Works Extension by Northern Oiler Maker
Page 44
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Growing Output of Atkinson Lorries Necessitates Doubling Area of Erecting and Servicing Shops
iF is satisfactory to find to-day a commercial-vehicle maker enlarging its works solely to meet civilian requirements. Doubtless the operators of the vehicles are mainly doing work of national importance, but this particular manufacturer is not occupied in building equipment for the armed Forces.
We refer to Atkinson Lorries (1933), Ltd., Marsh Lane, Preston, which has in hand a works extension that will practically double the size of its erecting and servicing shops. There is now a total of some 300 Atkinson lorries in operation and the growth of the enterprise has been such that more commodious premises has become essential.
The 12-tonner seen in the accompanying illustration is a recent delivery in fulfilment of a repeat order received from Messrs. H. Aston, Langley, Birmingham, of the latest type of Atkinson maximum-load six-wheeler. It has a 22-ft. 6-in, platform and is powered by a Gardner five-cylindered oil engine. This vehicle has a trailing third axle, and the rear suspension system incorporates rocking springs. The frame is a bolted-up structure and Dewandre vacuum braking is employed.
Readers will remember that in June last year we announced the introduction of an Atkinson maximum-load 30m.p.h. oiler, having a Gardner 4LK power unit. This has proved a popular model, and is rated as a 5-6-tonner, the precise pay-load, of course, depending on the nature of the bodywork. An example recently built is a chassis for Messrs. J. Mitchell and Sons, Greenock, Scottish distributor of Atkinsons.
It will have a 15-ft. body, whilst the chassis incorporates a David Brown five-speed gearbox, driving a Kirkstall axle via a Layrub propeller shaft; the wheelbase is 11 ft. 6 ins, and the wheels are shod with 34 by 7 tyres. Braking is by Girling-Lockheed equipment. Like the larger chassis, the frame, which incorporates straight side members of ample dimensions, is entirely bolted.