A New Twin-cylinder Reliant Van
Page 29
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TO meet a demand for a machine of larger capacity than its 7-cWt. threewheeler, the Reliant Engineering Co., Tamworth, has introduced a new 10cwt. model, which is to be produced alongside the smaller type. The new van is priced at £196 10s. and has a body with a capacity of 93 cubic ft., the floor measuring 5 ft. 8 ins, long by 4 ft. 3i ins, wide, and the height being 3 ft. 9 ins. This is considerably larger than the smaller van, a description and road-test report of which appeared in our issue dated July 5, 1935.
Like the smaller machine, the chassis is built up from two main channels, downswept from the extreme front and braeed by tubular cross-members. A malleable casting receives the steering head. '
The rear axle passes over the main frame which is suspended from it by semi-elliptic springs. A coil spring is used for the front. wheel suspension, a parallel link motion being obtained by radius arms.
Of particular interest is the engine, which differs from that of the earlier machine in having two cylinders. Of J.A.P. manufacture, it is a water-cooled V-type unit, with the cylinder axes inclined at 50 qegrees to• each other. With bore and stroke dimensions of 70 mm. and 97 mm. respectively, the swept volume works out at 747 c.c. The unit has side valves, detachable cylinder heads, aluminium-alloy pistons and roller bearings both for the bigends and for the mains.
The engine is set athwart the frame at the front, a bell-housing bolted to the crankcase allowing a Borg and Beck clutch to be built into a flywheel; which is external from the engine, whilst there is a three-speed and reverse gearbox at the after end. The final stage of the transmission is through. an open propeller shaft, with a Hardy universal joint at each end, to a . spiral-bevel rear axle, incorporating a straight-tooth differential. .
Expanding-type• brakes are fitted to all three wheels, the rear drums being no less than 10 ins, in diameter and the single front drum 'being 7 ins. in diameter. The pedal applies all three brakes, whilst a centrally disposed hand lever controls only the rear shoes. As will be seen from the • illustrations, detachable and interchangeable wire Wheels are used, the tyre size being 4.50 by 18.. A complete spare wheel and tyre is included in the specification.
The electrical equipment is also well carried out. A six-volt system is installed and incorporates a belt-driven dynamo and a starter motor; • An attractive outline has been achieved for the van body chiefly by utilizing curved panels inste-ad of the more usual flat ones. The construction of the framework is of more than ordinary interest, because light-sectioned wood principals are employed, with a flitch plate built into each important joint. The exterior is covered in a form of pressed-wood which, besides being non-resonant and light in weight, does not warp.