A New Parcel car.
Page 16
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At the opposite end of the scale to the 6-ton steamer and 5-ton petrol wagon, comes the light pareelcar. Of this type there are several giving useful service. Such a machine, able to carry up to a maximum load of 5 cwt., and easily manipulated so that it may be put in charge of a mere youth or a girl, serves to help solve the problem of goods distribution for hundreds of small tradesmen.
Channel-steel Frame.
• A new machine of this class, of American manufacture, has recently been brought to our notice, and is being sold in this country by the Reading Standard Motor Cycle Co., of 28, Baker Street, W. This machine is a three-wheel, and is lightly but strongly built of small steel channels. It carries a box of the usual size built to suit the requirements of any individual purchaser, between the two front wheels. That shown in our illustration is the cheap fitting ; a more elaborate one, extending the full width of the chassis is usual.
Three-speed Gearbox.
The driver's seat is placed over the back wheel. The engine a 12 h.p. twin-cylinder air-cooled power unit, is between his feet, and drive is by roller chain to a clutch and three-speed gearbox immediately behind the engine. The drive from this gearbox to the rear wheel is also by a strong roller chain.
Ackermann Steering.
The steering is by wheel to Ackermann-type steering gear on the front axle. The chassis is well sprung, on two half-elliptic springs at the front and two full elliptic soringgc at the rear. The brake i drum s attached to the rear wheel, and the hand and foot brakes take c48 effect on this drum through internal and external bands respectively.
The Control Follows Car Lines.
The control of the machine is as follows :—The usual ignition and throttle levers carried below the steering wheel control the engine. Two clutch and brake pedals are provided, one on each -side of the engine. The change speed lever is of the quadrant type, and is situated at the right-hand side of the driver as also is the side brake lever. The engine is started b3 means of a kick-starter, a levei protruding from the gearbox beirq pressed down sharply with thg foot .at the same time as an exhaust-valve lifter for half-cora pression lever is held down by the other foot. The ignition is b3 high-tension magneto. The carburetter is a Schebler. The fue and oil are carried in a conibinec receptacle which takes the form oi a cylindrical drum attached to the goods-carrying box.
Equipment and Price.
Wire wheels are fitted with the usual clincher type of rim, and these take 28 in. by 3 in. pneumatic tires, American sizes. The overall dimensions of the machine are 9 ft. long and 4 ft. wide. These particulars are useful is any prospective owner who s somewhal limited. as to his garage capacity. The price of the chassis only,,complete with tires, tools, etc., ig 4105. The company has a plan oi selling which should appeal tc agents,