Opinions front Others.
Page 16
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Low -load line chassis. Will High Chassis be Penalized for Tenders?
The Editor THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[1312] Sir,—I heard a complaint made recently that motor lorry manufacturers were indifferent to estimating for orders which involved specializing in any way. For instance, a large corporation asked for tenders for a lorry or wagon with a low chassis, the goods being light but bulky and within the power of the driver to lift on and off. Only one tender complied with this essential requirement. The class of goods is likely to call for the use of such lorries or wagons in many cities and towns ; and it would be interesting to know if the change from a high chassis (which most vehicles of the kind have) to a lower one would mean prohibition from competing with at least one firm which at present makes a low chassis to carry about three tons at a cost of about 1600. I was assured that it would.—Yours faithfully.
THOMAS DOUBTFUL.
What Causes Road Waves? Why Not Front-driven Rollers?
The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[1313j Sir,--I have been interested for several vveeks by the correspondence on "what causes road waves."
I note that several writers have come to the same conclusion a-bout the roller's being pushed along, which can readily he seen if one watches a good thickness of new material being laid. It is not a true rolling contact, the, roller is pushing some of the material before ; it then causes a wave to rise at a short distance ahead. At the same time, while the material is soft the back driving wheels, in trying to push the front roller over the wave, are gradually slipping owing to the extra power required to push the front roller over the wave, Which, of course, makes another depression, and so it continues doing for the whole length. On starting a fresh piece they do not take the whole width of the roller, and that is how the waves are carried across the road, as the -Feller stops against the old wave. The -same thing happens again, after the rolling is done ; when other slow-moving motor traffic goes over the road, the back driving wheels are slightly slipping, as they are pushing the front wheels over the waves ; then begins the wearing action which deepens the depressions.
I note one of your correspondents speaks of a woodpaved road having waves at a curve on the inside. Now, if one thinks it over one will see that it is caused by the, inside driving wheels of heavy traffic slipping in jerks caused by the differential.
Now, Sir, I think when I have explained my idea for the improvement of the road roller, it will be seen by SO/TIO of your numerous readers that it is right. To make a true rolling contact, the front roller must be self-driven, or, better still, all wheels should be driven. There would be no waves caused by the roller then, as it would roil down as it progressed, also it would not want so much power, front-driven vehicles requiring 20 per cent, less power than rear driven ; they have, besides, many other good points, some of which are : a practical absence of skidding ; they can be built much lower: they can turn in a very much smaller circle, etc., etc.
-For further good qualities of front and four-wheeldrivenvehicles, I refer to your article in " CM.," 22nd January last, nage 455, dealing with the fourwheel drive in the French army. They have also a number of front-driven vans.—Yours faithfully,
THE PIONEER PATENTEE OF THE FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE. 016
Tractor-drawn Fire Engines. The Trailer Law.
The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[1311] Sir,—I am interested in this suggested use of motors to draw old steam fire engines. But surely those responsible have little knowledge of the law concerning ttailers, their use and specd.—Yours faithfully, FIRE BUG. Wendover.
The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[1315.1 Sir,—With reference to Captain Seymour's letter [1310] on the above subject, I should like to ask two questions. The Heavy Motor Car Order
dated 1904 gives the law as follows A heavy motorcar is restricted to a speed of five miles an hour, if the car draws a trailer." Now does this apply to the Henley car-drawn steamer or is there any exemption in the case -of going to a fire Is the steamer fitted with brakes to the road wheels 1—Yours faithfully, YORESIdIREMAN.
The Editor, THE COMI7ERCIAL MOTOR.
[1310] Sir,—Writing further on the subject of the motor tractor referred to in your issue of 5th February, I am enclosing particulars of the cost of chassis and body. The latter was constructed at our fire station by four of our members, in spare time. The designer is a retired coachbuilder. He undertook the painting and lettering in addition to making the ash frame ; two are good carpenters and undertook the -woodwork, the other is a coachsmith.
I have read with interest your comments, and those of "Fire Bird" on the subject of greasy roads and skidding. If any trouble is experienced I shall be the first to acknowledge that the method is dangerous to the users, but I quite believe, as far as our own district is concerned, there will not be much trouble, provided the ordinary amount of care and discretion be exercised.----Yours faithfully,
THOS. H. SEYMOUR, Capt. and Hon. Sec. Henley Fire Brigade.