7 half ton driver at royal mail
A blast from the past!
The 7.5-tonne (7 half-ton) driver was a type of vehicle used by Royal Mail in the UK from the 1960s to the 1990s. It was a large, three-wheeled van designed to carry mailbags and other postal items.
Here are some interesting facts about the 7.5-tonne driver:
- Design and construction: The vehicle was built by the British company, Reliant, and was based on their popular Reliant Regal three-wheeled car. The postal service modified the design to create a larger, heavier vehicle with a longer wheelbase.
- Capacity: The 7.5-tonne driver had a payload capacity of 1.5 tons, making it an ideal vehicle for carrying large volumes of mail.
- Engine: The vehicle was powered by a 2.5-liter diesel engine, which provided sufficient power for the vehicle's size and weight.
- Transmission: The 7.5-tonne driver had a four-speed manual transmission, which was suitable for the vehicle's heavy load and urban driving conditions.
- Brakes: The vehicle was equipped with drum brakes on all three wheels, which provided adequate stopping power for the vehicle's size and weight.
- Suspension: The 7.5-tonne driver had a simple suspension system, consisting of leaf springs and shock absorbers, which helped to absorb bumps and vibrations on the road.
- Operational life: The 7.5-tonne driver was used by Royal Mail for several decades, with many vehicles remaining in service until the 1990s. They were eventually replaced by newer, more modern postal vehicles.
- Preservation: Some 7.5-tonne drivers have been preserved and restored by enthusiasts, and can be seen at vintage vehicle shows and events.
The 7.5-tonne driver was an iconic part of Royal Mail's fleet, and its unique design and capabilities made it an effective vehicle for delivering mail and parcels across the UK.