Rai'less.
Page 28
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AVEHICLE of peculiar interest, as it shows one of the latest developments in passenger transport by road, is 'a new RaiHess covered double-deck low-floor car, which is the first of its
kind to be produced. It is made to seat' 52 persons, equally divided between the upper and lower saloons, but the seating above is transverse, whilst that below is partly transverse but has longitudinal seats at the rear.
The chassis is a Rai!less low-frame type with channel-section side-members and cross-members of 3 per cent. nickel steel. The cross-members are so arranged that they directly support the frame at the points where the load is transmitted to it by the suspension springs.
An important feature of the design lies in the rear axle, which is a Kirkstall of the dual type, having a primary reduction by worm gearing and a second reduction by pinions and internal-gear rings, all the gearing being totally enclosed. The axle is a fully floating type, and by removing the wheels and driving shafts the differential gear can be lifted out through a trap in the floor.
Modern design is also displayed in the wheels, which are of east-aluminium alloy in semi-cruciform section and
mounted on Timken taper roller bearings. Two' independent sets of brakes are provided, a pedal and a hand lever • controlling one set of brakes on all four wheels, either in conjunction or independently, whilst the emergency brake, which acts on the rear wheels only, is applied by a separate pedal. The friction material is die-pressed Ferodo.
Two D.K. 99a electrical motors of 35 h.p. at the usual rating, and built by the English Electrical Co., Ltd., provide the power for driving. These are arranged in tandem, and are mounted directly on the chassis frame. The commutators are sparkless up to twice their full load, and the field can be diverted to the extent of 50 per cent. without affecting the commutation. Our readers will be well advised carefully to examine the body, which is exceedingly well finished. A bare chassis of the low-level type is also shown.
RaiIless, Ltd. Seagrave Works, West Brothpton, London, S.W.G.