Answers to Queries.
Page 18
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A Ford for Mail Contract.
[2596] (Postman).—Provided the net weight of mails does not exceed 6 cwt., we consider that you could afford to quote 6d. a, mile for the work, and make a profit on it, with a Ford van.
A.S.C., M.T., Drivers Qualifications.
[2597] (Convoy).—Good driving experience is necessary to get an engagement as a driver in the A.S.C., M.T. It is, as a rule, necessary to submit proof of two years of commercial-vehicle experience. If you have driven various makes of cars for several years you will certainly stand a chance, but not otherwise. We have no special knowledge of other branches of the Service.
Steam or Petrol on a Cost Basis.
[2593] (Blownglass).—We have sent you one of our standard sheets of working costs, from which you can get data. If the mileages with which you are concerned differ from that upon which our costs are worked out, you can make the necessary corrections in respect of the items which will show a greater incidence per mile for lower mileages. These are : -wages, rent and rates, insurance, and interest. Depreciation may be regarded as a mileage charge, provided the vehicle runs out its' life in not more than 10 years, the ordinary basis being 125,000 miles of running, with a small residual value at the end.
Wants a Four-cylindered Three-wheeler.
[2599] (Bento).—We do not know of any machine corresponding to the requirements you set forth. In effect, it is a three-wheeled van with a four-cylinder 12 h.p engine, capable of carrying approximately 10 cwt. of goods. We do not know what you mean by " wheels 28P."
The list of makers of three-wheeled petrol-driven parcelcars in this country includes the following :— Auto-Carriers, Ltd., Ferry Works, Thames Ditton.
John 'Warrick and Co., Ltd., The Butts, Reading.
Girling Commercial Cars, Ltd., 36, Long Acre, W. C.
A. W. Wall, Ltd., Hay Mills, Birmingham. None of these has an engine of the size you mention. We can, of course, furnish you with a list of makers of 10-cwt. light vans of the normal four-wheeled type if you so desire.
You do not enclose the chassis sketch you mention.
The Sheppee, the Serpollet and Other Steamers.
[2600] (Flower).—We have not space available to give you information on general lines with regard to steam motor vehicles. We are constantly discussing them in the columns of our journal, and weshall be quite happy to answer any questions which you may -care to put to us on the subject of their construction or their operation.
All the types you mention are familiar to us. The 'Serpollet is not, and has not been for some while past, manufactured either in this country or in the country of its origin—France. The nearest approach to it is that manufactured by the Sheppee Motor Co., 'Thomas Street, York.
We feel sure that if you addressed a letter to them, mentioning this journ,al, they would be happy to furnish you with one of their catalogues, and to answer any question you may put to them. The Sheppee lorry in a model with which we are quite familiar, and it is a, very good one, especially for certain classes of work.
The address of the White Co. is Carlow Street. 'Camden. Town. N.W., and the Stanley Co., Ashteach Surrey. The National chassis is made by the National 'Steam Car Co., Ltd., Chelnaeford.
a14 Agricultural Machinery and Oil Engines.
[2601] (Regent).—The following firms should be able to supply you with the information you need with regard to agricultural machines, petrol and oil stationary engines for power and pumping, etc. :— John Fowler and Co. (Leeds), Ltd., 113, Cannon Street, E.C. Richard Garrett and Sons, Ltd., Leiston, Suffolk.
Ivel Agricultural Motors, Ltd., Biggleswade, Bedfordshire.
Mann's Patent Steam Cart and Wagon Co.,
Ltd., Pepper Road Works Hunslett Leeds.
Marshall, Sons and Gainsborough. Ransome's,, Sims and Jefferies, Ltd., Orwell Works, Ipswich. Saunderson and Mills, Ltd., Elstow Work", Bedford.
Starting in Business.
[2602] (Lyeeum).—It is our opinion that at the present time it would pay you to run a, taxicab in the manner you suggest. There is no doubt that a great many people are saving money by travelling. about London in other ways than by cab riding during the
present cris i
is, and this state of affairs s having a direct effect on the, earning of cab owners and drivers.
It is possible that you might pick up a, second-hand taxicab at a reasonable price. Probably your best way to do this is to put a small advertisement in THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR at the cost of a shilling or two.
We do not consider that the present time is a good one for you to embark on the commereial-yehicle repairing business you suggest: We know of no useful literature relating to garage management and repair work other than what is contained in our own columns from time to time.