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The
“Bridgemaster" is a chassisless type passenger vehicle with
independent front suspension, incorporating a low height lightweight
body for operation on roads where height is restricted, whilst retaining
normal body features with centre gangways in both saloons.
The independent front,
and patented coil spring rear suspension, provide riding comfort and
stability greatly superior to any double-deck vehicle in normal service.
For these reasons the “Bridgemaster" will appeal to operators
even where its low height is not an essential feature.
VEHICLE STRUCTURE
Chassisless type composed of a box like structure formed by the body
together with a front subframe which carries the engine, steering and
controls.
ENGI NE
A.E.C. type A V 470, 6-cylinder direct-injection vertical oil engine of
470 cu. in. (7,685 c.c.) capacity; developing 103 b.h.p. at 1,800 r.p.m.
and 325 lb. ft. torque at 1,000 r.p.m. Bore 112 mrn. (4.41 in.) x stroke
130 mrn. (5'12 in.)
CLUTCH
Single dry plate type with hydraulic operation. Friction area 237 sq.
in.
GEARBOX
4-speed synchromesh gearbox unit-mounted
with the engine, providing four forward speeds and reverse. Reverse has
sliding mesh engagement. Ratios; 1st; 4.93:1; 2nd, 2.65:1; 3rd; 1.56:1;
4th, 1:1; reverse, 4,30:1. At the rear of the gearbox is a transfer box
which provides an offset drive to the rear axle. The gears are of the
single helical spur type, ratio 1:1.
PROPELLER SHAFT
Three-piece shaft; front and rear shafts have Hardy Spicer needle roller
bearing universal joints; centre section is supported in self-aligning
bearings. A torsional vibration transmission damper is provided.
REAR AXLE
Offset, double reduction, spiral bevel and spur gear rear axle. Hubs
carried on taper roller bearings. Overall reduction ratio 6.19:1.
FRONT SUSPENSION
Independent front suspension incorporating unequal length wishbones and
coil springs. The wishbone units are each pivoted to the main front
crossmember and the swivel pin bosses by conical rubber bush units. The
coil springs are fitted between the lower wishbones and the top of the
crossmember with direct-acting telescopic dampers inside the springs.
Hubs carried on taper roller bearings.
REAR SUSPENSION
Two
radius arms pivoted to the body underframe at their front ends and
bolted to a crossmember at the rear which reacts against coil springs.
Telescopic hydraulic dampers are enclosed within the springs. The rear
axle is attached to the radius arms by inclined sandwich rubber
mountings.
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STEERI NG
Worm and nut type.
BRAKES
Foot: Air pressure with hydraulic application to front and direct air
pressure to the rear wheels.
Hand: Mechanical to rear wheels only.
RADIATOR
Built up from vertical tube and horizontal gill plate block.
WHEELS
AND TYRES
11-00-20, l4-ply rating single front and 9-00-20, 12-ply
rating twin rear tyres fitted on three-piece ventilated wheel discs.
FUEL
SUPPLY
35 Imperial gallon tank.
ELECTRICAL
EQUIPMENT
24-volt lighting and starting. Equipment includes head, side
and panel lamps, horn and stop light switch. Dynamo and axial engagement
starter motor. Lead acid batteries.
INSTRUMENTS
AND ACCESSORIES
Panel contains, speedometer, oil pressure gauge, air pressure
gauge, water temperature gauge, ammeter and indirect illumination with
rheostatic control. Horn push, dip and trafficator switch on arm
extending from steering column.
BODY
Integral construction employing the stressed skin principle
throughout. Designed to achieve a low overall height for use on roads
with height restrictions and at the same time achieve maximum passenger
space whilst retaining normal body features.
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Here
is the advertisement flyer for the prototype Bridgemaster from Crossley dated August 1st
1956. Below is the complete text.
