DENNIS CHASSIS AND BODIES HAVE MANY INTERESTING FEATURES.
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AT THE forthcoming show, Messrs. Dennis Bros. will be exhibiting five vehicles on their stand, and, in addition, there will be a 20-seater coach outside the Show for demonstration purposes.
The exhibits will comprise a 30-seater poach, a 36-seater single-deck bus, a 2 ton chassis mounted on Dunlop giant pneumatic tyres, a 5-6 ton hydraulic tipping lorry, and a 30 h.p. " light " type fireengine. The bodywork, which is of the firm's own manufacture, will thoroughly repay inspection, as a number of novel and interesting features are incorporated. One such, which will be found on the demonstration 20-seater coach, consists of the elimination of a door for the rearmost seat but one, and the provision of a narrow gangway at the near side to admit of access to the seat. There is, therefore, no external door over the rear wheel. The bus body has been designed specially for lightness, is well ventilated, and provided with an unusual amount of locker accommodation.
The tipping body has low sides, and a steel-lined floor, and an especially good feature is the automatic tailboard release gear, which comes into operation before the body has tipped sufficiently to allow the load to slide. There is, therefore, no possibility of the tailboard jamming. The fire-engine body is so constructed that the joints are invisible, giving it. a very finished appearance. The 2-2i ton chassis is a remarkably fine job. A cone clutch has now replaced the plate clutch which formerly was fitted, and central change speed and brake levers are carried on a cross-member. The large ball-bearing universal joints are retained at each end of the propeller shaft, and there axe no other noticeable structural alterations.
The light fire-engine chassis has undergone considerable modification. The pump itself has been redesigned and improved considerably in external appearance, and the thrust bearing at the rear is now water-cooled. The pump shaft is now driven via a train of gears from the constant mesh pinion in the gearbox, which unit has been completely redesigned for the purpose. This is a much neater arrangement'than the former method. This gearbox gives four speeds Forward and reverse, and this chassis also is new fitted with a cone clutch. The Exhibition model will be mounted on Michelin disc wheels, and pneumatic tyres--twins at rear.
A specially light overhead worm-driven axle is used, provided with two torque stays. This fire-engine outfit is a very attractive production throughout, and will undoubtedly receive a considerable amount of attention from persons interested in such matters. As a sound engineering job it appeals strongly. The coaches will, of course, carry.the Dennis patent hood, of which the hoop sticks are provided with rollers, and slide along a brass rail carried along each side of the body. This arrangement has stood the test. of considerable usage and has proved popular because of its eminent
total weight, in consequence, is less than usual. Doors are fitted only on one side, except in front-, where the driver's seat can be entered from either side. The curved front radiator now fitted to the Dennis chassis, combined with-a sloping bonnet, gives a handsome appearance to the front of the coach, which the curved sides of the body enhance considerably. The tipping lorry is. notable for the extremely small amount of space occupied by the hydraulic tipping mechanism. The control levers for the latter are now mounted very accessibly at the side of the cab. The tailboard release gear, which we shall describe in detail in a future issue; is particularly ingenious. Donnis productions will be found to uphold the high traditions of the company with its lengthy association with the commercial motor vehicle. They will make a very strong appeal to overseas buyers.