E.R.F.-Miles 110 -weight 4,000-gallon Tanker
Page 49
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
IT has long been the aim of. manui facturers and operators of tankers to produce a vehicle capable of carrying 4,000 gallons of fuel oil on an eight-wheeled chassis. To do so without exceeding the 24-ton-gross weight limit applicable to such vehicles has so far proved to be just out of reach. Now, however, this aim has been achieved, at least so far as medium grade fuel oil of 0.945 specific gravity is concerned.
The key factors in this achievement are the use of a pctrol-engined E.R.F. 88R chassis and an aluminium-alloy tank designed and constructed by Alfred Miles, Ltd., of Brockworth, Gloucester, for Shell-Mex and B.P., Ltd. The chassis, similar to that described and tested in our issues of June 2 and June 9, 1961, has a Rolls-Royce 13-81 Mk. 50E eightcylindered engine, David Brown fivespeed synchromesh gearbox and Eaton Hendrikson rear bogie.
Construction of the tank is in accordance with the latest Miles practice, with a cross-section giving a low centre of gravity and recessed walkway. Further development work now in hand on the substitution of light alloy for steel for certain components indicates that it will soon be possible to reduce the present unladen weight of 7 tons 2 cwts. 3 qrs. still further to allow 4,000 gallons of heavy grade fuel oil of 0.954 specific gravity to be carried within the 24-too g.v.w.
M1 LINK PLANNED
AN N41 express link to be driven into the centre of Birmingham by rerouteing a big section of the Coventry road is planned.