The New Rothwell Delivery Van.
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Our illustration shows one of a batch of ioo light delivery vans which are in the course of construction by the Eclipse Machine Company, Limited, of Oldham. The vans are con. structed by modern and up-to-date methods, and consideration has been given to ensure their being reliable and oZ simple design. The constructors make it a rule to send a thoroughly competent mechanic out with their vans; these men give any proposed drivers a week's tuition, thus enabling them to tackle the initial difficulties which are met with by a "raw "hand in the course of his daily work.
The van is fitted with a 12-1411.p. Aster engine of the latest type. This well-known engine scarcely needs description. Special care and attention have been given to the lubrication, and to the fitting of a very efficient radiator, features which always have a considerable bearing on the satisfactory running of any internal combustion motor. The ignition is by accumulator, a powerful induction coil and sparking plugs ; the coil is fitted to the dashboard, thus reducing the length of wires to a minimum. The carburetter is of the Longuemare float-feed type, with special automatic air regulator which ensures an accurate mixture at all speeds. The circulation of the water is effected by a centrifugal pump which is driven by friction from the fly-wheel. The radiator is of specially large dimensions, and on the gill tube principle, which has now become so popular, not only for commercial vehicles but also for high-class touring cars, practice having proved that they are far less liable to give trouble than the honeycomb type with its numerous joints. The water tank is combined with the radiator, and no other tank is fitted. An effective fan is provided behind the radiator; this fan is driven from the crankshaft_ The change-speed gear is of the well-known Panhard type, and is constructed with the idea of standing all possible shocks which may be delivered to this important part of the vehicle. Three speeds forward and a reverse are provided, all being controlled from one lever, arid there is a direct drive on the top gear, the maximum speed being is miles per hour. The control of the van is simple. The single lever which operates the change of gear is. contrary to the
usual custom, placed on the steering pillar immediately below the steering wheel; this is especially convenient for driving at night. Two small levers, working on a continuation of the quadrant provided for the change gear, control the time of ignition and the speed of the engine. A foot accelerator is provided which, when depressed, throws the governor out of action. By these means, the normal speed of the motor can be either accelerated or retarded, and any speed which is required can be obtained. This system. of control is well adapted for locomotion in a crowded thoroughfare.
Transmission from the engine has received special attention, and most of the mechanism through which the power passes has been strengthened somewhat over the ordinary practice to provide for a certain amount of rough handling which vehicles of this description sooner or later always get. The clutch is of the cone variety and large in diameter. The shafts are all larger than the usual practice and of nickel steel, whilst all the gears are machine cut from special low carbon steel, case hardened. The frame of the van we illustrate is constructed of armoured. wood, but thecompany has now a large number of pressed steel frames, which it is intended to employ in future, but all the light delivery vans which have hitherto been supplied by the Rothwell works have been fitted with armoured wood frames.
The springs are of the semi-elliptic type, 32 inches long at the front, and 40 inches long at the rear ; they are all calculated to take the full load of the car with approximately 4 inches of deflection. The steering is controlled by a large hand-wheel, placed in a convenient position on a raked steering post, and is of the worm and sector type; all wearing parts are case hardened and so arranged that unevenness of the road cannot alter the direction of the van when in motion. The brakes are three in number. It is also feasible to use the engine as a powerful brake, when descending hills if desred, by leaving in the clutch. Two brakes are fitted to the road wheels, and are operated by a hand lever placed beside the driver as usual, and a foot pedal actuates the third. The price of the van complete is 4.310.