David,
Was perusing my library and found US tech manual TM-E 30-480 Handbook of Japanese Military Forces of October 1944, which has a brief section on the Tricycles that may be of interest:
Quote:
"Motor Tricycles (Sanrinsha):
The Motor Tricycle has been developed as a commercial freight carrier in Japan since 1930. Many commercial versions exist, with engines ranging from 350cc to 1,000cc in displacement. Lighter types have single chain drive without differentials, whereas heavier types may have shaft or double train drive, with differentials. Load capacities vary from 300 to 1,000 pounds. A standard three-speed transmission and reverse is used. It is believed that the Army adopted whatever types were available and that no standard Army model exists. Lighter tricycles may have 2-cycle engines, and some 2-cylinder types have been encountered. The usual design, however, is chain driven, with a slow-speed, single cylinder, 4-cycle engine of about 750cc displacement. L=9 foot 6 inches; W = 4 feet 1 inch, Wheelbase = 6 feet 2 inches."
|
Such was the state of US military knowledge about Japanese tricycles in October 1944!!
Regards
Mike C