THE BUSINESS MAN'S IDE TO THE SHOWS.
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THE Westinghouse system of larake 'operation has rapidly sprung into popularity, particularly Oil vehicles of the tractor-trailer type. Amongst others . it embodied in the Hallford-Ranseme, G.M.O.-Dyson, Carrimore tractor-bus and F.W.D. with four-wheeled trailer.
An unusual method of rear springing by double quarter-elliptics is used on the Citroen.
In many instances there appears to be a reversion to the use of torque members, and a particularly long one is to be seen on the Lancia chassis.
The remarkable method of springing the body independently of the chassis, which we redently described in full, is demonstrated on the Strachan and Brown stand.
Those interested in the improvement of springing will be well advised carefully to examine the special ball and socket shackles employed on the StrakerSquire.
Quite a number Of vehicles is fitted with dual axles having separate load-carrying members. Striking examples of these are to be found on the Berna. Traffic, Burford and several other makes.
On the Steven's stand is shown a new 21,-ton model which can, if required, be fitted with a 60 h.p. engine, thus making an excellent mobile power plant with a Dig electric output. Those to whom the modern worm-driven axle is something of a mystery should examine the W. and G. axle, which is shown in part section.
The largest tipping wagon in the Show is the 12-ton Scammell with Bromilow, and Edwards threeway hydraulic gear, which is shown in action.
Although it is difficult to observe, it is interesting to note that the Holden system of ' pneumatic suspension is employed on certain of the Guy passenger vehicles.
The interesting model showing how the Bristol springs accommodate themselves to varying loads is well worth studying, as are many other exhibits on the same stand.
Considerable novelty is shown in the design of the Triangel-Longframe. This is practically an ordinary chassis with the frame extended and supported by steerable rear wheels mounted, with their axle, on a beam interconnected with the driving axle. The combined crankshaft and differential gear of the Super-Sentinel is one of the most original of the new features in steam wagon design.
• One of the chassis on the Daimler stand is shown in part section to expose the worm gearing. 'Certain other parts of the chassis can be seen through glass covers.
One of the most powerful vehicles in the Sheyv is the 15-ton G.M.C. tractor, shown by R. A. Dyson, and equipped as a tractor-trailer with 'Westinghouse brakes.
Considerable interest is being displayed in the Guy engine, which is shown separately. The heads of one pair of cylinders have been removed to show the arrangement of the valves.
The Karrier dust-collecting wagon is a most interesting example of' what can be done in the way of lowering the loading line. The frame of the chassis is actually carried under the rear axle. The close coupling of the Aveling and Porter steam roller and tar tank is worthy of note.
Two very interesting hydraulic tipping gears—both in operation—will be found on the Saurer stand.
The method of enclosing the driving gears on the Robey steam wagon sets an example which might be emulated.
That it is a Ford on stilts is the impression givem by the means for lifting the front end -of the International motor sweeper.
In the Auto-traction tractor-trailer the tractor frame is built in two sections hinged together and also connected by two short, stiff, laminated springs.
There are two makes of chassis at Olympia in which the weight-of the final drive -and differential gearing is carried by the frame. We refer to the De Dion and the Latil.
Some of the Thornycroft vehicles are equipped with the new 50 h.p. engine, which closely resembles that employed on the B.T. eha.ssis, except that it is, of course, much more powerful.
We are dubious as to the effect of road vibration on solid-tyred, cast-aluminium wheels, but they appear to be quite satisfactory for use with pneumatic tyres, as exemplified in the Karrier subsidy chassis. For a real Willing Worker visit the Drummond stand.
See how the front roller on the Ruston-Hornsby protects the radiator.
The engine of the Millar-Marshall tandem roller is a typical Gainsborough product.
The Laffiy 21--tonner is a new model, and is particularly interesting even on that account alone.
The inverted saddle-tank on the 6-7-ton Yorkshire steamer is a fine example of the boilermakers' art.
One of the useful inventions of the Shows is exemplified in the lubricator on the Foster tractor.
For a commercial vehicle, it may be said that the driver's cab in the Clayton electric vehicle is the acme of luxury.
To have a double-reduction bevel and spur gear for each rear wheel is surely. novel : this construction is embodied in the Electricar.
The double-trunnion arrangement of the tipping gear on the .Walter wagon is very ingenious ; it provides for tipping in four directions.
Few will be able to resist the inclination to look under the seat in the Tuke and Bell six-wheeler, to see how the Fordson tractor has been extended.
Struts and tie-bars are used to strengthen the frame of the Foden wagons. One strut is used, at each side, immediately behind the driver's cab.
Tipping without effort might reasonably be the Lacre slogan in connection with its tip wagons ; the one shown at the Agricultural Hall exemplifies this.
The Glossop patent mechanism for keeping the tar sprayers at a constant level -above the ground, notwithstan-ding spring operation, is very good indeed.
The 50-seater, single-deck, tractor-trailer bus shown by Carrosserie-Latymer, Ltd., is a plucky attempt to prove that the law should be modified to include this type of passenger vehicle.
The Armstrong-Whitworth tandem roller is fitted with power-steering, quickly convertible to hand operation: the method of doing this is worth investigation. Absorption of horizontal shocks, as well as vertical, is claimed for the suspension system on the H.I.C. trailers : the combination of coil and laminated springs is ingenious.
Wide rear frame work, embracing the chain-drive gear and affording unusual stability to the whole machine, is the outstanding feature of the Tacker tractor and tandem roller.
The apparent brake strap on the Atkinson chassis, about the middle of its length and on the off side, is really an impbrtant part of the epieyclic two-speed gear with which the wagon is equipped.
The most modern example of power-unit construction is to be found on the Leyland stand. This is the engine for the new 30-cwt. chassis, the main features of which have been adopted through the experience gained in connection with the power unit of the Leyland Eight car.
Over 123 Ton-miles to the Gallon Accomplished.
The wonderful ton-mileage record -put up by the 5-54-ton Saurer lorry in September last has been beaten by a representative British make of vehicle— 'to wit, the 6-ton Thornycroft lorry, equipped with a 25.6 h.p. engine (4-m. by 51--in. cylinder dimensions). Covering a standard route of the Royal Automobile Club, this vehicle was driven for 1,008 miles in the course of 10 days, without a single involuntary stop. Its average load was 6 by 9 cwt., or 4i cwt. more than the load carried by the Saurer, whilst the average total running weight was 10 tons 19 cwt., or 6-i cwt. more than the Saurer's total weight. The fuel consumption,. as discovered by. the Club, was 11.28 miles per gallon, -equivalent to 123.34 ton-miles per gallon, which beats the already wonderful performance of the Saurer vehicle by over 181 ton-miles per gallon. The oil consumption, too, is better, being one gallon per 1,697.7 miles, as against one gallon per 1,452 miles accomplished by the Saurer. The results in each case are, of course, extraordinarily good, and we feel sure that the Saurer Co., who have set up a very high standard of efficiency, will be the first to congratulate Messrs. J. I. Thornycroft and Co. upon the handsome beating which the Thornycroft lorry has given to them.