THORNYCR_O_FT
Page 63
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Stand y8
TWOpassenger machines constitute the main features of this exhibit. The first is a 26-seater bus which is called the Beautyride. It is designed to 'afford a high degree of comfort to the passengers. The basis of the design follows, in many respects, the well-. known Thornycroft Sturdy type of chassis. There is, however, a munber of features that constitute differences from the prototype, and are entirely new. Among these we may mention the front dash and the treatment of the front wings.
An aim of the designer has been to obtain a good appearance. A further point is in connection with the frame design. The main side members are cranked, to suit the underslung fully floating rear axle. The wheels of this machine are shod with 7.5 by 30 lowpressure tyres, the back wheels having twin equipment.
Another outstanding passenger machine is the Amazon three-axle coach which has been built for the Iraqi railways. It is designed for travelling over rough ground and is powered by a Gardner 6LW oil engine. In the transmission there are a four-speed box, and a two-speed auxiliary box affording eight ratios. A feature of the suspension system is that it permits a wheel articulation of 9 ins. It should be mentioned that .both pairs of wheels take the drive.
An unusual point is that doors are fitted to both sides of the vehicle. Within the saloon there are armchair seats, individually adjustable, and affording accommodation for 20 passengers. The body equipment includes a Clayton heater, an ice chest and a firstaid outfit, whilst there is good accommodation for luggage in a compartment partitioned off at the rear.
In addition to these two special
models, the Thornycroft company is showing a number of machines in its• Sturdy 5-ton class, weighing unladen under 50 cwt. Among these are a normal-control machine, built for John Walker and Sons, Ltd., a forwardcontrol tipping lorry, a special 4-tonner made to the specification of The Gas Light and Coke Co., a platform lorry and a hinge-sided vehicle.
The Trusty class is represented by an oil-engined, maximum-load, fourwheeler, with a power unit of Thornycroft make having four cylinders and developing 85 b.h.p. A noteworthy feature of the engine is the wide use made of Elektron and other light alloys to save weight. In order to permit correct weight distribution the front axle is set well back.
Reverting now to the 26-seater, this is shown with a Grose luxury body.
The chassis weight is 2 tons 61 cwt.
and the power unit a four-cylindered petrol engine of 98,4 mm. by 127 mm., giving a piston displacement of 3.865 litres. This unit develops 60 b.h.p.
and is of monobloc construction.
There are renewable cylinder liners and aluminium-alloy pistons The valves are at the side and the exhaust valves have inserted seats.
Ignition is by battery and coil and the induction system incorporates a hot spot. A single-dry-plate clutch transmits the drive to a four-speed gearbox. from which a tubular shaft runs to an underslung-worm back axle, the overall ratios being 5.75, 10.3, 18.1 and 36.9 to 1.
A vacuum-servo cylinder is incorporated in the braking system and steering is of the cam-and-lever type.
Adequate strength is afforded by a substantial generously braced frame, bay
ing a maximum depth of nearly 8 ins. The petrol tank, fixed to the off side of the frame, carries 25 gallons.—John I. Thornycroft and Co., Ltd., Smith Square, London, S.W.1.