Two Interesting Conversions to A.E.C.s
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A Six-wheeler &comes an Eight-wheeler and a Passenger Chassis is Adapiqd for Goods Carrying
A N interesting conversion recently (carried out in the service station of the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., concerns the Mammoth Major eightwheeler shown in an accompanying picture. The chassis, one of several of the same make, operated by Messrs. Seymour. Bros., West Stanley, County Durham, was originally a Mammoth Major six-wheeler. In turning it into a vehicle of increased carrying capacity the main units and the chassis were completely modified to bring it up to present design. The changes included the fitting of a rebuilt 8.8-litre oil engine incorporating the toroidal-type of combustion chamber, and the alteration of the final-drive ratio to suit the new type of power unit.
Tyres on the rear bogie were also changed from 13.50 to 40 by 8, a new type of switchboard and battery cradle were installed and the chassis was completely rewired. Both cab and body, built by Medley, Brooker and Smith, Ltd., were new and were designed to suit the class of service for which the chassis was converted.
The utilization of a Regal single-deck passenger chassis for goods carrying is shown in another illustration. In this case the conversion"was undertaken by Oswald Tillotson, Ltd.-, A.E.C.'s official repairer in the North. As the outcome of its efforts, the Danish Bacon Co., Ltd., has added to its existing A.E.C.s three vehicles of new and most attractive type.
In each case, the cab was built upon a full-fronted dash, and the front of the van bulkhead above the cab was raked to reduce wind. resistance. For loading, rear doors folding bakk against the body were provided, as well as a combined rear step and spare-wheel door, The interior was fitted with two electric lamps and the usual ventilators in the front bulkhead and rear doors.
Each body is 21 ft. long, and the complete unladen, weight of the vehicle is less than 5 tons. During the conversion, the springs were strengthened to carry a full load of 7 tons.