24-30 H.P. "Brown" Car.

Progress, Volume II, Issue I, 1 November 1906, Page 14

24-30 H.P. " Brown " Car.

Our illustration depicts the new four - cylinder 24-30 h.p. " Brown" car made by Messrs. Brown Bros., Ltd., London. The following particulars of this fine machine have reached us from Messrs. Jenkinson & Co., Wellington — The four-cylinder engine (bore : 100 m/m , stroke • 120 m/m.) embodies all the latest improvements, while the materials used in its construction are of the highest grade. The crank-shaft is made of nickel steel, the bearings are long and a special bronze is used in their manufacture. The valves are mechanically operated, the inlet valves being fitted with variable lift. The gears driving the magneto, water pump and the special pump for forcing the lubricating oil up to the drip rack on the dashboard, are all enclosed. The water pump is placed in an easily accessible position. Compression taps are provided in the top of each cylinder. Both magneto and high-tension ignition are fitted. The magneto is a Lacoste high tension driven by a small cardan shaft. The contact breaker for the accumulator ignition is run off a spindle just above. The accumulator ignition is by an E.I.C. controller coil with volt meter fixed to the dashboard and two 40 amp hr. accumulators. Two sparking plugs are fitted to each cylinder so that both ignitions can be used if necessary. The carburetter is a float feed of improved design, is very efficient, and gives most satisfactory results. The water circulation is by a gear-driven pump attached to the front of the engine, the radiator being of the honey-comb pattern. The steering mechanism is of an improved type built very strongly, and the connecting rod to the front wheel is placed at the rear of the tror.t axle, where it is less likely to be damaged. The levers controlling the advance spark and the variable lift to the inlet valves are on an a quadrant on top of the steering wheel The joints are large and fitted with hardened pins The brake and change-speed levers are so arranged that all the connecting rods are inside the chassis, making it very convenient to fit side-entrance bodies. _^A curved metal dash affords great protection to the front passengers and also to the vanous fittings on the dashboard Two cupboards, in which maps, gloves, etc , can be kept, are provided. The exhaust box, which is exceedingly effective, is placed at the rear of the chassis, and without affecting the power of the motor, effectually silences it. Mud-guards are fitted from end to end of the chassis, and a box is provided on each side, one for accumulators and one for tools. The back axle is of the very latest design, the road wheels being carried on two self-contained ball bearings attached to the outer case, thus relieving the live, or driving, axle of all weight. In order to absorb the shock of starting a special stay is fitted, running from the rear axle to one of the cross members of the frame. The bevel gears are large and carefully hardened and the , driving pinion is well supported on three selfcontained ball bearings. For the lubrication of the axle a door in the aluminium casing is provided through which to pour the oil. The lubricant used should consist of a good grease, such as " Bnto " motor grease mixed with " Bnto " gear oil. All the bearings are self-contained and, therefore, need no attention. The lubrication of the wheels is effected by filling the wheel caps with oil. The gear box is fitted with three speeds forward and a reverse, and is of the sliding pinion type. The top speed is a direct dove obtained bv sliding the second speed pinion inside the dnect drive gear wheel AH shafts are carried on ball bearings of ample size, and the lubrication is automatic. At the rear end of the gear box is a powerful brake drum to which is fixed a universal joint to take

cardan shaft. Ihe front end of the gear box is fitted with a coupling that takes a square shaft upon which the clutch slides, thus making it an easy matter to remove the clutch, if necessary. The shafts carrying the gear wheels are arranged side by side, thus permitting a full inspection on removing the aluminium cover of the gear box. The clutch is of the internal type with selfcontained spring taking all thrust oft the engine bearings, and is connected with the mechanism operating the variable lift to the inlet valves. A sprag is fitted and acts on a ratchet toothed ring attached to the brake drum This car, together with others of the same make, will be seen in Chnstchurrh during the Exhibition.