Chassis for Overseas.. Service.
Page 52
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.THREE features which are observable in certain recently introduced Continental chassis are noteworthy and may well be remera• bered by British designers when planning new models to be marketed, in other lands.
First is the problem of braking in mountainous regions. On some of the latest French chassis three separate brakes are provided. The service brake consists of a pedal operating on all four wheels, a servo device being installed. One hand lever operates internalexpandingshoes in the rear-wheel drums; this can be kept partially "on when descending long gradual gradients, thus relieving the driver's right leg of a continuous strain. Additional checking can, of course, be effected by pedal. A second hand brake works on the transmission and is for parking purposes.
The second feature Of importance to passenger-vehicle operators is the silent auxiliary gearbox, giving double the normal number of ratios. Hitherto the supplementary gearbox has been adopted more for goods work than for coaches or buses.If helically cut teeth be used there is no reason why such a box should not function very quietly.
Third in the list is the question of protection against impact. Goods-carrying machines have to withstand a great deal of rough usage. This is realized by many Continental makers who provide built-in bumpers both fore and aft. The idea is a sound one, but British manufacturers will do well to see that some form 02 spring mounting is adopted.