"K.T. Tires for Motorcabs.
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On the morning of Saturday last, the 20th instant, a highly interesting demonstration of the non-slipping properties of " K.T." tires, as applied in motorcab work, was given at the Farm Lane Garage of the United Motorcab Company, in the presence of Scotland Yard authorities, several leading officials of the cab company, and members of the Press. A portion of the asphalt pavement (measuring some 20 yards square), at the entrance to the large washing-shed, had been prepared with a mixture of gear grease and thick lubricating oils, making a very slippery surface upon which walking was a matter of
considerable difficulty. The position selected was such that a cab, driven rapidly up through the garage, had to make a sharp right-angled turn to enter the prepared bay. The " Syndicate, Limited, had, as in the case of the trials recently made of its motorbus tire, guaranteed the cab and the garage against any damage.
The preparation of the surface having been completed, one of the company's ioh.p. Darracq cabs, fitted with " K.T." tires on all four wheels, as illustrated, was driven rapidly up the roadway, and steered round the awkward corner, the rear wheels being simultaneously locked, and on this trying test the gripping action of the tires was, demonstrated in a most remark.. able manner. It was possible to produce only a very little slip, whilst, owing to the gripping action of the front-wheel tires, any slight divergence from the normal course was quickly rectified, and in this and subsequent tests the utmost efforts of the driver, backed up by the " K.T." Company's guarantee to make good any damage, and all the persuasions of the Scotland Yard authorities, failed to produce anything calculated to make fearful even the most timorous.
In order to admit a comparison with the ordinary steel-studded pneumatics, a similar cab with these on its back wheels was run over the course. In this case, however, on attempting to make the turn, although the steering wheels were locked round hard, the effect of the grease was irresistible, and the car slid bodily into a baulk of timber, which defined the limits of the trial ground, and the non-skid bands in use proved of little or no assistance; in still further attempts, another cab, fitted with new non-skids on back and front wheels, performed gyrations which vastly amused the spectators.
We have pointed out in our columns on several occasions the advantages of this tire—advantages which have im pressed themselves upon us from the results of lengthy tests which we have made ourselves. We are of opinion that this further test should prove the foundation stone of an exceedingly prosperous business for the tire in the field of motorcab work, as, undoubtedly, a tire which in such abnormally severe conditions can hold to the ground, should be a public boon.
The " K.T." tire is now being employed by Mr. Davison Dalziel on his " Pullman " motorbuses, and we have no doubt that they will prove a very economical method of securing that measure of easy riding that is desired by the sixpenny bus public. It is certainly one that can be relied upon for regular service.