Mechanical running gear

Engine, Gearbox, Differential, Suspension, Steering, Brakes

The original engine was an AEC AH-760 13 litre horizontal diesel, coupled to a pneumo-cyclic, semi-automatic 5 speed gearbox, with a highway diff ratio providing just over 100kph.

The engine and gearbox are rear-mounted, and coupled to the diff via a short jack-shaft. The coil-spring rear suspension provides a soft ride, but still feels the full weight of the huge engine at the back.

The front axle is held in place by leaf suspension, with fairly flat springs that also provide a nice soft ride.

The steering is power assisted by a hydraulic pump and ram, and the brakes are standard full s-cam airbrakes.

In March 2010 the original AEC engine threw a leg out of bed. She dropped a gudgeon pin on No.6 pistion, and consequentially threw the conrod through the cylinder block self destroying herself.

The decision was made to replace the entire powerplant and transmission with a more modern turbocharged Volvo engine and Allison fully automatic gearbox.