A New Low-level Coach Chassis
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Details of .a Rachel-Schneider Chassis for Coach Work, From One Paris Correspondent
N "company with other famous old
French automobile companies, the h use of Rochet-Schneider, of Lyon, has daring recent years been turning its attention more and more to the industrial-vehicle side of its business. 'Two standard models are made--a 3/t-tonner and a 41-tonner—but optional engines are provided for each type, according td the particular purpose for which, the vehicle is required, namely, moderatespeed goods transport or fast passenger Work.
The latest Rocket-Schneider product 14 a special low-level chassis designed f r the tourist coach services of the French railway companies. This chassis provides a body space 6 m. 10 c.m. long and will take 25-seater to 35-seater bodies, according to the arrangement of the seating.
The Rochet-Schneider 31-tanner has a four-cylindered engine of 80 ram. bore and 130 mm. stroke, and the 4i-ton/ler
four-cylindered unit of 95 mm. bore and 130 mm. stroke, both having side by-side valves. The larger engine has a detachable head, tubular connecting rods, aluminium pistons, and an exeep, tionally robust three-bearing crank shaft.
In the long-chassis model for fast passenger work this engine has a bore of 105 mm. and a stroke of 140 mm. A feature of this chassis is the exceptional length of the fiat rear springs. The propeller shaft has a single universal joint of large dimensions, enclosed in a spherical casing and working in an oil bath. Both models have double-reduction gearing by bevels and straight Pinions. The reduction-dear casing, which is built in one with that Of the rear axle, provides an anchorage for the brake-operating shafts.
Dewandre vacuum-servo-brake operation is employed and, in the case of the fast passenger chassis, a largediameter hand-operated transmission brake is fitted. Both chassis have fourspeed gearboxes and a particularly good steering lock is allowed. This is, of course, an essential' feature if a coach is to be operated on services in the south and south-east of France. '
Workmanship and finish maintain the high reputation built up during the past 30 years by Rochet-Schneider vehicles. The chassis are marketed in France at prices t which appear moderate in view of the quality of the machines.