WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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" Ths,L=11ee's of wealth will be sloce g &l dieicuaies of transport at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by the roughness of Me roads OTICT Width, it russ,"-slohn Eteattie Crozier.
A Sidecar. Demonstration in July.
We have long held the opinion, and expressed it, that the motorcycle and sidecar provide an excellent combination suitable for public-service vehicles of a_ certain type and for vehicles to be employed in the transport of goods. They are able to handle loads up to 5 cwt. or 6 cwt., provided the power unit and framework are designed for the purpose.
We are glad, therefore, to note that the Auto-Cycle Union proposes to assist in the practical development of this side of the industry by arranging a six-day demonstration of commercial sidecars, to take place during the week commencing Monday,July 6th next, to follow a circular course • of about 800miles, which will embrace, in the first place, Chester 'during the Royal Agricultural Show; and. Harrogate during the meeting of the British Advertising Convention. The tour will start and finish-at Birinhighaini and diking the course of any -one-day .run, halts will be mode at no fewer than five Market towns or in
dustrial centres. We hope that the demonstration will include, vehicles of the taxicab type— they could be einployed to convey the officials throughout the trial—as they would serve to give ideas to men in various large centres, who would see in them an • opportunity for starting up in the sidecar taxicab business.
It is proposed to arrange receptions by various mayors and chambers Vf conmeree en route.
Trojans for Postal Work.
The Post Office authorities have re-. cently put into service the fleet of Trojan parcelvans, which is illustrated on this page, and we understand from Leyland Motors, Ltd., that further machines of a similar type are now on order.
These little vehicles possess a very smart and distinctive appearance, being painted in the standard Post Office colours, with bold black lettering on their side panels. The vehicles are practically of the standard type of Trojan pareelvan, with the exception that there is no off-side door, only a sliding window being fitted above the body panel. The door at the near side is also provided with a sliding window, and the door itself Is tined with a special budget-type lock. Both sliding windows are provided with a neat locking device, so that they cannot be opened from the outside.
Proper provision is also made against the rear door being tampered with by fitting a crossbar, which is locked by a long rod operated from the driver's seat. The effect of this arrangement is that, when the van is closed, entry can only lid effected by a special hey in the driver's possession.
The vans are fitted with oil side and tail lamps, in addition to electric headlamps, and each carries a fire-extinguisher.'
A " C.M.," Vacancy.
Owing to the continual expansion of this journal, there is an opening on the staff for a gentleman who has .a fair acquaintance with the commercial motor industry and who posseases the-qualifications necessary for the obtaining of 'advertisements. _Applicants, who should be about 30 years of age, are requested to write to the Manager, Temple Press Ltd., 7-15, Rosebery Avenue, London; B.C.1, in the first instance.
Albion's 1924 Profit.
The report of the directors of the Albion Motor Car Co., 'Ltd., for the year ended December 31st last shows that, after making provision for depreciation, corporation profits tax, income tax and other items, there remains a profit of .£84,070, to which must be added a sum of £1,821 brought forward from the previous year From the total of these amounts the directors have transferred £33,000 to the reserve (bringing this fund up to £50,000), and allocated £5,200 to the benevolent fund. These items, as well as a dividend paid on the preference shares at the rate of 6 per cent. per annum (f4,016) for the half-year ended June, total £42,216, leaving a balance of £43,685.
A dividend on the preference shares for, the latter half of the year at the rate of 6 per cent. per annum absorbs £4,016, and a dividend at the rate of 7i per cent, per annum on the ordinary shares accounts for £27,600. After these deductions have been made, a sum of £12,060 remains to be carried forward. Provision of Parking Places Below Ground.
There is a great dearth of parking places or quick garaging arrangements not only in London but elsewhere in the provinces. In London, however, the problem is acute, as, owing to the heaVy traffic, it is not possible to allow vehicles to stand for more than a few moments at the roadside. Certain spaces have been set aside in London as parking places, but their number is quite inadequate, and many people have long held the idea that the ground below some of the squares in London should be excavated and turned into parking places.
We are, therefore, interested to learn that the Automobile Association has been considering the possibility of providing such underground parking spaces and has had prepared a model showing. what could be done below Leicester Square.
The ground surface would not be altered, except that on each side of the square a sloping entrance way or exit would be provided, so that the garage could be entered from two points, the other two ways serving as outlets. The whole of the space under the square would be entirely excavated, the roof being supported on columns, with perhaps a central column which would serve as a basis for any group of statuary that occupied the centre of the square. Sufficient depth of soil would be left on the roof to provide rooting space for the trees and suitable drainage would be laid to carry off surface water. As every entrance would face approaching traffic and every 'exit lead into following traffic, there would be no crossing of traffic lines either on entering or emerging. There would be stairway communication between the square.and the underground parking space for the convenience of drivers who had parked their cars or were returning to them.
In order to jsermit of such parking facilities being provided a Parliamentary Bill would be necessary, empowering local authorities to raise the money for the construction of the work and any necessary diversion of leads, whilst a reasonable scale of charges based upon the length of the stop should not only attract business but provide substantial' profit.
Tunnel v. Ferry Rates on • Merseyside.
Motor haulage contractors and commercial motor users generally will no doubt be interested in the proposed maximum scale of charges for thy use of the Mersey Tunnel, for the construction of which, a Bill is now being promoted in Parliament. Somewhat lower rates had been anticipated in some quarters, but it is realized, of course, that the tolls actually charged may not reach the maximum permitted. A flat rate of 2s. is to be the charge for ordinary motorcars as compared with three separate rates-1s. 6d., 2s. and 2s, 6d.—according to length, on the ferries. Motorcycles will pay 6d., and with trader's sidecar Oil., and three-wheeled cycleciirs 1s.
The greatest differences are in the charges for the heavier vehicles as the following list shows :— Moon VEH'ICLES.
Maxinuun Present, tunnet ferry
ton. toll,
Char-ii-bancs (small) 2 6 4 6 Char-à-bancs (over 14 seats) ... 50 76 The rates for foot passengers and for livestock correspond with the existing charge.s on the Woodside ferries. A representative of Messrs. Pickford informed a representative of this journal that the saving of time that will result from the tunnel will be of more value to most users than a small drop in the charges. A motor coach owner 'said :
"The saving of half a crown per char-a--banes is, of course, welcome, but the
quicker crossing will help us still more."
The Tunnel Bill provides that tolls shall cease after twenty years, or after £1,250,000 has been paid. The Tunnel Joint Committee is to consist of 24 members (all councillors), 13 from Liverpool. 7 from Birkenhead and 4 from Bootle.
American Tractor Exports Increase.
Recently published figures show that the total number of tractors exported by the United States in 1924 was 25,228, the total value being 14,726,220 dollars. The corresponding figures for 1922 were 20,570 tractors, valued at 12,762,588 dollars. The leading importing countries in 1924 were Australia, 4,103; Argentina, 2,530; Canada, 2,064; Denmark, ,2,036; Italy, 1,966; France, 1516; 'Sweden, 1,243; Belgium, 1,140 ; Great Britain, 1,087; Ukraine, 1,006; New Zealand, 815; Germang, 607; Cuba, 591; and Brazil, 562.
Seeking a Road-closing Order_ Mr. S. Evans, a Ministry of Transport representative, conducted an inquiry at Ebbw Vale recently into the proposal of the Monmouthshire County Council and the Ebbw Vale Urban District Council to close for use by heavy motor traffic sections of the road from Glanyafon to Beaufort.
There was considerable opposition to the proposal, and, amongst others, the G.W.R. Co. objected that the delivery of parcels by motorvan would be impeded if the road be closed.
Suggestions to obviate the inconvenience which might be caused to bus 5er
vices were forthcoming fronrthe council, and Mr. Evans advised a conference between the council and the bus proprietors. He would, he said, delay sending his report to the ,Ministry until he was notified of the result of this meeting.
A Fowler Appointment.
d'ahn Fowler and Co. (Leeds), Ltd., of Leeds, inform us that Mr. F. S. Heaton has been appointed a representative of the company in connection with the sale of their steam wagon and other products.
A De Dion Development.
De Dion-Bouton, Ltd., 10, Great Marlborough Street, London, W.1, advise us that they have absorbed the well-known distributors of their products, Johnson, Neal and Co., Ltd., of 168, Regent Street, London, W., and that Mr. J. B. Johnson, a director of the latter company, has been appointed general sales manager of De DionBoutoia, Ltd.
Concessionnaires for Rollin Vans.
We are informed that the Eastern Export Co., Ltd., 5, Lloyd's Avenue, London, E.G., have taken over the sole concession for the sale of Rollin light delivery vans and cars in Great Britain and Ireland. These vehicles are designed by Mr. Rollin White and manufactured in Cleveland, Ohio.
West Hartlepool's Bus Purchases.
The tramways department of the West Hartlepool Corporation is to make a number of interesting additions to its motorbus and trolley-bus fleets in the near future. It has been decided to purchase four Bristol single-decker saloon motorbuses for operation over the Seaton Carew to Port Clarence route, whilst orders are also being placed for three new trolley vehicles for use on the Park route, which is to be converted from tram to tailless car operation at an early date.
Northern General Purchase Another Bus Co.
We understand that the management of the Northern General Transport Co., Ltd., has just completed negotiations for the purchase of the Invincible Motor Omnibus Co., Ltd., who have for several years past maintained services in the Sunderland neighbourhood. The intention of the Northern Co., as has been stated in previous issues Of The Commercial Motor, is to extend their operations in the Wearside district, and the purchase will form an important step towards the realization of this ambition.
The Invincible Co. owned a fleet of 28 buses of various makes and capacities,. and the Northern Co. are maintaining all existing routes and making extensions and additions where necessary. The first and immediate outcome of the
purchase has been the inauguration of a new service from Easington Village to Hetton and Houghton, connections being made with established services.
It will be recalled that, in 1923, the Northern General Transport Co., Ltd., made a similar advancenient in the Gateshead neighbourhood, when they took over the business of I. Walton and Co., Ltd. of the Crescent Garages, Gateshead, I
Paris Splashguard Trials.
Trials which will extend over a period of two months are about to be carried Out in Paris at the instance of the Prefect of Police, with devices to prevent the splashing of mud from the wheels of motorbuses and lorries:
Adviser to the Underground Group.
The underground authorities have just" announced that Sir Er.aest Clark has become associated with the activities of their group of companies. Sir Ernest has had a long and distinguished career in the Inland Revenue Department, and he is to advise on all matters where his knowledge and experience will be of special value to the companies.
Albion's New Branch.
Albion Motor Car Co., Ltd., Scotstoun, Glasgow, advise us that, in order to deal more effectively with their business in the West of England, they have opened a branch office at Albion Chambers, Small Street, Bristol, the management of the depot being in the hands of Mr. A. J. Simpson, who has a thorough knowledge of all types of Albion commercial vehicle.
Blyth's Bus Proposals.
Since first entertaining the proposal to inaugurate a system of municipal bus services in the Blyth district, the local corporation has lost little time in taking steps to expedite the scheme. A conference of representatives from urban and rural councils in the area is now being convened with a vietu to ascertaining their feelings with reference to the proposal and, if the outcome of the meeting is satisfactory, it is likely that immediate steps will be taken to secure the necessary powers of running through the medium of a Parliamentary Bill.
A Dunlop Memorial.
After a recent tour of the works of the Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd., at Fort Dunlop, Sir Eric Geddes informed the general secretaries of the works committees that the board of directors was particularly pleased with the progress that had been made since the last in-. spection. He subsequently announced that the board proposed making a grant towards the establishment of a war memorial to Dunlop employees who fell in the war, the sum it had been agreed to contribute being £5,000, which is to be used in the building of a pavilion on the sports field. A sum of more than 12,000, which had been contributed by the employees, will be used for furnishing and equipping the building.
Municipal Co-operation to Combat Bus Competition.
At a meeting of the tramway committee of the Hull Corporation, the manager read correspondence from the Rawtenstall Corporation with regard to the action it is taking in connection with the granting of licences to private omnibus undertakings to run in opposition to the corporation tramway and bus services along routes over which it has Parliamentary powers to operate. In the opinion of the Rawtenstall Corporation additional licences would be redundant, and would cause serious loss to the corporation uedertaking, which, it was said, already provided an adequate service for the district. It was proposed to bring the matter before the Government and the co-operation of the Hull Corporation was sought.
The committee decided that it is undesirable to duplicate existing services, which are considered adequate, and for which Parliamentary powers have been obtained and agreed to co-operate on the lines suggested.
Ammican Exports.
According to figures which have just been issued, the number of goodscarrying commercial vehicles and motorbuses (electrics excepted) exported from the United States in January totalled 2,982, their value being 1,886,234 dollars. The largest number of vehicles was exported to Italy, which took 895, whilst 201 vehicles were sent to the British East Indies, 180 to Cuba, 173 to Australia. 116 to British Africa and 52 to the United Kingdom.
Aberdeen's Largest Van,
What is said to be the largest van in use in Aberdeen is that which is illustrated on this page. It consists of a 2-ton Vulcan chassis, on which the company's local agent, Mr. David Brown, has built a capacious and dis tiuctive body to the order of Messrs. Stevenson Bros., who are proprietors of the Empress Laundry, Aberdeen, and launderers to H.M. the King.
The body is constructed throughout of aluminium sheeting, and has been fitted up to the special requirements of the users, removable shelves facilitating the handling of parcels. It is attractively painted, the main ground being a straw colour, on which the flag design in red, white and blue, the Royal Arms and lettering are treated in an artistic style. The general finish renders the van an excellent advertising medium.
The roof is of a special type, which secures for the interior considerable natural light, hut a roof lamp is also fitted, so that no time is lost in executing deliveries in the darker months of the year.
London Bus Co.'s Application to Welsh Council.
The Aberystwyth Town Council has received an application from the Citizoyne Bus Co., Ltd., London, for licences for six buses to ply for hire in the Aberystwyth district, and particularly the town, in the summer. The company promised to submit a time-table and schedule of fares to be strictly adhered to by them if the council granted the licences.
Tile council has referred the question to its bus service committee.
Chances in the Czecho-Slovakla Market.
There is a growing demand for commercial vehicles in Czecho-Slovakia, market which would appear to be worthy of the attention of British makers. The returns just issued show that a total of 405 complete vehicles and chassis were imported last year, of which 242 came from Italy and 119 from America. The remainder are divided between Prance, Austria, Germany, Denmark and England, the last-named being credited with only two machines. Parking Buses in Scotland.
Very satisfactory arrangements have now been completed for the parking of motorbuses, chars-à-bancs and other motor vehicles in Edinburgh, Dundee, Perth, Paisley, Inverness, Montrose and Dumfries. Of all the large Scottish centres Glasgow has hitherto mitde little provision for the accommodation of motor traffic. It is now stated, however, that a deputation of magistrates from that city is about to visit a number of the largest English towns for the purpose of studying the motor-service regulations adopted in those places, and special attention will be given to the _question of parking. In the light of the information so obtained, it is expected that the Glasgow authority will .speedily proceed-to draft and pass such by-laws as may be necessary for dealing with this and other street problems.
• A World Motor Trade Congress.
'According to an announcement made by the National Automobile -Chamber of Commerce of America, a World Motor Trade Congress is to be •held in New York from January 11th to 13th, 1926. The who are interested in the motor trade, or in any branch of road transport activity, will be .invited to take part in the conferences, and to' deal with the advances which have been made in their particular countries. The dates which have been selected will enable visitors to the 1Thited States to obtain an idea of the latest American practice in design and construction, in so far as the National Automobile Show . will then be proceeding.
Reo Sales Increasins. • Harris and Hasell, Ltd., Sr. George's Road, Bristol, who are the sole concessionnaires in this country for the Reo Speed Wagon, tell us that since its introduction this make of vehicle has met with considerable success. The company inform us that its popularity has increased to such an extent that, during the period from January to March, 1925, their sales were approximately six times greater than those for the corresponding period of 1924.
The Hen chassis, as is well known, is made in a variety of sizes for goods and passenger purposes.
A Booklet on Magnetos.
Simms Motor Units (1920), Ltd., Percy Buildings, Gresse Street, London, W., have just produced a new booklet, which, in the main, gives instructions for the care and upkeep of Simms magnetos of various types. The booklet should prove extremely useful to all users of Simms magnetos, particularly, as a colour chart at the back shows a typical magneto in section and gives a description of the various parts of which it is composed. A copy of the booklet can be obtained from the address we have given.
Licensing a Bus Fleet.
At a meeting of the Oldham Watch Committee, Mr. G. Cardwell, general manager of the North-Western Road Car Co., Ltd., attended and explained that the company possess 129 motor omnibuses, in addition to the 20 buses which are already licensed in Oldham, and it was desired that licences should be issued in respect of the whole of the company's fleet, in order to facilitate the exchange of vehicles in cases of breakdown, accident, repair, etc.
The company also desired licences for six additional conductors.
The committee agreed to these proposals.
Successful Bus Licence Appeal.
The appeal of the West Riding Automobile Co., Ltd., against the refusal of the Bradford Watch Committee to grant licences in respect of a service between Drighlingtou and the centre of Bradford has been granted by the Ministry of Transport, which has notified the corporation of its intention to issue an order directing that the necessary licences be granted.
Preparing for ihe Berlin Show.
Commercial vehicles and buses will be prominently represented at 'theannual German Motor Show to be held in Berlin from November 26th to December 6th next. Delivery:vans up to 15 cwt. capacity will be included with the dis
play of cars in the old Exhibition Hall, but larger vehicles and motorbuses will be staged in the new building erected on the opposite side of the road.
Seeking Representation.
At a meeting of the Stoke-on-Trent Watch Committee, Mr. E. B. Sharpley stated that he had received a letter from the North Staffs Motorbus Proprietors' Association asking that the chairman of the association might be allowed to sit, in an advisory capacity, on the watch sub-committee. The committee, however, declined to agree to the suggestion..
Improving Canada's Roads.
According to the annual report of the Highways Commissioner a Canada, which has recently been issued, 3,016 miles of road were brought up to the modern standard during 1924, the cost involved amounting to 22,955,862 dollars. Under, the Canada Highway Act, Federal aid is extended to the provinces for road construction, and uP to the present time nearly 17,000,000 dollars have been paid to the nine provinces.
A Paper on Brakes.
From time to time much controversy has centred on braking questions, and a paper, „sntitled "Brakes for Motor Vehicles," which was recently read by Mr. George W. Watson before the Institution of Automobile Engineers should do much to provide data for designers.
The maximum deceleration attainable lies in the neighbourhood of 23 ft. per second per second, an average coefficient of friction between the tyre and the road is given as 0.55 and that between the shoes and drums as 0.3. The desirable ratio of weight to brake-lining area is given at 40 lb.-60 lb. per sq. in. for wheel brakes, or 70 lb.-100 lb. in the case of transmission brakes.
According to the author drum diameter is more valuable than width, the latter dimension being, as a rule, onefifth to one-ninth of the former. Low working pressures upon the liners are advisable, and the effort exerted by. the driver should not exceed 75 lb.-80 lb.
Front-axle design, he said, should be altered to withstand the extra bending and torsional stresses when front-wheel brakes are fitted. Stops are recommended to prevent excessive rearward displacement of the front axle should a main leaf of a spring fracture when braking. . .
On the whole, compensating gear is condemned on the grounds that neglect anti rust soon render it inoperative. The author advocates brake shoes having an arc of. contact not exceeding 90 degrees. Reference is made to the recommendation of a U.S.A. safety code committee, in which deceleration at the rate of 8.6 ft. per second per second for the foot brake alone, Cr 5.9 ft. per second per second for the hand brake alone, is suggested.
The habit of "driving on the brakes" is rightly condemned.
Parking at Luton. .
Litton' Town Council is Considering means by which the accommodation for bus passengers in Park Square can be improved and the possibility of securing a suitable parking place. for motor vehicles.
Trojan Price Reductions.
Leyland Motors, Ltd., have just effected considerable reductions in the price of the range of Trojan vehicles. The model of particular iiiierest to our readers is the 7-cwt. parcelvan, which, on solid tyres, now sells at £125, and if pneumatic equipment be preferred at 1130. The chassis itself can be bought for £115 when shod with solid tyres, and for 1120 with pneumatic tyres.
The company inform us that these reductions have been rendered possible by the completion of their far-reaching plan of production and in pursuance of their policy to place a utility vehicle on the market at a utility price.
Guys for the Admiralty.
Of the vehicles which have recently left the works of Guy Motors, Ltd., of Fallings Park, Wolverhampton, amongst the most interesting are those of 30-cwt. capacity which have been built for the Admiralty. Some of these vehicles are illustrated in an accompanying picture, and it will be noticed that a special feature is the simple method adopted for regulating the cool lug water, a series of Three wooden plates, arranged to slide in slots disposed in front of the radiator, being fitted. This device has been rendered necessary in view of the diversity of atmospheric conditions under which the machines are likely to operate. Each of the vehicles is fitted with a tilt van cover and large-size pneumatic tyres, n. spare being _ carried alongside the driver's cab on the off side.
No Preference for Bus Companies.
At a meeting of the electricity committee of the Peterborough Corporation a letter was read from the Peterborough Electric Traction Co. with reference to the licensing of omnibuses. It was reported that the matter therein raised had already received the consideration of the watch committee which was unwilling to give any company whose vehicles plied for hire in the city preferential treatment. This committee agreed with the decision of the watch committee.
Reconstructing Ayrshire Roads.
-At a recent meeting of the Ayr District Committee it was reported that the amount expended to date on the AyrCumnock road reconstruction scheme was £13,746, and it was considered that a further sum of £7,000 would be required to complete the work. The surveyor's estimate of the cost of road maintenance for the ensuing year showed a probable expenditure of £58,835, of which £34,377 was for upkeep of first-class roads and £11,746 for second-class roads.