Description
Many of the Maybach Engines features a “Riemenantrieb für Luftpresser” (belt drive for air compressor), driven by a pulley at the other end from the flywheel. This type of set-up was used in various types of vehicles, including:
Panzer III and Stug III (some variants) – Maybach Variorex SRG 328 145 pre-selector gearbox
Sd.Kfz. 10 and 250 – Variorex VG 102 128H pre-selector g/box
Sd.Kfz. 11 and 251 – air brakes on towed equipment (e.g. Pak 40 anti-tank gun)
Sd.Kfz. 6–9 – pneumatic foot/parking brake + towed equipment[34] (e.g. 15 cm sIG 33 towed by the Sd.Kfz 7)
On early Panzer III and Stug IIIs, and on the Sd.Kfz. 10 with its derivative the Sd.Kfz. 250, the compressor provided the (reverse) pressure for a pneumatically-operated pre-selector gearbox. To shift gears, the pre-selector lever is set in the desired position or slot, and then the clutch pedal is depressed and released. The air inlet of the compressor is connected to the system, not the outlet: the compressor works “in reverse” to create a vacuum. Inside the Variorex gearbox there are vacuum-actuated pistons: these move dog clutches, which select the desired gearing. On inline-6 engines, the compressor is mounted in various locations – either on the left or right at the front of the engine, or on top of the cam cover nearest the driver.
Made of iron, this is a SUPERB example! It features NO cracks, breaks, damage, or corrosion, and still VERY SOLID! Some dirt, but it could be cleaned up quite easily. The size of the compressor mounts depended on the compressor type used. I have shown the exact set-up from the Maybach manual. Would make a PERFECT addition to any collection, display, or restoration project!
