A New English-built Industrial Model.
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First-published Particulars of the " R.G." 10-cwt. Express Delivery Van.
It was with no little amount of natural pride on the part of the makers that we were recently introduced to a commercial vehicle in the form of an express light-delivery van, built and designed in London. These machines are being marketed by the R.G. Motor Co., Ltd., 353, Upper Street, Islington, London, N. We paid a visit to the company's showrooms last week and were afforded every facility closely to inspect the models on view.
The sound constructional features of the chassis impressed us favourably, and gave evidence of much detail, care and attention throughout ; a number of interesting photographs were taken, some of which are reproduced herewith. The machine is designed to carry useful loads up to ten cwt., and at the outset we must express our opinion that the main suspension appeared to be designed well up to this load.
The engine has its four cylinders cast en bloc, the bore being 24 ins. and the stroke 31 ins. The R.A.C. rating is 10-12 h.p. at 1000 r.p.m.;
the engine, we were informed, is capable of being accelerated greatly beyond this speed. The valves, which are all interchangeable, are disposed on one side of the engine, and the tappets are provided with means for adjustment. Cooling water circulation is by a neat form of gear-pump which is driven off the end of the cam. shaft in turn revolved by a Brampton silent chain. We noticed that the flat-gilled tube-block of the radiator was of ample dimensions.
Concerning the ignition, a point of interest is, that the Eisemann high-tension magneto fitted is directly driven off the crankshaft through a small dog-clutch, the irition being of the fixed type. Engine lubrication is by the splash method, and the oil sump is readily detachable. A feature of eonsiderable importance which will appeal to users is that all the pistons and connecting rods may be replaced after detaching the oil surnp, without having to take off the cylinders or dismount the engine from the frame. The crankshaft-, a fine piece of workmanship,
machined out of a single slab, runs upon Skefko self-aligning bailbearings. A feature which tends to show the high-class finish of the engine, we might mention, is that
the reciprocating and revolving parts are in correct static and running balance respectively, to within a quarter of an ounce.
The Holley automatic type of carburetter is fitted, and a foot accelerator is provided. A cylinder casting in part section was shown to us, in order to demonstrate that the intake mixture is exhaustheated, whilst the engine exhaust pipe is water-cooled. The engine unit is suspended transversely in the frame by means of the threepoint system. Power is transmitted directly to the gearbox through a silent chain which is provided with a central guideplate. The gearbox calls for special mention as being a particularly interesting and well-thoughtout job, for which a patent is
pending. It is designed after the epicyclic type of gear, embodying a form of bevel differential. The debatable feature of the ordinary type of epicyclic gearing, where the satellite pinions revolve on occasion at exceptionally high ranges of speed, has, however, been eliminated in this improved type, and no gearwheels revolve at a higher speed than that of the engine.
We reproduce a sectional line drawing of the construction of this component showing the single straight-through driving shaft. Three forward speeds and reverse are provided for, the former rang hag at 5, 15 and 20 m.p.h. ; top speed is direct driven, the ratio being 6 to I. The first, second, and reverse speeds are actuated by means of pedals, and the top speed by a hand-operated sidelever. The construction, we were informed, has been designed to provide a driver-proof and at the saute time a smooth-running gear, / and it was demonstrated to us that even though both forward and reverse pedals be depressed at the same time, all that happens is that the car stops, and differentiating movement is instantly taken up in the gearbox. This unit is also suspended upon the three-point system, and good-sized inspection covers are provided. The following description if read in conjunction with the illustration, will convey to readers how the various speeds are obtained.
First speed :—Drum (L) is gripped ; the drive is then transmitted from chain-wheel (Z) through C to bevel (N) through A. The difference in diameters between N and A gives the necessary reduction to B which drives F. Second speed :Drum (W) is held, preventing H from turning. Movement is then given to the sun-wheel (0) and the planet pinion (A) which rotates around star (B). Pinion (A) then runs at, half the speed of G which transmits this speed to F through B. Third speed, direct drive :— Lever (R) is operated and actuates cone (Y) which expands the internal clutch (X) into drum (W), thus locking the whole gear as a unit. For reverse, drum (0) is gripped, and the drive is transmitted as for first speed except that it now acts in the reverse direction. For a free engine position the pedals are left undepressed.
The final drive to the rear road wheels is by means of a, roller chain connected up to the ordinary form of differential, the differential gear being wholly enclosed. Particular attention has been given to the provision of a ready and easy means of chain adjustment. One of our illustrations shows the very accessible means of adjusting the final-drive chain.
The back axle itself is constructs-A from a one-piece 40-tons tensile chrome-nickel steel shaft, which takes the load only, the driving torque being transmitted to the road wheels through cold-drawn steel tubes. The wheels themselves revolve upon phosphorbronze bushes of ample dimensions; those in the rear hubs were, upon measurement, found to be 8.1ins. longthey are lubricated by grease from the differential gear. The axle component is provided with four glands to ensure oil-tightness, and at the same time to exclude grit and dirt from the bearings. The main suspension is novel. but is undoubtedly free from any freakish design. The semi-elliptic springs are inverted and pivoted at each centre, the front springs being shackled at the rear ends, whilst the hind springs are shackled at their forward ends. The frame is of the tubular type, and is substantially built, being well stayed and trussed where necessary. The front axle is of the usual form of H section, the steering swivels being of the central-pivot type. An ample lock is provided, and the steering tie-rod is situated behind the front axle.
Foot-operated and hand-operated brakes are provided ; the pull-on cables, which are enclosed inside light steel tubes to prevent. chafing, are accommodated with a readily actuated take-up for brake adjustment.
In view of our recent article on " The Control of the Machine," we were particularly interested to note that the pedal positions and steering-column are capable of considerable readjustment to suit different forms of bodies or drivers of varying build ; these features certainly lend themselves to careful and efficient driving.
The leading dimensions of the chassis are :—Wheelbase 8 ft. 3 ins., track 4 ft. 8 ins., tire sizes 760 ram. by 90 mm. The particular construction of the " R.G. ' chassis allows for a very roomy body to be fitted without overhang. We took the measurements upon a completed model and found, for a wheelbase of 8 ft. 3 ins., that the body dimensions were : —Length o ft. 3 ins., breadth 3 ft. 5 ins., and height 4 ft.
The price of this equipment, fitted with Gaulois pneumatics, is £195, lamps, a full tool-kit and set of number plates being included. The designer, we understand, besides anticipating an extensive home trade in this type of machine, has also given due consideration throughout the construction of the chassis to the possibility of Colonial business, he having personally studied the working conditions in several Colonies under which the machines would be likely to be called into use. The outcome of this experience is a machine embodying the very desirable characteristic features of simplicity, accessibility, durability and low price.