Family Favourite
Following Dr Beeching’s draconian cuts to the UK’s railway network, a change in the Construction and Use Regulations in 1964 paved the way for larger 32-tonne gross-weight articulated vehicles. This helped mitigate the effects of the unpopular 50% increase in road tax.
ERF had been keeping an eye on these significant changes and were keen to focus on technical improvements. They decided to hire designers from other companies including Eric Green from Atkinson, which had recently been acquired by Seddon. The result was the new ‘A’ Series chassis.
The new chassis used lighter but stronger rails of parallel depth, as well as lightweight split cross members and longer outboard mounted rear springs. The specification also included rear axle shock absorbers, and the grouping of key components such as air tanks.
ERF was determined that the A Series chassis would be flexible, and capable of being modified to meet future legislation requirements. Most of the common parts were also used on other models, which allowed more efficient production.
Two new chassis appeared on ERF’s stand at the Earl’s Court show in the autumn of 1970. These were the 4x2 and 6x4 units, with a wider spring base and
