Vans, Wheels, Tyres and Sundries.
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THE SHREWSBURY AND CHALLINER TYRE CO., LTD., Page Street, Westminster. This exhibit shows a good assortment of both 'bus and light delivery van wheels. We noticed a serviceable wheel for a 'bus constructed entirely of ash. The specimens of tyres shown are the World Twin, the Giant Endless, the Bull, the Twin Endless, and the Challiner patent pneumatic—completing a • very good show, and one which will appeal to the business visitor.
THE SEDDON TYRE CO., LTD., Manchester, have a representative exhibit of their red Seddon tyre in different sizes, suitable for light commercial motors of various weights. They are an attractive looking tyre, and ought to be to a certain extent non-skidding.
TIIE BRISTOL WAGON AND CARRIAGE WORKS, LTD., Bristol. One of the exhibits of this firm is a substantial looking trailer with the top portion constructed to tip, and made under Macdonald and Hek's patent, an ingenious arrangement which does away with the ordinary raising screw or screws and substitutes a modification of the rack and pinion. The firm make various styles of trailers ; the one in question has a box top suitable for carrying sludge, etc., and is fitted with patent wood covers and tailboards.
WM. BEARDMORE AND CO., LTD., Parkhead Steel Works, Glasgow. On this stand will be seen some good examples of heavy cast steel ribbed-tread wheels suitable for heavy types of motor vehicles. The specimens shown look very substantial, and capable of resisting hard wear and tear. There are also one or two examples of weldless rolled steel tyres for commercial motors, and we were informed that these were manufactured by the same process as that used in the making of locomotive tyres.
THE REILLOC TYRE CO., LTD., 122, Victoria Street, London, show specimens of their patent tyre, and also sections of same showing clearly the form of both tyre and rim, as well as the means employed to attach it. The makers claim that its design enables every ounce of the rubber to be utilised in cushioning the wheel as all is practically above the flanges. A feature of the tyre is the use of flexible canvas so placed as to be free to accommodate itself to any movements of. the rubber. The method of attachment is by a wire running through flaps, which are provided on the tyre on each side, and end in right and left hand threads engaging in a strong barrel nut. This firm also show some of their Reilloc pneumatic tyres.
MANN'S PATENT STEAM CART AND WAGON CO., LTD., Pepper Road Works, IIunslet, Leeds, show their patent wheel for winter use on heavy motors. This wheel consists of a cast steel inner wheel with a polygonal rim, to which are fitted beechwood segments with the grain end on. To prevent the wood splitting, segmental plates or clamps with slotted holes in them are bolted against the side of the blocks and the rim of the inner cast steel wheel. The end of these segments are at a sufficient distance apart to allow of their being drawn in towards the centre of the wheel, so that by occasional adjustment they may be kept at a suitable distance from the wooden tread blocks. THE IIALLE SPRING WHEEL CO., LTD., Tunnel Avenue, East Greenwich. The exhibits on this stand are of an interesting nature, the firm showing various types of their patented wheels, from the lightest to the heavy traction type. They also show models illustrating clearly the principle on which these wheels are designed ; and we should advise visitors carefully to examine the specimens. A wheel is also shown dissembled after haying been tested over a 7,000-mile run on a car weighing itiowt. We might Mention in passing that there are two cars outside the Exhibition, fitted with these spring wheels, for the purpose of giving trial runs.
STAGG AND ROBSON, Van and Motor Works, Selby, Yorks., show a design of motor wagon wheel for commercial vehicles of all types. This consists of a cast steel rim fitted with steel pockets all round, in which the spokes are socketed, and it is used in conjunction with their pocket hub. This combination makes a strong and useful wheel, combining the resiliency of wood with the strength and durability of metal. They also show a new type of omnibus wheel, on the same principle as the above, suitable for both single and twin tyres.
PETERS UNION TYRE CO., 6, Upper St. Martin's Lane, W.C., exhibit their solid tyres and patent rims in various sizes for commercial motors. They also show their Union pneumatic and New Simplex tyres. An interesting item is a solid tyre taken from the back wheel of a 'bus weighing five tons, which has been run 18,000 miles over the roughest roads in Devonshire, showing the amount of resistance to wear which rubber is capable of when running with a considerable weight on it. Visitors interested in such matters will note the excellent condition of the tyre after a run of such length. J. A. RUSSELL AND CO., Westgate Road, Newcastle-on-Tyne, show some of their patent steel-armoured pneumatic tyres, wherein the inner tube is completely encased in a steel flexible cover. The actual tread is placed outside this, in a suitable groove made to receive it, and is put on mechanically, being fixed in position by means of pins placed at short intervals. These tyres are being made suitable for all weights of delivery vans. We were struck by the ease with which this tyre could be detached and replaced.
THE NORTH BRITISH RUBBER CO., LTD., East Road, City Road, London, E.C., exhibit three types of their Ducasble patent solid tyre, suitable for light delivery vans and motor omnibuses. This tyre is fastened to the rim by a steel band running through its centre, which is bolted down at intervals, round the circumference of the wheel between the spokes. There are also shown sections of this tyre up to 6in. wide for extra heavy work. We were informed that a new endless solid tyre is being brought out shortly for vehicles of all weights.
CORBEN AND SONS, 30, Great Queen Street, London, show an omnibus body made for the Great Western Railway Co., to run between Land's End and Penzance. This is a single-decked 'bus with provision for luggage on the roof, which is reached by a light iron folding ladder fixed to the left-hand side. Its capacity is about sixteen passengers, and its interior is finished in mahogany and red leather, with electric bell communication to the driver. The 'bus is lighted with acetylene gas.
THE SHAW MOTOR TYRE TREAD CO., Weaman Street, Birmingham. The exhibits consist of specimens of the firm's vulcanised chrome leather bands, with steel studs ; also their detachable bands for mail vans, etc. We were also shown the patent renewable tread, which can be fitted on an old band to save the expense of a complete new one.
SMITH, PARFREY, AND CO., l'imlico Wheel Works, Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith, W., have a good assortment of various types of wheels for commercial motors, including a complete set of steam lorry wheels as used by some of the principal manufacturers. They also show a good set of 'bus wheels suitable for the ordinary single-decked type. This firm make a feature of light delivery van wheels, of which they show three sets :— viz., a flat steel-tyred set ; a set suitable for the Clincher type of lyre; and a set of twin-spoked wheel : the whole making a very creditable exhibit.
S. STEVENSON AND CO., Palmadie Saw Mills, Glasgow, have on show a good supply of the wheels which they make for commercial motors. They also show their patent double-staggered mitred spoke wheel for delivery vans, etc. This firm are in a position to fit steel tyres of any section up to !sin. by zin. in their hydraulic pressing plant.
MESSRS. TIIOMPSON ST. LUKE'S ENGINEERING CO., Battersea, London., show a light delivery van wheel, exemplifying their patent sectional tyre. This consists of solid rubber blocks fitted into pockets on the rim of the wheel and wedged up from underneath by means of wooden wedges, the whole kept in place by plates.
THE SEAHAM HARBOUR ENGINE WORKS, Seaham Harbour, show two examples of their patent cast steel wheels, applicable to heavy motors, constructed with live axles. The patent consists in the wheel having an axle-box fitted with a square hole: the live axle is also square in section at the ends, and in use is slipped into position in the wheel and screwed np by means of a nut.
PARSONS' NON-SKID CO., Manor Street, Clapham, S.W., show a few samples of their non-skids suitable for either pneumatic or solid tyres. These non-skids can be used for most types of the lighter commercial vehicle, and as their efficiency is well known, there is no need for us to dilate further upon it. We were shown their new patent spring side or clip, which does away with the ordinary cotter pin, and, at the same time, lessens the weight.
THE GARE PATENT TYRE. AND WHEEL CO., LTD., St. Vincent Street, Liverpool.--This exhibit shows the resilient non-skidding motor wheels for heavy motor wagons and all classes ol delivery vans, etc. It is constructed of wood blocks, which are cut wedge-shape and placed at a tangent to the hub. The wearing surface is formed of V-shaped blocks, fitting into the centre ones, but insulated from the same by pads of soft rubber. The wood blocks are impregnated with rubber solution and are held together by steel bands around the wheels. The firm also show their tangent spoke wheels and fibrous rubber tyres. In the former the spokes, instead of being dire.-t. are placed at a tangent, making it impossible for any shock to he conveyed to the axle.
MESSRS. SCAMMELT, & NEPHEW, Fashion Street, London, E.—On this stand is seen a " General Utility Trailer " of serviceable construction, calculated to stand the wear inseparable from motor traction work. The wheels, which meet the new regulation, have 5in. tyres, hydraulically pressed on in the firm's own plant. A feature of the vehicle is its letdown sides, which can be removed with ease, making a flat lorry platform, but leaving the back posts in situ, to allow of the end ladder being used in loading, etc. There is also an auxiliary water tank slung behind the back wheels, which will be found useful. The firm also exhibit two heavy 'bus wheels, with felloes Of English ash and recessed spokes of English oak. The wheels are well fi. nished in every respect, and ought to stand up to the work for which they are designed.
MESSRS. THE DUNLOP PNEUMATIC TYRE CO., LTD., 14, Regent Street, London, S.W., show a number of pneumatic tyres suitable for light delivery vans, carrying a load of up to about 3ocwt. The nuality of these goods need no eulogising at our hands, and as the introducers of pneumatics for commercial purposes, the Dunlop Tyre Co. have proved that, within certain defined limits, they can give satisfactory results for light van delivery work. In particular trades our experience has shown that solids arc not so suitable as the inflated variety, and this fact has been well brought out for town work over cobbles and stone setts. A large variety of types are offered to suit every type of , vehicle. Waterproof clothing , by this company at their works and rugs are also manufactured at Aston, Birmingham.
MESSRS. JESSIE ELLIS AND CO., LTD., Invicta Wcrks, Maidstone, show a strongly-built trailer, with box top and let-down sides, for working a load of about two tons. The wheels are all the same size, viz., 311 in diameter, and built of oak, the axles having steel forgings. The framework throughout is made of English ash, and strengthened where necessary with iron plates. The lorry has a wheelbase of about 7ft., and makes a convenient vehicle of light draught.
MESSRS. BROWN BROTHERS, LTD., 28 and 3o, Gt. Eastern Street, London, E.C., are one of the enterprising firms who long ago estimated the requirements that the commercial motor would impose on their resources. There is hardly anything one could mention in connection either with steam or petrol which Messrs. Brown Brothers cannot supply, literally, from stock. Amongst the multitudinous things on their stand we noticed foot bells, lubricators, tanks,. engines tpetrol and steam), tyre pumps, oils for lubricating and burning, accumulators, water and steam gauges, etc., etc. To describe a tithe of what Brown Brothers can supply would require an illustrated catalogue of dimensions simi• lar to the one the firm issue. A copy of that wonderful compilation will give readers a better idea of what can be found at Great Eastern Street than can he offered in a condensed Show report.
Exigencies of space prevent our dealing with a very large number of interesting fittings displayed on the stands in the gallery. Many of these will be dealt with in later issues, and we would advise our readers not to miss carefully inspecting the small accessories as well as the large vehicles.
Awards for Novelties.
A committee of judges appointed by the Motor Van and Wagon Users' Association attended at the Agricultural Hall on Monday to examine the various commercial motor exhibits. This jury was deputed by the Association to report as to what certificates should be granted for novelties in construction and design. The following awards were decided upon, and the diplomas will be forwarded in due course :—Messrs. Wm. Foster and Co., Ltd., Wellington Foundry, Lincoln, for convenient arrangement of footplate ; the Gate Patent Wheel and Tyre Co., Ltd., St. Vincent Street, Liverpool, for design of resilient wheel ; Messrs. Richard Garrett and Sons, Ltd., Leiston, for novelty of transmission and control ; Messrs. E. S. Hindley and Sons, Bourton, Dorset, for accessibility of boiler ; the Hunslet Engine Co., I.td., 1,eeds, for self-adjusting protection plates and wooden tyres ; the Motor Car Emporium, Ltd., La, Addison Road, London, W., for design of omnibus body ; Messrs. James Robertson and Son, Dock Street, Fleetwood, for design of back axle and system of locking glands by protecting clips ; Messrs. Stagg and Robson, Selby, Yorks, for design of wheel.
The judges were Lieut.-Col. R. E. Crompton, C.B., Messrs. F. C. A. Coventry (Great Western Railway), W. G. Lobjoit (Messrs. W. J. Lobjoit and Son, Hounslow), Douglas Mackenzie (Motor Cartage and Transport Co., Ltd., Loncloni, and E. Shrapnell Smith.