details of the salient features of the chassis we can proceed to a brief description of the standard body. The framing is of wood which is strengthened at vulnerable points with steel members. The exterior is panelled in planished steel and aluminium.
The interior is arranged to seat 31 passengers, and the main compartment ikseparated from that which houses the driver by an oak partition, the upper portion, which is glazed, giving a view to the rear. A central gangway rung from end to end of the vehicle and, at the front, there are four pairs of seats arranged on each side of it. Behind them are two longitudinal seats which are fitted over the rear-wheel arches, and each seats three people. A seat for three passengers, which is in line with the rear door, and a further seat extending across the full width complete the seating arrangements.
Two doors give access to the passenger compartment, that at the front being 2 ft. 4 ins, wide, whilst that at the rear is 2 ft. 2 ins. wide. -A separate door on the off side is provided for the di4ver's use.
Each of the passenger entrances has a drop light, whilst there are three sliding windows on the off side and one on the near side which move in felt-lined channels. These ensure adequate fresh air for the interior in the summer months and, when they are closed in inaleme.nt weather, three roof ventilat27 and others of the ordinary pattern above the main lights attend to the ventilation, which is thus adequate. From floorboards to wait rail the body is trimmed to match the upholstering of the seats. The domed roof is lined with mahogany boards divided into panels by oak mouldings, and a pleasing note is created by oak brackets fitted at.. the junction of the roof and side pillars.
The Vulcan Safety Coach is mounted on giant pneumatic tyres of 36-in. by 6-in. dimensions, twins being fitted on the rear wheels. The wheelbase of the chassis is 16 ft. 4 ills. the track at the front being 6 ft. 1 itt. and at the rear 1 in. greater. The height from ground level to top of frame when the vehicle is loaded to capacity is 1 ft. 81 ins.
The Vulcan Safety Coach is claimed to possess a good turn of speed, and this feature, coupled with the low loading and the use of vacuum-assisted fourwheel brakes, makes it particularly suitable for public-service or saloon coach uses, where safe and comfortable travel are desirable characteristics. It should be mentioned that the vehicle has been designed to comply with the proposed regulations of the Ministry of Transport.