The Reliance Three-ton Chassis.
Page 15
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A New All-British Machine, Utilizing Well-tried Components.
Yet another addition must be made this week to the now rapidly-growing total of available all-British commercial-vehicle chassis. We describe elsewhere in this issue the 85-cwt. British-Berna, and it is our further pleasure to give the following brief particulars of the three-ton Reliance commer cial chassis, which is made throughout in this country. There is something familiar at first sight about the details and arrangement of this chassis ; a closer investigation, accompanied by an inquiry into its antecedents, confirms our first impression.
Ver3i Like the Star Chassis.
There is a remarkable similarity between this machine and the wellknown Star chassis of the same capacity. The rear axle and gear
box, in fact, practically all the details with the exception of the engine emanate from the well-known 'Wolverhampton works. The engine is the Dorman subsidy type to which we have made frequent reference in these columns in the course of. descriptions of various chassis.
The Dorman Engine.
It may be remembered that the outstanding features of this engine are its simplicity, the ample nature of the cooling-water arrangements and pipes, as well as the neatness of its outward appearance.. Special attention has also been paid to the design or the pistons so as to allow of efficient lubrication without liability to emit smoke from the exhaust. The lubrication is a completely automatic one, oil being circulated to all the bearings under pressure from the gear pump situated underneath the sump and driven by worm gearing from the camshaft:. High-tension magneto ignition is provided, and the carburetter is a Claudol-Hobson. A distinctive feature to he noted is the method of utilizing the same casting to serve as a water-circulation pipe. and induction pipe. This, of course, adequately arranges for the heating of the mixture.
The control is by means of the usual pair of levers on the steering column together with an accelerator pedal. A governor of the centrifugal type limits the engine speed to 1000 r.p.m.
Clutch and Gearbox.
A leather-lined cone clutch and a Tour-speed-and-reverse gearbox are provided, the latter being threepoint suspended. An unusual fea... ture of this component is that Tim.. ken roller bearings are used throughout. The change-speed gear operates on the gate principle.
sleeves are stated to be of special drawn steel tubing, the central portion is of east steel. The design of this component incorpora.teti tie rods, So as to strengthen it. A built-up torque rod is attached by pins to the rear axle casing in such a manner as to allow-of free horizontal movement ; the front end is anchored between a pair of coil springs. The driving thrust is taken by the rear road springs. The radiator fitted is a very substantial unit ; it is of the gilled-tube. type with cast top and bottom headers. This component is bolted _to the side members of the main frame.
The braking arrangements are as usual, the foot brake takes effect on a drum behind the gearbox, through external shoes. The hand brake operates internal brakes in drums on the rear wheels. It is possible, however, by adjustment of
■ ti, collar on the side brake rod, to arrange for the foot pedal to control both sets of brakes. • Early Deliveries Available.
We understand that the company is in a position to make deliveries almost immediately, and that in the course of a month or so as many as 10 per week will be available. The price of the chassis complete with tires is £700. Intending purchasers should get into communication with the Vulcan Car Agency. Ltd., 166, Great Portland Street, W.