The Palladium Three-ton Chassis.
Page 15
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Considerable Alteration in Major and Minor Details—Alternative Engine— New Gearbox. Gross Load Four Tons.
The first published description of the Palladium three-ton chassis was presented in this journal on 2 th December, 1914. At that time, although most of the parts were available for our inspection the lack of a rear axle proved sufficient to prevent our making a:complete review of the chassis, we nevertheless saw sufficient with drawings to convince us that we were " on a good thing," Difficulties not unconnected with delivery of material were remarked on in our article, and unfortunately these proved to be greater than was anticipated, so that it was not until the middle of March this year that the first chassis was completed.
In viewof our own confidence in the ability of the machine to stand up to its work, we were somewhat nonplussed to hear, during the summer, that considerable gearbox trouble was being experienced. Our
information was authoritative and irrefutable. For the time being we could only surssize that faulty material, and not design, was the trouble.
"1.1.Fropt in Mystery."
As a matter of fact, so " wropt in mystery" was the nature of the trouble that it was not until all the original chain-driven boxes had been withdrawn and replaced by the present spur-gear type, and careful investigation of details, coupled with analysis of material, carried out, that the exact cause of failure was discovered. It is all to the credit of Palladium Autocars, Ltd., that they unhesitatingly scrapped material and finished parts for a not inconsiderable number of the gearboxes in question, substituting others, which are provis is entirely satisfactory. With the engineering market in its present state, it goes without saying that it was impossible to procure at short notice a gearbox of dimensions to correspond exactly with those of the discarded unit ; consequently, some minor alterations had to be made to other details of the chassis in order to re ceive the new part. Furthermore, delay in delivery of engine material was being experienced, so that the advisability of considering the use of an alternative power unit became apparent, with the concomitant need for frame adaptation to suit the innovation. Minor alterations to one or two other details, suggested by lengthy road use, have also been incorporated, the company taking the opportunity afforded by this revision of the gearbox feature to overhaul the clutch and render adjustment of the spring easier and less technical ; the radius rods also have been omitted from the new models, the more flexible means of transmission through the top leaves of the rear springs having been adopted.
Brief Specification.
Briefly, the specification of the chassis with the Dorman engine-thi,-; is the alternative—is as follows : —41 in. by 51Ain. (bore and stroke) four-cylinder engine, cone clutch (also Dorman), short Spicerjointed shaft to substantial fourspeed-and-reverse gearbox, Spicer jointed propeller shaft to overtypc full-floating worm-driven rear axle. artillery wheels for W.D.-specification-sized tires, i.e., single 120 mm, for 720 mm. rims on front and twin 120 mm. for 881 mm. rims on rear (old sizes 880 mm. by 120 mm. and 1050 mm. by 120 mm. respectively), and Timken bearings throughout.
Special lugs are forged on the bottom leaf of the rear road spring. These engage with the spring seats and serve to
transmit the driving thrust. Its price, complete with tires, is 176S1?" When the Dorman engine is not desired, the standard unit is supplied, its size being VI ins. by 5i ins, bore and stroke respectively, four cylinders, and water-cooled, of course. With this unit a metallic disc clutch is provided, totally enclosed, and running in oil. The remaining features of the chassis are as detailed above. The chassis price is 2605.
• • Lack of Drivers Obviated.
In view of the trouble which is experienced at present in obtaining suitable and efficient drivers, the company is making special arrangements for training prospective operators of Palladium commercial vehicles. There is no doubt that, in the minds of many buyers, this will serve as an additional incentive to the careful consideration of the merits of these chassis. Inquiries should be addressed to Felsham Road, Putney.