\ Big Support for Our Institute Plan
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Road Transport Engineers from All Over the Country Acclaim the Proposal, Many Suggesting that the Formation of Such a Body is Long Overdue
AS a result of our leading article, " Road Transport Engineers' Institute? " published in our issue dated January 7, we have received a large number of letters of appreciation, all but one of the writers of which express great interest in the proposal and the wish to become members if and when any such body be formed.
To give a better idea of the approval that has been accorded, it may be mentioned that 14 applications came to hand in the course of one day. At the present stage, we do not propose to publish any names, but will give, generally in our own words, the ,opinions expressed in some of the letters. 'These may prove of interest and value in developing the suggestion.
The chief engineer of an important haulage concern formally records his views on the subject, saying that the possibilities arising from such a pooling of brains and experience are, needless to say, boundless. The advantages derived would not only benefit the profession as a whole but eventually raise the status of the individual. Concerning the construction of vehicles, the debated opinion of the members submitted to the manufacturers should greatly assist in arriving at a measure of standardization which would be such an important asset to transport engineers.
Other vexed questions which could well be discussed are conditions of employment and rates of pay in connection with the mechanical staff of the road-transport industry. It is most surprising, and sometimes disturbing, to find how these vary between one organization and another.
In the sphere of education it might well be possible, eventually, to create a special transport-engineering college, which would be open to all boys reaching a certain standard .of education and wishing to take up executive positions in road transport.
He concludes by saying that the scheme has untold advantages, and the only criticism he submits is that it is long overdue.
A partner in a haulage-contracting concern, who is responsible for the maintenance of a fleet of petrol and oil-engined vehicles, is of the opinion that an Institute of this description would be of great assistance to the roadtransport engineer and to the operator.
Another engineer refers to Mr. Vickers's remarks that road transport requires great skill and technical knowledge, also to the booklet, " The Road Carrying Industry and the Future," in which it is mentioned that the number of sound administrative men available to handle large-scale opera tions is almost negligible. He asks which of the numerous institutes and associations have done anything to remedy that state of affairs, He adds that Service men, on demobilization, and if 'qualified, will doubtless become eligible. Therefore, one of the main objects of the Institute should be the promotion of technical education.
Municipal TraniSport Men Interested The transport superintendent of a municipality feels that the formation of the Institute would be of the utmost value to its members and a source of considerable help, particularly if meetings could be arranged at convenient centres.. In submitting his name, he hopes that others who have followed the comments in this journal, and have the necessary practical experience, will do likewise.
A man who has been associated with the maintenance of motor vehicles for the past 30 years says he has found that the majority •of maintenance engineers consists of thoroughly practical men, conversant with the principles of motor-vehicle design. In view of the rapid advances made in this sphere, he thinks that a channel for discussion and the acquisition of further knowledge is essential to a ' progressive engineer in this branch. Opinions and suggestions concerning the future development of the motor vehicle should be passed to the makers through some recognized medium. What could be better for a manufacturer, he asks, than the opinions and advice which would be based on the practical experience of hundreds of engineers? He promises his earnest support, trusts that the proposal will be brought to a successful conclusion, and adds the following flattering comment. "In putting forward the proposal for the formation of such an Institute, 'The Commercial Motor' is performing one more service to the maintenance engineer. The sole source of information and help that maintenance engineers have had for years has been that journal." The transport manager of an important county borough believes that the Institute would meet a long-felt need, and the good it would be to road transport would be very great. It would most certainly give road engineers a good opportunity of getting together and thrashing out the many complex problems which, from time to time, are bound to occur. It would also tend to bring about a much closer relationship between the maintenance engineer and the vehicle designer. This in itself, to his mind, would be an excellent thing, as engineers in this category are very definitely in the position of being able to point out the merits or demerits of the vaiious makes and types of transport vehicle which are put on the road.
Again, he feels that such an Institute would tend to raise the status of its members, whose life's work and study have been road transport and its maintenance. It would have the effect of ensuring that more fully trained and qualified men were employed -in positions of responsibility, and the industry would benefit accordingly.
Good Maintenance Is Good Business From Bushey, a correspondent suggests that an Institute of this nature is overdue, and he wishes to " stake a claim " for membership. He has 18 years' connection with the mechanical side of road. transport, for the past 10 as maintenance engineer of 'a fleet of sand and ballast vehicles, which, he considers-, needs very careful and special approach in connection with the problem of maintenance. With some operators, maintenance has been sadly neglected in the. past, and it has taken the war to bring this home to a good many., He considers that, in the future, it will be more of a specialist's job, for it is definite that good maintenance means a good business.
The assistant road motor engineer to one of our railways states that he has had 40 years' experience as a motor maintenance engineer, and he would like to take an active part in the formation of the Institute, Operating and in charge of the maintenance of a fleet of 12 medium-weight commercial vehicles, a writer from Liverpool says that he would welcome an opportunity of exchanging ideas and meeting others engaged in similar work to his own.
He strongly approves of our series of articles, " Let the Operator Advise the Maker."
Writing from Staffs an engineer in charge of 50 vehicles thinks it is high time that an Institute such as that proposed should be formed. Had it been in .existence befOre, it could well have made its presence felt over transport's " burning " problems. He concludes by saying that it is about time that M.T.80 was off the roads and gave our vehicles a chance of staying on them.
An engineer' particularly concerned with ancillary transport states that the manufacturers might be pleased to give their support to such a body, and this would aid considerably in enabling it to go ahead. Much must depend, , however, upon the appointment of a good secretary.
The comment of a writer from the West of England is that there is definitely a need in the industry for such an Institute. There is no doubt that the collaborated experiences obtained from members would be of great assistance to the makers of commercial vehicles and, in consequence, to the operator, provided that the former book notice of such findings. This particular correspondent is responsible for the maintenance of some 35.0 vehicles.
In registering his support, a Trowbridge engineer also suggests that an Institute of this nature should have been started long ago. Knowing the splendid type of man that goes in for fleet maintenance, and who has had nothing since the inception of this class of employment except hard work, long hours and much criticism, he believes that the sympathetic uniting of such men would at least give them the status they deserve.
In addition, he would like to express his admiration for the lead given to this matter by " The Commercial Motor," and for all the other forceful articles which, from time to time, appear in the journal. These are, according to him, written in a true fighting spirit, which should give the small haulier renewed hope during these days, when there is so much talking with the tongue in the cheek, because there is at least one honest, truthful journal fighting for him, whether or not it can win in this age of plausible polit.ks. From Sheffield comes the view that, apart from obvious advantages of road-transport engineers attaini the professional status to which they are justly entail the Institute would afford mutual assistance in many di cult problems.
He also considers that it could be of great service to industry, by raising the educational standard of those present under training, and would enhance the prospel of others about to enter this field as a profession. It shot be the duty of the Institute to formulate those standaa of knowledge, training, conduct and experience which E desirable in the practice and status of a fully qualifi road-transport engineer. Finally, he wishes the ventr the success which it so richly deserves.
Other writers include transport engineers with co-opei tive societies, A.R.P. transport departments, importa trading concerns and the executives of joint transpc committees.