i 'Belsize (159).
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Belsize Motors, Ltd., whose works aze at Clayton, Manchester, exhibits one machine, but this is a thoroughly-representative model of the Manchester maker's craftsmanship. We have already mentioned the outside announcements which have temporarily blazoned the name " Belsize everywhere in the vicinity of the show-ground. On Stand 159, a smartly-finished 14-16 h.p., 15-cwt. delivery van appears. So highly varnished is the body-work on this example, that, in the shadow of the shedding, it has been a matter of considerable difficulty to secure a photograph of this exhibit in situ. Thefour-cylinder engine has a bore of 90 mm. and a piston-stroke of 120 mm.; its inlet and exhaust valves are all mechanically operated, and are situated on opposite sides of the engine respectively. A Bosch magneto and a White and Poppe carburetter contribute considerably to the efficiency of this welltried chassis, of which slightly-modified examples are securing such well-deserved popularity in motorcab service. A threespeed-and-reverse gearbox with a direct drive on third speed, a metal-to-metal clutch and a live back axle with the usual cardan propeller shaft are wellproportioned details of a serviceable model. The particular delivery van which is on show is provided with " Lynton " spring road wheels on the back axle, and Continental pneumatic tires at the front.
Blake (155).
Contractors for no fewer than five distinct Royal-Mail services between Liverpool and other towns and districts. Messrs. J. Blake and Co., of Beaumont Street, Liverpool, may justly claim to be something of authorities on matters pertaining to, at any rate, certain classes of commercial-motor vehicles. Examples of such well-known and well-tried productions as "Auto-Carriers" and Albions find positions on their stand. There is little need to describe here, in any detail, the two Albion chassis, which, on Messrs. Blake's stand, carry a mail-van body and a small wagonette or sheeting brake respectively. The mail-van chassis, for the Warrington-Burnley service, is of the latest pattern, and it embodies all the features of Albion 1910 practice: it is mounted on " Faransure " tires, and the chains are encased. The body, which has not Yet been through the coach-painter's hands, is of the usual mail-van type; it was built, throughout, by the present exhibitors, whose coachbuilding connection is extensive. The wagonette calls for no special comment, other than that it represents a usual form of "hack" vehicle for which employment can constantly be found on any country
estate of even the most-modest. proportions. Dunlop pneumatic tires are on the front wheels, and Stevenson's "Endswell " cushions on the back. Its nineseat accommodation also renders it eminently suitable for hotel or hiring-out purposes, which should be noted. An interesting contrast with the large number of the heaviest types of commercial vehicles, which are on exhibition in the " Implement " sections of the showyard, is afforded by the presence of the " Auto-Carrier " on Blake's stand. This little three-wheeled vehicle is, in the hands of F. B. Goodchild and Co., Ltd., of Craven House, King,sway, London, rapidly finding a specialized market for itself in many quarters, and we constantly have news of increasing sales. The vehicle which appears on the. stand is of the maker's standard pattern, and carries the world-famed name of Maple. Mr. Jackson, who, with Mr. Philpott, is available during the week to all visitors to whom Stand No. 155 is of interest. informs us that their own " Auto-Carrier " will spend its time during the week in service between the showground and Blake's Liverpool premises. These exhibitors are the sole agents for Liverpool and district for both the Albion and the " Auto-Carrier."
Clayton (323).
With characteristic enterprise, the two "Karrier " machines entered by that progressive maker of petrobengined lorries, Clayton and Co. (Huddersfield), Ltd., of Union Works, Huddersfield, were early in position and ready for inspection. Mr. R. F. Clayton, oneof the directors of the company, was also on the scene of action so soon as Saturday last, early on which day his staff was able to report "all correct." Besides the two vehicles exhibited, a special entry for a " new implement" prize has been made in respect of the hoisting and hauling attachment. which is fitted to the heavier of the two lorries. Bearing on the discussion which has recently been taking place in our columns, with regard to the relative merits of designs in which the engine is placed under the driver's seat, or forward under a bonnet, it is instructive to note the comparison which Clayton's have afforded, to all and sundry, at Liverpool, by the display of one of each of these types. The " engine-under-the-seat " machine is a 3ton standard model employing a 30 h.p engine ; it presents no features which ar.i not already well appreciated by many users. A novelty has, however, been introduced, by the inclusion of the Clayton self-contained hoisting and winding apparatus. Upon an extension of each sprocket shaft, which in both cases is supported by a pair of stiff channels bolted right across the main frame, a
light belt or rope pulley is mounted, and this is normally connected, by means of a simple hand-operated dug clutch, to the chain pinion. When it is desired to run the winding drum, while the engine is at rest, the chain pinion is declutched, and the winding gear revolves independeutly. If this be done on only one sprocket shaft, a high gear-ratio is interposed, due to the locking of one side of the differential ; if this raising of gear he desired, however, it is better to disccnnect both chain sprockets, and to employ a higher gear in the change-speed gearbox. It will be realized that a large number of speed variations for the winding gear can be obtained, by suitable manipulation of these sprocket-shaft clutches and of the gears in the four. speedgearbox. This device is shown in operation, on one side of the vehicle, hoisting a full sack. The other drum is, later in the week, to be connected, by means of an ordinary belt, to a cakecrushing machine, which is to be placed in position at the side of the lorry. This 3-tori vehicle, with its interesting winding gear, is for despatch to the Rochdale Pioneers Co-operative Society, which, it is agreeable to note, is the oldest institution of its kind in existence; the chassis carries a flat lorry body with removable " lattice " sides
Clayton's second exhibit. is a new medel—a bonneted " two-tonner." Onetit and 30-cwt. " Karrier " cars, with the engine in this more-normal position, have been delivered in some quantity, but the present exhibit is the largest model that this Huddersfield maker has produced with the engine under a bonnet. NVe are informed that if, on this new type, the engine had been placed under the driver's seat, 18 in. could have been saved in the wheelbase, and 12 in. added to the length of the available platform space. This two-ton vehicle is yet another delivery to a toffee-maker, a trade of whose custom Clayton's seem to he acquiring quite a monopoly ! The present purchaser is Bibby, 'Warburton and Co., Ltd., of Farnworth, near Bolton. Its ample tail-board has been turned to splendid account to advertise "Uncle 'Luke's Sweets and Novelties."
Clayton's exhibit is well worthy of careful examination by all visitors who are interested in the subject of haulage by motor vehicle. Shrewsbury-Challiner tires are on the larger vehicle, and Polacks on the smaller one.
Leyland (511).
Notice has already been given, in a previous section, to the steam-vehicle exhibit of Leyland Motors, Ltd., of Leyland, Lancs.; this company holds the unique position of being the only exhibitor who manufactures both steam and petrol vehicles. No fewer than three large examples of the latter type are to be found on the stand. The first is a 30-cwt. tradesman's van, fitted with a 24 h.p. engine, which has been built to the order of Messrs. Charnley the biscuit manufacturers of Preston. This machine takes the place of a 35-40 11.p. lorry which it was originally intended to exhibit. It is of the type which was first shewn in public at the Manchester Show, in February last, and its mechanical characteristics will therefore be familiar to the readers of this journal. A careful inspection of the special bodywork with which this vehicle is provided will repay any visitor to the Show ; it is built throughout of mahogany, and embraces an elaborate system of interior framing to carry tins of 6iscuits and similar packages. It. is fitted with steel wheels, and shod with Polack tires. Mounted on a similar chassis to the foregoing, there is a hand-raised two-stage, Lower wagon, which has been constructed to the order of the Southport Corporation. This machine also has a 24 h.p. standard engine, a three-speed-and-reverse gearbox, and a worm drive to the hack axle. The frame of the towerwagon chassis is of exceptionally-wide dimensions, in order to secure stability for the machine when the tower, which is 20 ft. 6 in. in height, is extended. The vehicle has Shrewsbury-Challiner tires. The third petrol-engined exhibit on the Leyland stand is of the 35-40 h.p. motorbus type, which has performed so creditably on the Kingsway route of the Central London Motor Omnibus Co., Ltd. The present vehicle is the last of a batch which the Lancashire company is delivering to the Autecar Co., Ltd., of Tunbridge Wells—a town in which very. severe gradients occur on the principal thoroughfares. The char-ft-banes body has accommodation, under an extensive canopy, for 32 passengers. The only alteration from recent practice which has been embodied in this chassis is the fitting of a remarkably-powerful countershaft brake in lieu of one of the two arising pairs of internal-expanding brakes; all its tires are Polacks.
Mann and Overtons (454).
This stand is so located that visitors may miss it altogether, and we therefore wish to direct special attention to it. It should be taken next in order after an examination of Stand No. 439, which adjoins the clock tower near the Horse Ring, and where the motor lawnmowers of Ransomes are staged.
The three box-vans on view are all interesting types for light work; each is mounted upon a Unic chassis with fourcylinder, 12-14 h.p. engine, and all wheels are fitted with Dunlop pneumatic tires. Two of the bodies are finished in green, whilst the third, which will undoubtedly attract most notice, is suggestively painted in the colours of the L. and N.W.R. All the body-work is by Christopher Dodson, Ltd., of London. These chassis have proved their merits in the London cab world, and they should give excellent results in the hands of tradesmen and other users who are content to limit their useful loads to a maximum of about 10 cwt., beyond which the wear and tear on any pneumatic tires becomes extremely heavy.
Merryweather (78).
Merryweathers, the well-known fire-engine specialists, offer a selection of selfpropelled types of fire-fighting appliances which is almost embarrassing to the would-be purchaser. Steam, petrol and electric systems are each represented by a single example. The "Fire King "the evolution from the ordinary horsedrawn steam fire-pump—with its short wheelbase, its large hind road-wheels and its elevated seat for the driver, is a model with which many brigades are familiar_ A "Hatfield " petrol-engined chassis, fitted with a gear-driven plunger pump, is the representative of the second type of construction. Most interest, however, will be evinced in the third choice of system, which is offered to those who wish for advice on the automobile isorganization of their equipment. The " Improved Electric " fire-engine is of characteristic Merryweather construction, and is a battery vehicle with two electric motors, each of which drives, through worm reduction and final side chain, to a bask road wheel. The vehicle which is on show carries a chemical first-aid cylinder, and is adapted to convey extension ladders and a quantity of hose. This machine is not entered in the official R.A.S.E. list of exhibits.