Result of the A.C. Town Carriage Trials.
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The Judges' report, issued on Monday night last, states that each of the fourteen qualities specified in the regulations has been considered separately. The following points particularly presented themselves as requiring the makers' attention : (a) many cars were found to have insufficient clearance between the ground and the lowest part ; (b) in several vehicles inferior lubrication systems were used, and, in some instances, this caused the cars to smoke badly when running on the road, or to leave deposits of oil on the ground beneath them while standing still, which is objectionable on various grounds ; (c) a further point with regard to lubrication is the fact that in only a few instances was it possible to ascertain the quantity of oil in the crank chamber, in many cases the only indication as to quantity being afforded by the amount of smoke emitted with the exhaust; (d) as a general rule the exhaust vent was well placed; (e) other vehicles showed that insufficient attention had been paid to accessibility for the purpose of effecting adjustments and repairs; (f) examination showed that careful attention had been paid to ease of clean. ing, and that in some cases devices for starting from the driver's seat had been titled; and (g) the causes of vibration and noise when the car was stationary in several cases had not been studied effectively. On the 3o-mile trial run which was made, the general opinion of the official observers shows that the cars ran smoothly and well, and that the entrants had made very great advances towards the production of satisfactory vehicles. With few exceptions, every vehicle entered was furnished with adequate tires and well-designed and effective brakes. More attention is required to design with reference to turning radius, which, in several of the vehicles, was too great to enable the vehicle to be turned in most of the streets of London without manceuvring. In awarding the gold medals attention has been paid to the all-round usefulness of the exhibits, the general design of the car (chassis and body), and to the numerous details in construction and accessories which are desirable in forming a comfortable, smooth running, and satisfactory town car riage. Neither the price nor the cost of running have been taken into consideration.
The Awards.
" We recommend that the following medals be awarded in Class " A " for vehicles costing up to 47600 complete.
A GOLD NI EDAL to Mr. Carl Oppermann for his Electrical Vehicle, No. 31.
A GOLD MEDAL to the Wolscley Tool and Motor Car Company, Ltd., for its Exhibit of a Limousine Car, No. 27.
A SILVER MEDAL to-the City and Suburban Cab Company, Ltd., for its Exhibit of a Public Service Vehicle, No. 26.
A SILVER MEDAL to the Adams Manufacturing Company, Limited, Car No. 32, for Ease of Manceuvring.
Class " B " for vehicles costing over 4.600 complete.
A GOLD MEDAL to the Electromobile Co., Ltd., for its Exhibit of Electrically-propelled Vehicles, Nos. 7, 8, 9, to.
A GOLD MEDAL to Mr. Frederic Coleman for his Exhibit of " White" Steam Cars, Nos. Lnd 2.
A SILVER MEDAL to the London Motor Garage, Limited, for its Exhibit of a " C.G.V." Car, No. 13; with an additional SILVER MEDAL to the same Company for Excellence in Carriage Work. A SILVER MEDAL to the Krieger Electric Carriage Syndicate, Limited, for Electric Vehicles Nos. 17 and 18. A SILVER MEDAL to Messrs. Dennis Brothers, Limited, Car No. 14, for Comfort to Passengers. A SILVER MEDAL to the Pilgrims Way Motor Co., T.td., Car No. 12, for Originality in Design and Accessibility. (Signed), F. E. DYKE ACLAND. R. E. B. CRobwrox.
\V. WORRY BEAUMONT. H. S. HELE-SHAW.
C. VERNON BOYS. A. G. New.
T. H. COCHRANE. WILSON NOBLE.
E. H. COZENS-HARDY. DAVID L. SALOMONS.
ROBERT MDD.
By Order of the Committee, J. W. OEM, Secretary."' The report proceeds to give the findings of a special jury that was appointed to adjudicate upon the general appearance and finish of the body-work. This is followed by the marks awarded under each of the following heads :— (A) General design of conriplete car (chassis and body). (B) General appearance and finish of body work. (C) Absence of smell and smoke; proper direction of exhaust vent.
(D) Absence of leakage of lubricant. (E) Absence of noise with car stationary or running. (F) Absence of vibration with car stationary or running.
(0) Smoothness of running and comfort of passengers. Ail examination will be made as to the use of adequate tires, size of wheels, spring suspension, and means of preventing road shocks. (H) Ease of cleaning (a) exposed metal work and coach work, and (b) machinery (including oiling). (J) Ease of access for repair (removal of body, access to important working parts, access to tools, to lubricating holes and Stauffers, etc., removal of undershields, access to concealed gear).
(K) Ease of starting (a) cold, (b) after recent use, with relation to smooth action of clutch (if any) and to smooth yet rapid acceleration.
(L) Ease of stopping and speed changing without jerks or noise. An examination of the brakes will be made both as to their efficiency and design.
(M) Ease of manteuvring.
(N) Comfort of passengers in relation to cushions, folding seats (if any), etc., number of passengers carried exclusive of driver, access to interior by side entrance, exclusion of rain, storage space for tools and parts.
Comfort of driver in relation to easy manipulation, shelter from wind and rain, ease of signalling to other vehicles (without special mechanical devices being required for this latter purpose).
(0)