New braking systems from Atkinson
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L'IR OM NOVEMBER 1 new braking -I'systems will be incorporated on all vehicles built by Atkinson. The new systems are designed to meet the Code of Practice (for design) braking efficiency figures of 60 per cent for the main system, 30 per cent for the secondary and a parking brake capable of holding on a 19 per cent (1 in 5.26) gradient.
Double-diaphragm actuators with a lock-on system (lock actuators) will be used at one or more axles to provide for the parking brake and this will result in the elimination of handbrake lever and linkage.
Atkinson is also introducing a condensing tank and automatic drain valve in all its airpressure systems and fully machined brake drums will be used on front axles. Loadsensed braking on all driving axles will be standard and chassis will have increased reservoir capacity and 0.5in. pipework in place of 0.375in.
On all tractive units and multi-wheelers, dual-diaphragm lock actuators will be fitted to the front axle enabling this axle to be braked for parking as well as the driving axle on four-wheelers and the rearmost axle on sixand eight-wheelers. On the tractive units only the front axle forms part of the secondary system while on rigid chassis the rear axle of four-wheelers and the rearmost axle of multi-wheelers is included also.
Also from November 1 Atkinson will be offering an improved version of its plasticspanelled cab. Called the De Luxe Mk 2 it is 6in. wider over the doors. Easier access is provided by lowering the entry step and doorway bottom line; there will be no hindrance by a handbrake lever as lock actuators will be standard and the small control lever for these will be on the rear panel of the cab. Improved vision is given by raising the top line of the windscreens which are 2ft 9in. deep and a double-skinned roof and sides with insulated floor will give better sound and heat insulation.
To give more driving comfort a Chapman Superide hydraulically-suspended seat will be standard as will a more powerful 6.9kW heater with multi-direction Spherivent control. Five separate distribution ducts will help demist the front and side windows.
An alteration designed to improve accessibility is a change to a tilting matrixtype radiator contained within a plastics cowl which will allow ready access to fan belts and front-of-engine components.
Atkinson will have three chassis at the Scottish Motor Show each of which will incorporate a new brake layout.
• EXCHEQUER expenditure on road construction and improvement in England is expected to rise to over £280m in 1970-71. Announcing this in the Commons on Wednesday, Mrs. Barbara Castle said that, together with local authority spending. total public investment in English roads in 1970-71 would be around £320m. Comparable figures for Wales, also given in the Commons, are £16m and Il7m, and for Scotland £35m and £40m.