A Reliance based Pantechnicon
Page 27
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
ZOVED manceuvrability, a lowmated cab, a reasonably low floor, bulk-load capacity and ease of servicing were favourable features ) pantechnicon-bodied Dennis Stork floor-cngined vehicles purchased in by Clarkes Boxes Ltd.; of Mount , Leics. Although the chassis had is shortcomings the advantages of floor mounting inspired the use of EC Reliance chassis of 16 ft. 4 in. base for a 1.567 cu. ft. pantechniarhich was recently completed for )rnpany by Crawford, Prince and on Ltd., of Syston, Leics. The s is powered by the AEC AHU L in. diesel engine, and has a sixoverdrive con slit nt-mesh gear box Pirelli Cinturato 825-2O tyres, replace the original 9'00--20 1. The final drive ratio is 5,22 to 1. Dr rigidity is considered of first lance to body life and is ensured use of 31 in. by 11 in. box-section xoss-bearers having a thickness of which are bolted to the chassis s. The framework is constructed goslavian beech, the 2+ in. by 11 in. as being secured to the cross-men-1)y steel flitch plates and bracings. rails are of aluminium extruded .1 which incorporates a gutter, the roof is panelled in 18 g. aluii sheet and has three centrallyI glass-fibre panels, The exterior is ed in Plymax, the joints of which D ve r e d with 1 in. half-round alun mouldings. A rubbing rail is an each side at the floor height and the guttering at the rear above the
Nyloy roller shutter, which is ted in width to 4 ft.
mal access to the cab is on the nly, an, emergency exit being proby sliding window on the offside. A nan fully-adjustable, pedestal-type g seat is fitted, the passenger seat of the folding type. The use of an angled-back windscreen on the driver's side of the central pillar was motivated by examples of this layout on service buses, and its advantages include absence of reflection, reduced glare, improved visibility and the easy installation of the windscreen wiper and washer. Demisting is applied to the nearside windows as well as the windscreen.
Special mudflaps are fitted at the front to reduce spray, and three-piece flaps of 1 in, rubber are employed at the rear (the latter being necessary to prevent tearing), whilst splash guards are fitted to the front wheel arches to obviate splashing of the mirrors. A Wingard 1500 mirror with a flat glass is fitted on the driver's side and a Magnates MVC 505 type with a convex glass is installed on the left, both mirrors being mounted forward of the normal position in ihe air stream to aid splash prevention.
Overall dimensions of the vehicle comprise a length of 30 ft., a width of 7 ft. 10in, and a height of 11 ft. 8 in. Inclusive cost was £4.250, which included painting, signwriting and extras, the cost of the body being £1.664.
The maximum load of cardboard packs rarely exceeds 4 tons and the good riding characteristics of the vehicle when lightly laden or unladen is particularly appreciated by the operators, notably because it reduces wear and tear of the bodywork. Cruising speed of the vehicle is 70 m.p.h.
P. A. C. 13rockington