An Air-cooled Light Van.
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At the present time, when we are paying so much. attention to the development of the latest of the smaller classes of commercial vehicles, it is naturally of interest for us to keep a watchful eye on comparable progress which is taking place on the Continent. In Germany, for instance, pareelears of various sorts are rapidly growing in favour, although the development in that country does not. appear to be on lines similar to those with which we are becoming familiarized in Great Britain.
Three-wheelers, of the type which has been made known to us by the importation of the Phanomobile and the Cyclonnette, are much in favour with tradesmen in Berlin and German provincial cities. Some of these small three-wheelers are battery-driven, and we have from time to time described and illustrated such types in our columns, notably those known as the B.E.F. and the Geha, respectively. As typical of another class of construction, which, as a line of development, will have to be taken carefully into consideration, and which, it appears, is meeting with considerable success, we are pleased on the present occasion to be able to illustrate and to describe briefly an air-cooled lightvan chassis which is known as the M.A.F., initial letters which stand, as a matter of fact, for the Ma,rkranstadter Automobil Fabrik.
After much experience of this type in hard service, we learn from responsible observers that this small M. A.F. machine practically never shows signs of overheating, although its air-cooled engine, together, of course, with its fan accessories, is totally enclosed in a neat form of bonnet. We hear that users do not hesitate to state that D6
the exhaust valves never show any signs of unduly-hot working conditions.
It is principally in respect of the engine, of course, that interest centres. The cylinders are of the twin block type, and the exhaust valves are unusually large in diameter, the latter being set in the tops of the cylin ders and operated by overhead rocker valves, the push rods for which are entirely enclosed in grease baths. The inlet valves are on the same side of the cylinders as the ex hausts, and are operated from the common camshaft. The top of each valve pocket carries the sparking plug. The cooling itself, which is apparently so very efficient, is effected by two powerful fans, one mounted on each side of the engine, and each of these is driven by a flat belt kept taut by an adjustable jockey-pulley.
The magneto is a Ruthard hightension model, and is shaft driven. We may mention one other unusual constructional feature on. this chassis, and that is the mounting of the steering gear. It is rigidly attached to the crankcase, and is of the worm and sector type.
In all other respects the M.A.F. may be said to follow standard modern practice, with its ordinary change-speed gearbox and beveldriven back axle. A further application of this efficient air-cooled engine is in respect of a street roller, of which anathe2 illustration gives a very good impression. It would be difficult to find better proof of the efficiency of this particular class of engine than the testimony of users of these rollers who state that the engine tackles this work without any difficulty. At a time when simplicity is such an important consideration this M.A.F. model should be carefully considered.