TO THE MANCHESTER SHOW ON A BERNA.
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Qn the occasion of a necessary journey to Manchester, one day last week, in connection with the Commercial Motor Show, we took the opportunity of making the trip on a 4-ton Original Berna
The new 2j-ton model is a departure from the Original Berna practice, in that it incorporates an overhead worm drive and floatingtype rear axle, in place of the usual rack and spur-gear drive to each wheel. The latest axle casing is a strongly-ribbed steel casting, reinforced by forged steel end-pieces, which are forced right into it. The engine is similar to that fitted to the 3atonner, i.e., a four-cylinder of 105 mm. bore and 160 mm. stroke developing 30 b.h.p. On the day of the run we started from London at 8.10 a.m., after measuring up fuel, etc. The vehicle was loaded with a ton of petrol and five passengers, in addition to the driver, so carried a gross load of about 30 cwt.
A few miles from St. Albans we came upon a stationary lorry which had been proceeding to the Manchester Show, and had had the misfortune to •run out a big-end bearing; those on board took advantage of our offer of assistance and requested us to 'phone for a breakdown lorry at the next village.
Though the weather was fine the roads almost everywhere were in a shocking condition of slimy ooze ; however, in spite of them, we obtained speeds up to 35 m.p.h., and for a distance of 90 miles maintained an average speed which was proof of much reserve power. Be c2 tween Dunstable and Northampton we made a brief halt to take some photographs. While passing through Northampton we had some rather hairraising skids on the greasy residue of tar-treatment ; taking an incline at a run we swept from side to side of the road, and it was only the skill of . our driver which prevented serious consequences. At Leicester we made a halt of an hour-and-a-half for ablutions and lunch and then proceeded to Derby.
From Buxton there is a rise of seven miles, with severe gradients in many places, and we noted that the driver did not have to change below the third speed— the machine is fitted with four--at any part.
Manchester was reached at 10.25, and we were all most sorry to reach our goal, for throughout the run our interest had not abated in the least. The springing was very easy, whila the smooth hum of the engine was homely testimony to good running. Our driver, being as fresh as when he started, proved to us that the vehicle must be easily controlled.
Through the Peak district the ample braking power was clearly demonstrated, as well as the very smooth running downhill, when in neutral, a very slight incline producing quite a fair speed without help from the engine ; this is chiefly due to the wheels being supported on ball bearings. The total distance travelled, according to the A.T. .speedometer, was 202 miles ; the trip was not a fuel test.