New 14-m.p.h. Battery Electrics
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AMAXIMUM speed of 12-14 m.p.h. on level roads with a full payload is claimed for the Rangemaster threewheeled battery-electric _muck, introduced by Wales and Edwards, Ltd., ,Shrewsbury. In average terrain a range of 30-35 miles can be achieved, allowing for 150 stops.
Many of the Rangemaster components are interchangeable with those of the W. and E. 25-cwt. longwheelbase battery electric chassis, including the road wheels, front and rear suspension units, steering gear and brake master cylinders.
Special attention has been paid to simplicity in design and layout to provide good accessibility to those components requiring routine maintenance. The electro-magnetic contactor assembly is located on the near side of the vehicle beneath the deck, access to which is given by removing a cover which is secured by two nuts.
Safety features in the simple series traction circuit prevent the by-passing of any of the resistances when the vehicle is set in motion and break the circuit should the reversing switch be operated while the vehicle is running under full power. The vehicle cannot be driven away while connected to the charging plug.
The 60-v. traction motor is mounted directly over the rear axle and an access hatch is provided in the deck. A. flexible coupling is included in the transmission to prevent shock loadings at the rear axle. The standard batteries are 259-amp.-hr. 60-v. units.
The standard open-sided milk-delivery body, made entirely of plastics, can accommodate 60 crates arranged in three tiers. A 198-cu.-ft. bread-delivery vehicle is also made.
Unladen weight of the Rangemaster is 30-32 cwt., according to the type of body, and the payload capacity is 20-25 cwt., depending upon the size of battery fitted.
The chassis sells for £565, the standard batteries costing an additional £2901s.
A charger can he obtained for £126 9s. The plastics bakery body costs £325, including colour impregnation, plus £40 for the sliding doors.