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Which Engine
Page 44
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THE discussion as to the correct position of the engine
which has been taking place for some time in the correspondence columns of your journal, has interested me. To my way of thinking, this unit should be placed where it really belongs, i.e., over the front axle which, in addition, should be brought right forward. Also, let the engine be set vertically, in conjunction with the smart radiator which we used to know, and which was something to admire. Let it be where we can see it, hear it and clean it.
The control should be what we know as the forward type for coaches and buses and ,normal for goods vehicles. These underneath engines, slung at all angles with their universal joints and long control rods, seem to be all wrong. Is it not fundamentally desirable.to keep a direct line from the crankshaft to the final drive?
I notice that several of the older makers of heavy vehicles are most reluctant to put the engine underneath; in fact, two prominent manufacturers had new models at Earls Court with the engine in what I contend is the right place—over the front axle.
Placing this axle far back presents a number of disadvantages; it has to carry too much weight, which results in heavy steering and excessive tyre wear, the latter caused by the terrific scrub which takes place when cornering, especially on a steep decline. Also, the cantilever action set up by the overhang reduces the adhesion of the rear driving wheels—a particularly grave fault on icy roads.
There is little doubt in my mind that we have been pushing too much weight for years. This is proved by the economical articulated six-wheeler, in which the leading axle has practically only the weight of the engine to carry, consequently the mileage of the front tyres is enormous.
Winchester. a S. ELDRIDGE.