Small Tanker from Dennis
Page 36
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
AS mentioned briefly in last week's issue, Dennis Bros.. Ltd., have introduced a new chassis specifically designed to suit the requirements of bulk -delivery of petroleum products in congested urban areas. The first vehicle is for Shell-Mex and B.P., Ltd., who were looking for a vehicle that would, by virtue of its manceuvrability and compact design, be better able to negotiate awkward entrances and thus help in making delivery more economical.
The Dennis Delta is the result of considerable study of this problem. Length, width and height have been kept to a minimum, and a compact turning circle has been obtained. The chassis is built with alternative wheelbases of 9 ft. 6 in. and 12 ft. to suit tank capacities of 1,400 gallons and 1,800 gallons respectively.
The frame is stepped down in front of the front axle. This has the dual effect of lowering the overall height of the cab and providing easier access to the driving position by virtue of the lower floor level.
Power is supplied by the B.M.C. 5.1-litre six-cylinder diesel engine and transmission is via a B.M.C. four-speed gearbox to a Dennis rear axle with a ratio of 7.17 to I. The front axle is also of Dennis manufacture.
Braking is of Girling Hydrovac type with drum dimensions of 16 in. diameter and 3 in. width at the front and 151 in. diameter and 5 in. width at the rear.
The chassis layout has permitted a spacious cab layout and easy entry from either side. A single-panel curvet] glass screen is provided, with dual windscreen wipers covering a large part of its area. A good standard of lighting is ensured by the use of the four-headlamp system, together with a wide-beam fog lamp. A moulded one-piece glass-fibre bonnet top is arranged for easy removal, giving good access to the engine.
The tank and equipment are supplied and installed by the Steel Barrel Co., Ltd., of Uxbridge. Mild steel tank construction with Tanclene lining is used, and on the 1,400-gallon unit compartments are provided for 400, 200, 500 and 300 gallons, in order. Emco lids are fitted, together with footvalves serving the outlet pipes which face towards the nearside. Grouped Thomson Bros. selflocking outlet cocks are arranged within easy reach of a jumper hose for connection to the pumping equipment.
Meal Breaks
ONLY eight of Britain's 95 municipal transport undertakings do not give their employees a meal break. Mr. R. C. Armstrong, general manager at Lytham St. Anncs, told the town's transport committee last week.
The committee were considering a complaint by bus drivers and conductors. made on their behalf by the Transport and General Workers' Union, that they do not get a meal break. The committee appointed a special delegation to meet the local union secretary.
Mr. Armstrong also told the committee that 50 authorities paid for meal breaks, either wholly or under certain circumstances.
"Respect—or Else
mR. FRANK LYTHGOE, the Middlesbrough Corporation transport manager, said last Friday that until people at Thorntree learned "to treat bus shelters on the estate with respect," repairs would not be carried out.
He was replying to a complaint from a resident at Thorntree about the condition of the shelters. Some had had glass missing for more than two years, said the complainant, and they had become cold and windy spots in which to wait.