Breakdown Vehicle that has Everything
Page 53
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THE North Western Road Car Co., Ltd., have placed in service a breakdown vehicle based on a 1439 Bristol L-typc chassis which has been designed and constructed under the direction of their chief engineer, Mr. S. B..1, Skyrme.
The chassis, which has a shortened rear overhang, has been strengthened amidships to enable it to carry an ex-W.D. power-operated winch. Special heavy-duty rear springs have been fitted and the rear wheels have cross-country tyres.
A full-fronted cab encloses the original radiator. A special compartment for the crew has doors on each side, one opening on to the rear platform.
Adequate working space is provided on the platform, mounted on which are a small bench and vice. Equipment is housed in large lockers recessed into the sides of the vehicle, larger pieces being clipped to the platform for accessibility. Included in the equipment are oxyacetylene cutting gear and anti-skid pans of North Western design and manufacture.
Winching can be done from either the front or the rear, pulleys being provided inside a tunnel running along the near-side frame member to carry the winch rope to the front. Trap doors in the platform floor permit access to the tunnel, which is illuminated for night work.
Two hooks suspended from the jib at the rear each have a capacity of 21 tons. Two small hand winches are also carried.
Power is provided by a Gardner 5LW oil engine which develops 95 b.h.p. at 1,700 r.p.m.. A modified clutch transmits the drive to a Leyland four-speed gearbox, an auxiliary gearbox providing a 2 to 1 reduction on the main drive as well as on the power takeoff for the winch. The lowest forward gear gives a road speed of less than 2 m.p.h. at the governed engine speed, thus providing for the heaviest towin operations.
Po er points for portable lighting equip cot are provided on the vehicle. All th lockers have light fittings, and an ill minated tow sign is carried on the ca roof.