Reliant Becomes an " Artic "
Page 51
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ECAUSE he could not buy a standard light vehicle with sufficient floor space at a suitable price, Mr. I. Allman, The Old Cottage, Birdham Road, Chichester, has converted a 1950 model Reliant three-wheeler into an articulated five-wheeler.
The low-loading cranked-frame semitrailer as a platform 10 ft. long and 5 ft. wide, of which the well deck is 5 ft. 6 in. long. The loading height is 1 ft. 8 in., which enables one man to transfer a substantial article, such as a piano, from a trolley to the lorry without the need for tackle.
The tractor is a normal Reliant threewheeler with the body cut off behind the cab. No alterations to the basic design of the frame were required, but a substantial triangulated sub-frame has been built up to carry the ball king-pin. The
ball was originally designed for towing a drawbar trailer, but is'equally effective for a light semi-trailer.
The semi-trailer, which is permanently attached, has a boxed angle frame with tubular cross-members. Detachable sides drop into slots and there is a hinged tailboard. The total weight of the outfit is 151 cwt. and a load of 10 cwt can be carried comfortably.
A separate hand brake takes effect on the rear wheels of the semi-trailer through cables running on pulleys. Reliant rear semi-elliptic springs carry the semi-trailer wheels, which have Avon 16-in. by 4-in. 6-ply tyres. Pirelli Aerflex 5.00-16-in. tyres are fitted to the tractor and after over 40,000 miles, the pair on the rear wheels still has a clear tread pattern.
Cycle lamps have been used for the twin rear lights, each of which is mounted beside a reflector on a neat white plate. The gear lever of the tractor has been lengthened to overcome difficulty in changing from first to second gear with the original short lever. The bonnet has been insulated with floor covering having press fasteners.
Mr. Allman told The Commercial Motor that the vehicle was averaging 30 m.p.g. on stop-start work and up to 45 m.p.g. on continuous running. The gear ratios arc normal.
The vehicle frequently operates in narrow winding roads with high banks, where its handiness is a great asset. It can. however, accommodate a good load of light bulky consignments such as 100 half-boxes of lettuces.
Mr. Allman is an engineer by training and started a transport business nine years ago with a 1941 Thames tilt lorry, which he still runs. He specializes in the transport of parcels and furniture.
He collects and delivers for shops within a 10-mile radius. On three days a week he serves Chichester and the area to the south of the town, including the Witterings and Bracklesharn. On the other two days he covers the country to the north of Chichester, including Petersfield. The Thames is engaged on local removals.