The Republic Range Reintroduced
Page 119
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E arrival of the Fleetmaster—a
chassis for 30-cwt. loads—marks the reintroduction of the Republic range to this country. It is well known in America for its substantial construction and straightforward design. In this country sales will be in the hands of Republic Service and Spare Parts Co., Ltd., 20, Peterborough Road, London, S.W.6.
A straight, pressed-steel frame affords secure mounting for a large body, the weight of which, however, must not exceed 7 cwt. 16 lb. The wheelbase is 12 ft.; turning circle, 48 ft. ; front track, 4 ft. 10-N. ; rear track, 4 ft. 9 ins. From the back of the cab to the end of the
frame is 9 ft. 41 ins., and the body length recommended is 9 ft.,whilst the frame width is 2 ft. 81 ins.
Pressed-steel zusseted cross-members are employed and longitudinal liners are used to reinforce the frame between the mounting points of the rear springs, which are eft. 41 ins, long and 21 ills. wide. The front springs are 3 ft. 2 ins. long and 2 ins.. wide; all are semielliptics and they are mounted above the axles in both cases.
Turning to the engine, this is a sixcylindered unit with L-shaped combustion chambers ; the head is detachable, as is the cylinder block. The bone and stroke are 31 ins. and 44 ins., giving a capacity of 224 cubic ins. The rating is 25.3 h.p., but the output is 55 b.h.p. at 2,500 r.p.m. Four bearings carry the crankshaft, which is no less than 2: ins, in diameter. Forced lubrication for all , engine parts is employed, but, of course, splash is relied upon for piston lubrication. Oil pressure is regulated by the throttle opening. Ignition is by battery and distributor, the coil being carried on the dash, whilst the hand-controlled distributor is above the cylinder head. All wiring is encased in braided tubing to prevent chafing. On the off side of the engine are the dynamo and water pump in tandem, also the starter.
Fuel feed to the pump-type carburetter is by vacuum tank from the main 16-gallon tank carried on the frame.
A multiple plate clutch is employed, and it is carried in the familiar type of bell housing between the crankcase and the gearbox. Four forward speeds are provided, giving overall ratios of 28.3, 15.67, 9.39 and 5.66 to 1. The two-piece propeller shaft has Spicer joints throughout and a self-aligning bearing at the steady point.
Hydraulic operation is used for the internal expanding fourwheel brakes.
Metal-spoked wheels are employed and these carry 32-in. by 6-in, single tyres. The chassis weighs 1 ton 9 cwt.
The foregoing model is the first of the new Republic range. In addition, chassis having the following payloads will be marketed :-2 tons, 2i tons, 31 tons, 41 tons and 5 tons.