Answers to Queries.
Page 25
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A German Technical Dictionary.
[2039] " BERLIN " writes : —" Would you be kind enough to recommend me a good English-German vocabulary of automobile and engineering terms'? I
have been engaged by the Motor Co., Ltd., and leave London shortly to take up duty in Berlin,"
PA MINIM. —A very useful dictionary of the kind which you require is that published by Constable's of 10, Orange Street, W.C. Their Vol. 1.0 Technical Dictionary should suit your purpose.
Would-be Driver.
[2040] "PARKER " writes :—"Being a regular reader of your excellent journal, I am desirous of becoming a steam-wagon driver (overtype), but I have no experience of driving on the road. Could you inform me how I can become proficient in above ? I am thoroughly experienced with steam. boilers and highspeed steam engines. Am used to machine tools and fitting and do my own running repairs. Can you recommend me any publication re above ? Is it of any use writing Fodens, Garretts, Wallis and Steevens ? '
ANSWER,—We have to inform you that there is no regular school where you can learn to become a steamwagon driver. Your only chance, we suggest, is to secure employment in a depot where steam wagons are specially dealt with.
Running a Passenger Service, [2041] " BUSOWNER writes :—" In partnership with two others, I bought a light motorbus which we intend to run for public service. I should be much obliged if you would be good enough to give me in.formation on the following :— "(1) May we use atrade name as, e.g., The Motor Co., without registering that name, or otherwise entering into legal formalities ?
"(2) Is any licence duty other than the 15s. hackney licence necessary ? The ear comes under the 1-ton unloaded section and may occasionally be used for party trips?"
ANSWER. —We are of opinion that you can use the trade name so long as your registration of the ownership of the vehicle is taken out in that name. If you intend to ply for public hire, you must get a police licence to do so ; you must also pay the old carriage tax.
Temporary Use of Motorvans. • [2042] LAUNDRY " writes :—'' Gould you inform me of the approximate cost of hire of a motorvan to carry about one ton per week? We usually use two horse vans, but unfortunately both horses are in dry dock, "We should require driver with van, and it would be in use all day on Monday, one journey on Tuesday (about four hours with horse), two journeys on Thursday, three on Friday and three on Saturday.
"I am asking this as I should like to know whether the cost would be much greater than the hire and -upkeep of horses for about. three months."
ANSWER. —The demand for motorvans on hire is so great at present that few contracting owners entertain work on odd days in the manner which you mention. Many will only entertain hire by the week. In the circumatances, we recommend you to save time by not inquiring further—unless you are prepared to pay a high rate.
Of course, were you able to purchase or hire a motorvan continually, the service to be obtained would be very considerable, especially in the matter of urgent collections and deliveries, and there would be ultimate economies. You would have to take into account the high performance of a motorvan, as well as its weekly cost. A Rebate Query.
[2043] " N EwcomER vet ites :—'• I have recently purchased a motorvan for use in my business. Buying petrol locally, as needed, I have had to pay 3s. per tin.
Where and how do I obtain the rebate ? By rebate, I mean the petrol tax, which I understand haa been collected of the wholesale dealer, and, by him .of myself, in the price I have paid, viz., three shillings ; and, as commercial vehicles are exempted, how do I get it back r ANSWER.—YOU should apply to the nearest local Excise officer for a copy of the rebate application form, and fill this in as directed thereon. You are, of course, entitled to the rebate of 11d. per gallon if the tax has already been paid.
Makers of Steel Wheels.
[2044] " SCOTTIE " writes We should be glad if you could let us know the name of the manufacturer of the rear steel wheels shown on the Straker lorry on page MS of THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR for 22nd August. We have an inquiry at the moment for a vehicle to be fitted with steel wheelsof a similar kind. At the same time, you might oblige us by giving the names of several makers of such built-up steel wheels."
Aristvgg.—The wheels to which you refer were made and supplied by Win. Foster and Sons, Ltd., Wellington Foundry, Lincoln. This company makes a practice of supplying wheels of the kind to various other makers of road engines. You might also get a quotation from IL Garrett and Sons, Ltd., of Leiston.
Who ShoRld Pay ?
L2,045] "CROSS " writes : —" Your advice regarding the following will be greatly esteemed.
" In August, 1911, we purchased a four-ton petrol vehicle, for use as a char-a-bancs and in general carrying, the first two months chiefly for light char-it-bancs work, Immediately on commencing to run, the rear wheels began to give way, causing us to be laid up continually, getting the steel rims and flanges put on, meaning a big expense, as well as valuable time.
" Unfortunately this wagon has-had to be in several times for repairs, which up to the present have amounted to over £50. These we have met, as the accounts have been rendered, without dispute, with the exception of Ell 2s., which had to be expended in putting the wheels in order. We think, considering that we engaged a practical man, and that we have already paid over E50 for repairs, that the makers should be responsibte for these wheels, as they were advised immediately on them giving out, and the only consolation offered us was to put them in water (a pleasant job to take the wheels off, and soak them in water, for a week-end. with a new vehicle). The makers now refuse to supply us with any future requirements whatever, until we meet this account for wheels. We are at present in need of a few spares, which we are quite prepared to pay for, but they dechine to supply same. We are quite prepared for this matter to go to court, and abide by the decision given there, but we certainly think we are not. liable under the circumstances."
%NSW1iR.—If you wish us to give you an opinion on the matter raised, we must ask you to be good enough to give us further particulars. For instance, what make of machine is the one in question ; did you notify the makers imniediatelv the hind wheels began to give way; exactly hew long had the machine been in service when you first noticed the trouble with the wheels what type of wheels are they exactly ? The makers may have good grounds for their action.