News and Comment.
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The comment and views of this journal are respected and carry weight, because members of its Editorial staff have practical experience and knowledge of the construction and use of commercial motors. Our circulation is genuine, and includes the heads of many wealthy commercial houses.
The Lucre tat Letchworth—see pages 418 and 419.
Captain Bagnall-Wild tells us that he has a" top-hole " 30-cwt. van coming through the Milnes-Daimler works.
A Russian Show.
Russia is to have a motor show, in St. Petersburg, in May next, and this event will be the third of the kind that has been held in the Russian capital.
The Study of Metals.
It looks as though the Institute of Metals would provide for engineers in the south those facilities which the Iron and Steel Institute has for so long enabled their colleagues to enjoy in the north—see page 414.
Machine-shop Equipment.
The progress of invention along lines which follow the lessons of practical experience on the road and in the shops, from the standpoints of manufacturers and engineers-in-charge of fleets, is exemplified in the course of the article which opens on page 415.
Business at Manchester.
The Manchester Show, next month, will he one of the best things for the industry that has yet come its way. It will be well attended, and by the right people—those who go to make purchases. The managing director, Mr. F. Bullock, is to he congratulated on the forward step which he persuaded his colleagues to take last year. A special issue of THE COMMBHCIAL MOTOut will be devoted to the vehicle, tractor and allied exhibits, in accordance with our announcements, and we shall occupy a stand—Pmitions No. 14
and 15—in the commercial section. We may add that each stand is permanently fitted with power and lighting leads, water-supply and waste pipes, gas and connections : all of these are arranged in a convenient and acce.ssible manner, so as to reduce expenses for exhibitors to the minimum.
American Interest.
The President of an important jointstock company in the States has applied to its for information with regard to English 'heavy motors, and has purchased our last two volumes. We have directed his particular attention to our " Haulage Special " of the 15th October, 1905, and our "Overseas Special " of last month. There are indications of newly-growing interest throughout the States in the subject of commercial motoring, and some pt.ople think that English manufacturers might turn their attention to that side of the Atlantic, either from the point of view of granting manufacturing licences, or, in spite of the heavy import duty, of shipments. Opening for Traveller.
Just as we go to press, we hear that a well-known tire company needs the services of a live young traveller to concentrate on small garages and dealers. We shall be pleased to hand on the names of suitable men.
The Wolseley Motor Sleigh.
The most unusual feature in the Wolsoley motor sleigh, one of which is, as we reported last week, on order for Captain Scott's Antarctic expedition, is the manner in which it is propelled. An axle is fixed at each end, and carries toothed wheels which, however, do not touch the ground. Endless ehains run over these wheels, and these chains pass underneath the surface of the sleigh-runners; each chin is fitted with small platforms bearing cross strips or " spuds." The chains are driven by the toothed wheels on the rear axle, the effect being to propel the sleigh forward. The grip on the snow is a very powerful one, and, in addition to propelling itself, the sleigh will also draw a heavy trailer, even under the worst conditions of melting snow.
In order to economize fuel, the engine is a comparatively-small one of the air-cooled type; it is capable of developing sufficient power for all re quirements. A gearbox and clutch are provided, and the petrol tank is mounted above the motor. Two changes of gear ratio are provided, and an average speed of from 34to 4 miles an hour is expected. The design of the sleigh is the outcome of careful experiments, every detail having received due consideration.
Pressure on our space this week prevents our publishing the full conditions for this year's agriculturalmotor competition at Winnipeg, to which we made reference a week ago.
The Natal Government is encouraging the use of ploughing by means of self-moving agricultural motors, and is also desirous to encourage the employment of the same class of engine for the conveyance of farm produce.
A Mann Pioneer, Mr. J. Rollins, of the Wye Stores, Church Street, Chepstow, Mon., is one of the strongest believers in Mann steam wagons, and he has put these machines to some highly-novel and severe tests. He had an old-pattern Mann wagon seven years ago, but he appreciates the greater capacity of his new six-tonner. Chatting with Mr. Hollins on the occasion when we last met him, we were not surprised to learn, having regard to the excellent qualities of the boiler which is fitted on these vehicles, that he had found it a most-economical steamer.
A "Rush" of Albions.
The turn of the year has witnessed a big rush of business for the Albion works at Scotstoun, Glasgow, which are occupied to their utmost capacity. The London depot, at 21-22, Upper Rathbone Place, W., has already been largely patronized by a number of buyers in the Metropolitan and southern districts, and a speciality, at this depfit, is the immediate supply of spare parts. We illustrate, below, several demonstration vehicles on the point of dispatch, a few weeks ago, for London, and we are informed that considerable numbers of orders for Albion vehicles have recently been taken from some of the leading London firms. Notwithstanding this pressure, delivery can be given with but little delay, owing to the excellent arrangements for output which many years of experience have placed at the disposal of ti is manufacturer. Petrol-vehicle Removals.
In connection with house removals, Commercial Car hirers, Ltd., is devoting a great deal of its attention to firms who do this class of business. This company supplies tilt vans or lorries to convey either its own or other parties' lift vans. " Comnier Car" chassis of 34 h.p. to 36 h.p. are used. A considerable amount of time and labour is saved, when such vehicles collect from one place and deliver at the door of the house to which the goods are being sent. Particulars may be had at Cambridge Circus, W.C.
Challiner Detachable Rims.
The Royal Automobile Club has issued a certificate, dated the 31st urt., in respect of its trials of two wheels fitted with Challiner patent detachable rims. These were tested on the back wheels of a 38.8 h.p. F.I.A.T. car, with a weight upon them of 2,161 lb. The weight on the front axle was 1.520 lb., giving a total weight for the unladen ear of 3,681 lb., whilst the average weight of passengers carried throughout the trial was 554 lb. The distance covered was 1.982 miles. The report states, inter alia, that it took three minutes and 12 seconds to change a rim, excluding the raising and lowering of the car. Bridges and Docks.
The Commercial Vehicle Committee of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, at its meeting on the 11th inst., appointed the following members to serve as a sub-committee to act with a special committee of the Commercial Motor Users' Association in respect of bridges and docks; Captain R. K. Bagnall-Wild (MilnesDaimler, Ltd.); Mr. Frank Churchill (J. and E. Hall, Ltd.); Mr. W. Flexman French (Ryknield Motor Co., Ltd.); and Mr. Arthur Spurrier (Leyland Motors, Ltd.).
Cheaper Than the Railway.
Dennis Bros., Ltd., of Guildford, turns its own commercial vehicles to good account in various ways; for example it carts all its petroleum spirit from London. A recent instance of wise employment is illustrated herewith. The case upon the Dennis lorry, which is destined for Calcutta, contains a 40 h.p. Dennis touring car. The imposed load was about 21 tons dead weight, inclusive of accessories and tools packed with the car. Not only was there a material saving in respect of freight and cartage charges, but the time occupied, point to point, was less than one-sixth of anything which could be guaranteed by the railway.
Smart Advertising.
The Shrapnel Splashguard Co., Ltd., whose office is at '266, South Lambeth Road, S.W., deserves every commendation for its smart advertising methods. Of all the devices for turning the present General Election to account on the publicity side, the one adopted by the company in question, and which we illustrate on this page deserves to rank in the forefront. It bears the notice: "Vote for Protection and avoid mud-splashing."
North-British Rubber.
Mr. A. Ernest Gelder, whose name will be known to ninny readers of this journal, and who worked so hard to sustain the commercial reputation of the " K.T." tire, has been established, since the 1st inst., at 1, Long Acre, W.C., in the post of branch manager to the North British Rubber Co., Ltd., the products of whose Castle Mills, at Edinburgh, so far as " Clincher " motor tires are concerned, will be controlled by him. We wish Mr. Gelder every success, and we feel confident that his location at the address given, which has been wholly taken over for the purpose named, will mark an important step forward in the development of the trade in question.
A Teddy Bear on Wheels.
We illustrate, on this page, a small motor vehicle which has recently been used extensively as an effective a,dver-Listing medium by Mr. Ogden Smith, the "athletic outfitter," who has business branches throughout South London, and whose head office is at 28-34, St. John's Hill, Clapham Junction, S.W. Mr. Ogden Smith tells us that this remarkable "Teddy Bear" model, which has been built on to the small chassis, has proved, by far, the most-effective advertising device that ho has yet adopted. The motor chassis, which is entirely hidden by the structure which it carries, is an 8 h.p. de Dion. The " bear," which is over 10 ft.. high, was built up in SE ttions on wire frames whilst the skin of the beast was made of plushette of a golden-brown colour. The body consists of a tall box, with an
opening in the back in order that parcels can be readily stowed away in the fearsome brute's interior. The head is detachable and swings round on a pivot; the mouth opens and allows a long tongue to emerge. The whole device reflects great credit upon the ingenuity of this firm; it is a good example of the employment of a motor vehicle for advertising.
Profits on Rubber : over 180,000 net in 1909.
Louis Peter and Co., Frankfort-onthe-Maine. has finished up the year's business with a net profit of 1,616,510 marks, as against 1,540,220 in the previous year, when a dividend of 22 per cent. was paid to the shareholders. Those fortunate individuals will now receive a 25 per cent, dividend on the past year's results. At the general meeting, which has been announced to take place on tile 22nd inst., the shareholders will be asked to sanction an increase of capital. The directors anticipate equally good results in 1910.
Trials in Russia.
The Russian commercial-vehicle trials, from St. Petersburg to Moscow, commence concurrently with the St. Petersburg-Kiev-Petersburg grand tour of the Russian Motor Club, namely, on the 9th :June next. The Russian Motor Club has been accorded the privilege of the prefix " Imperial," and this club will organize the trials.
A Long-wheel-base Foden.
Steam wagons are rapidly displacing the horse pantechnicon for removal purposes over long distances, and removal contractors are practically compelled to enlist the services of mechanical traction. An increasing number of firms now own their own machines ; an old-established South London firm, Messrs. Walter Winning and Co., is amongst these. After a hiring experience, they purchased, in May last, a Foden, and this, we are informed, has the longest wheel-base and the largest arrying-capa city of any vehicle of this type. It was specially made to the firm's order, with a Lli ft. wheel-base, the driving wheels being set 2 ft. 7 in. farther back than on the standard type of machine. A longer chain is used. Messrs. Winning and Co.'s business motto has always been "Keep moving," and their businesslike Foden, painted red with red lettering on a deep chocolate ground, certainly emphasizes that they are by no means standing still. In this rapid age, one must be well abreast of the times.
The accompanying reproduction from a photograph shows machine and trailer with a usual load of seven tons. A new and larger " lift " of the firm's own design has recently been fitted, and this has a carrying capacity of from four to five tons. An extra, bunker has been fitted at the rear of the driving wheels; this was made and fitted at the Co.'s depot. It carries 5 cwt. of coal, and is a great convenience on long journeys. We learn that the wagon has been very satisfactory ; it can average 60 or 70 miles a day, and it has run upwards of 7,000 miles so far, with regular work in view.