High Payload for New E.R.F.
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A VALUABLE reduction in chassis1-1 cab weight, with a corresponding increase in the potential payload, has been achieved in the newest vehicle produced by E.R.F. Ltd., Sandbach, Cheshire. This is Model 5404 which is designed for a gross weight of 14 tons. With chassis and cab registering 3 tons 17 cwt., the body-payload allowance is thus 10 tons 3 cwt. The unit, which may be expected to replace E.R.F. Model 540, is to be offered at an attractive price.
Like the 54G, the new model employs the Gardner 5LW power unit, but instead of the David Brown 550 gearbox the 552 has been incorporated, this giving five forward speeds and one reverse, with overdrive top gear. Chassis dimensions are in the main similar to the 540 but at 14 ft. 114 in. the wheelbase is 44 in. longer, there being a corresponding shortening of the rear overhang, which is 6 ft. 5 in.
The new gearbox falls particularly neatly into its location in a. rectangle formed by the main frame and two cross members and the chassis itself follows the lines of the 54G. The Eaton 16802/1 two-speed axle has a 514 to 1 ratio in the high range and 7-02 to 1 in the low range. The manufacturers quote a maximum speed of 50-3 m.p.h. when using the upper range and 36-8 m.p.h. with the lower ratio.
The cab employed on the new model is the LV design, incorporating glass fibre panelling, which was introduced at the 1962 Show. An attractive feature is the full entry door which is arranged D24 with a step forward of the front wheel. A large full front gives ready access to the radiator and the forward equipment. Within the cab removable plates, taken in conjunction with the deep door, make for maximum ease of maintenance.
Tyres are 9-00-20 on B6-5-20, 5-6 in, offset, rims. The wedge operated, hydraulic, two-leading-shoe brakes are arranged for air-pressure assistance from an Airpak servo. The total lining is 630 sq. in., the front shoes measuring 154 in. by 44 in. and the rear 154 in. by 7 in.
In most respects the specification follows the lines of the earlier model, including a steering gear ratio of 28-5 to 1 and a turning circle diameter of 57 ft_ Among the optional equipment is automatic lubrication.
Lights Amendments THE Minister of Transport has
invited comments from interested bodies on his proposal to make an amendment to the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1959, so as to improve the visibility of rear lamps on certain vehicles and trailers. He proposes that all vehicles registered, and trailers supplied, one year or more after the date on which the proposed amendment regulations are made shall have rear lamps marked BS 2516 Grade 1. Rear lamps fitted to vehicles imported from Italy will, however, continue to be permitted to be marked as provided by the Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1961.
I.Mech.E. Education Conference
E education and training of tech nicians will be the subject of .a two-day conference organized by the education and training group committee of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. The conference, to be held in London, will be on March 21-22.
Six papers will be presented, an introductory one by Prof. Sir Willis Jackson, an outline of the situation in Holland and other parts of Europe by Mr. Ir. M. Goote, while two other papers will cover training of technicians in technical colleges and two with their training in an industrial environment.
Registration forms will be available from the Conference section of the Institution next month; closing date is March 1, 1963.
Air-cushion Prospects HIGH-SPEED, air-cushioned vehicles operating on surface tracks are a transport probability of the future, Mr. W. J. Egginton, assistant chief designer, Vickers-Armstrongs Ltd., told the Royal Aeronautical Society at Glasgow University on January 15.
Speeds of 300 to 400 knots could be achieved on small streamlined hovercars carrying about 40 passengers over a concrete track, with an air gap as small as half an inch. The main value of such tracks would be to link cities within a few hundred miles such as Glasgow and. London; such transport could operate at less than half the cost of aircraft services, provided that the cost of land was not too high.
Vickers-Armstrongs are currently working on the design of a vehicle for the Central Electricity Generating Board to carry heavy loads. It would be possible, for instance, to transport heavy loads over limited-strength bridges and other links, by using air-cushioned vehicles.
E. German Prototype
'THE vehicle producing concern VEB Kraftfahrzeugwerk "Ernst Grube ", of Werdau, East Germany, has produced a prototype model of a new goods vehicle for both on and off the road use and designed particularly for agricultural work. The model, named "W 45 LAF ", incorporates all-wheel drive and a fourcylinder diesel engine developing 110 h.p. at 2,200 r.p.m. Believed to have an on-the-road capacity of 44 metric tons, and an off-the-road capacity of 34 metric tons, the unit will be available in tipper, articulated and other forms.
Chrysler Controls Simca ny adding a 38 per cent holding gained
from Swiss sources to its 25 per cent share in the Simca concern, the Chrysler Corporation has acquired a controlling interest in the company. Chrysler, now holding 63 per cent of Simca shares (Fiat retains only about 20 per cent), is expected to use its new position to expand its distribution on the Continent.