Tricycle Delivery Van
snakeskin

From the same 3A instruction manual as the Sports car here Reliant van is another model, the Motor Tricycle Delivery Van. Most of the parts were from a light red and green No. 4 Electrikit set given to me by a neighbour. I have made several modifications to the front end using parts not included in the Number 4 set of that time. The main modifications being the steering and fitting a mudguard. The original model was steered using cord. This prevented the model running in circles as it had a tendency to want to go in a straight line. I have used a worm and 19 tooth pinion directly mounted on the top of the front forks. Its great fun to watch it whirring along driven by a No. 1 clockwork motor and is a pleasing little model.

The model is based on a Tricycle van, a type of vehicle built in Britain primarily during the 1930's. These light vans had the front end of a motor bike,  the engine was alongside the driver with chain drive to the rear wheels. Manufacturers included  B.S.A,  Raleigh and Reliant amongst others. The Reliant shown above, had a more powerful engine based on that used in the Austin 7. They had a big tax advantage for the small trader as they were classified as a motor cycle.

Tricycle van 04

Original 3a manual instructions are shown below in reduced size. This was a modified model from an earlier No. 4 manual, revised to use the then new triangular plates included in the set.

 Tricycle van 01 manual

 

Revised October 06 2009

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