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WIDESPREAD INTEREST IN TAXI-HANSOMS.

1st February 1921
Page 31
Page 31, 1st February 1921 — WIDESPREAD INTEREST IN TAXI-HANSOMS.
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

THE TAXI-HANSOM seems likely to become a very popular type of vehicle, as inquiries a-re being made of the leading makers from each widely divergent towns as Birmingham-, Brighten, Hove, Southsea, Derby, Bradford, Sheffield, and Cheltenham.

When interviewed, Mr. Birch, of the County Cycle and Motor Co., 307, Broad Street, Birmingham, who has pioneered the new development in Birmingham with his B.S.A. Canoelet combination, said that. in many towns the authorities had not yet considered the regulations necessary for the greeting of a licence. In some cases, however, they were content to follow the regulations laid down. in Birmingham, which are vary steict. As an example of the latter, a gear ratio higher than 5-1 between the engine and the road wheels is not permitted, the idea being to cut down the speed to an average of about 18 to 20 m.p.h.

Mr. Birch said that in several towns he had visited taxicab proprietors had shown themselves anxious to supplement their present fleets with the taxihansom, which could be used to serve a new type of customer, i.e., the business man or commercial traveller who desired to pay a number of calls over a fairly large area. The. fare charged is is. for the first mile, and then 2d. for each quarter-mile, and 4s. per hour for waiting. One of the taxi-hansoms' new in use in Birmingham earned £4 4s. 9d. in one day, and in the course of the week made. visits fromBirmingham to Worcester and Omberley, Worcester and Ledburyi Worcester end Malvern, and Walsall and Alcester. The length of life of the tyres is reckoned to be at least 2,000 miles for the back cover, and

probably twice as for the covers on the other wheels. Ono machine haa already done 1,500 miles, most of which was in thick traffic, and the only adjust ments that have been made are the tightening. of the chain and the decarbonization of the cylinders.

The accompanying illustrations show the combination now plying for hire in Birmingham. It is fitted with a new compensating breke by means of which the side and back' wheels are braked simultaneously. All ' wheels are interchangeable and detachable, and a. spare is carded in a metal-doored cupboard at the back of the cab; the door, when let down, acting as a luggage carrier.

This same vehicle, the track of which is something like 5 ft., has been under careful observation to see whether continuous work would cause any strabi on the chassis. When a man's weight is applied to the outer front end of the chassis, where it is unsupported, there is only a deflection of 1 in., which proves that the construction is rigid enough for any possible requirements.


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