Modifications to Albion 5-ion and 6-ion Models
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Alterations to Existing Chassis and the Introduction of a Bonnetedtype 6-tonner by a Prominent Scottish Manufacturer
CERTAIN modifications have recently been effected in the design of the 5-ton and 6-ton chassis produced by Albion Motors, Ltd., Scotstoun, Glasgow, afid, in addition. a bonneted type of the latter capacity is now included in the company's range. Alterations have been made in the wheelbases, the standard dimensiOns now being 14 ft. 6 ins. and 15 ft. 6 ins., for the 6-tonner and 12 ft. and 14 ft. 6 ins, for the 5-tonner. Other changes include the setting back of the front axle by 3 ins., and the employment of grouped nipple lubrication on the chassis.
The alteration in the position of the front axle is part of a general scheme to obtain the most advantageous weight distribution, with the result that the standard 6-tonnels are capable of carrying their full rated gross load of 71 tons without exceeding the legal axle and gross weight limits. The weight of the chassis is such that with average bodies the complete vehicles weigh under 5 tons unladen.
In the production of the bonnet-type machines, the most noteworthy alteration is the position of the front axle, which corresponds with that on the forward-control machines, the bonnet and radiator projecting well in front of the axle. Apart from the improvement in the weight distribution, there is better accessibility of the engine and its auxiliaries.
The wheelhases available are 14 ft. 6 ins. and 15 ft. 6 ins. for both 5-ton and 6-ton models. The 5-tonners are both rated at 61 tons gross load capacity, the short-wheelbase 6-tonner at 71 tons gross loan capacity, but on the long wheelbase 6-tonner the gross load is 3 cwt. less on account of the axle weight restrictions. This, however, allows for a 6-ton load and a body weighing 27 cwt., which is adequate for all ordinary requirements.
A wide range of body lengths is available on these new machines. The standard body lengths for the bonnettype 5-tonner are /6 ft. 6 ins. and 18 ft. respectively, and for the forward-control machines 16 ft. 3 ins. and 19 ft 9 ins. respectively. On the 6-tonner the standard body lengths are 14 ft. and 16 ft. for the bonnet type models and 19 ft. 9 ins. and 21 ft. 3 ins, for the forward-control machines.
An interesting point on the forward-control chassis, and one which we have favourably commented on in the past, is the use of a double-walled bonnet through which the fan drives a current of air, with the result that the overheating of the cab which is a common feature on some vehicles of this pattern is avoided.
The engine incorporated in both 5-ton and 6-ton models is a sturdy four-cylindered side-valve unit developing up to 70 b.h.p. In service it has given good results, one of its outstanding features being its low petrol consumption.
Provision is made in the design of these chassis for the fitting of oil engines with the minimum of alteration, the engine cowling on the forward-control machine being sufficiently high to accommodate these rather more bulky units.