Maudslay Introduces New Big capacity 30 m.p.h. Model
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The Merlin, Powered by a Gardner Oil Engine, Rated as a 6-tonner and Having Over 14 f t. of Body Space
JUST over a year ago the Maudslay Motor Cci., Ltd., Coventry, announced the Maharajah and Mikado sixand eight-wheelers respectively, and at that time we were aware that a smaller model also was in hand to extend the range of Maudslay oilengined, chassis. In view of the general manufacturing situation, iiowever, it was decided not to announce this 10-cwt. (unladen) type at that time.
Some of these chassis were, nevertheless, produced and have since been in the hands of various operators, including such concerns as the Grand Union Canal, the Trent Navigation Co,, and Metals, Ltd. Such has been the behaviour of these first few vehicles, that numerous operators have placed orders for the type, which, titerefore, is now put on the market. It is only fair to remind readers, however, that pres sure of war work on the Maudslay factory is likely to cause some delays in delivery.
Named the Merlin, this latest Mandelay is a four-wheeler with a standard wheelbase of 11 ft. 6 ins, and an overall length of 18 ft. 7-1 ins., which gives a body space of 14 it. 41 ins. Platform width depends to some extent upon the body builder, of course, and can be up to 7 ft. 2 ins. The track measures 5 ft. 5i ins, at the front and 5 ft. 3 ins. at the back. .
All the vehicles built up to now have been of this type, but a short chassis also is listed for.tipper work. This has a wheelbase of 9 ft. 3 ins., with an overall length of 14 ft. 4iins., and the body space is 10 ft. 3 ins. long. The chassis overhang on this model is only 2 ft. 6 ins., as compared with 4 ft. 6 ins, on the standard wheelbase. Another small difference is in respect of frame heights. That of the tipper is 2 ft. 6 ins., whilst the dimension is 2 ft. 5 ins. on the standard model.
The Merlin is designed to carry a normal pay-load of 6 tons, with an unladen vehicle weight of 50 cwt. or less. The normal chassis itself accounts. for only 41i cwt. and is supplied with a standardized cab, from which .unnecessary weight has been eliminated.
In spite of the creditably low chassis weight, there are no.signs of skimping in the construction of the vehicle. The frame, for instance, has channel-section side-members, 81 ins, deep, and conneeted by deep pressed-steel crossmembers, of which there are three behind the gearbox. A 17-gallon fuel tank is mounted on the near side.
A Gardner 4LK oil engine provides 53 bhp. at 2,000 r.p.m. and is coupled via a Borg and Beck 12-in, clutch to a five-speed gearbox with forward ratios Of 5.95, 2.78, 1.68, 1 and 0.785 to 1, and a reverse ratio of 5 to 1.
A two-piece -Layrub propeller shaft is supported at the centre joint by a selfaligning hearing housed in the middle cross-member. Of the fully floating type with overhead-worm drive, the back axle gives a ratio of 6.5 to 1, The overall ratios are thus 38.67,•18.07, 10.92, 6.5, and 5.10 to 1, •this last tieing an overdrive, whilst reverse is 132.5 to 1. All wheels are shod with 34 by 7 tyres, those at the rear carrying twins.
As alternative equipment, 210 by 20 dow-pressure tyres are offered. On both axles, the brake-drum diameter is 16 ins., whilst the front and rear shoe widths are 2i ins. and 3i ins, respectively. All four brakes are operated by Lockheed hydraulic equipment from the „pedal, the shoes and expanders being of the Bendix two-leading shoe type.
In addition, the rear brakes are coupled by rods—with a short length of cable to allow for axle movement— to a handy lever mounted on the dash, so that it lies forward horizontally below the driver's seat on his right side. There it does not obstruct movement to or from the cab, and it is well placed to give the driver a strong pull on it, if necessary. We are informed that with the hand control alone, a Tapley brake-meter reading of 39 per cent. has been obtained.
Much of the detail work at the front of the chassis is reminiscent of the Mikado and the Maharajah. There is, for instance, similar general construction of the cab floor and the bonnet. Three-point rubber mounting is used for the engine as on the larger models, although the details are not the same there. The front mounting on the cross-member is detachable, but the result, from a maintenance viewpoint, is not materially different and the unit can be withdrawn without difficulty. for overhaul. For that purpose, the radiator also is easily detachable. It is supported, on this model, on double. conical.rubbers through which the securing bolts pass.
Chassis lubrication has been simplified by the use of Compo oil-impreg nated bushes in such places as the fork ends of hand-brake rods and other controls. The number of greasing points has thus been reduced' considerably, and it is evident that a good deal of thought has been expended to make the Merlin not merely a good vehicle on the road, but also one that is easy to maintain. The indications are, in fact, that, when happier times permit the Mauclslay factory to return to its normal business, this will be one of its most popular products.