Answers to Queries.
Page 14
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Our readers will be informed by the Editor on any posts connected with the construction or use of commercial motors. Where a direct reply is desired, a stamped and addressed envelope should be enclosed : if a request for privacy is not specially made, any query and answer may be published. Some replies, owing to Pressure on our space, are held several weeks. Numerous requests reach us for lists of motorcab and commercial-vehicle owners; these we never supply. Our advertisement columns are oPen to those who desire to make announcements to owners for the purposes of trade.
Navaltuin—the New Alloy.
[2125] "SOUTH Sian" writes :—" Several months ago, you published an article on a new metal called Navaltum. I would esteem it a favour if you would give me the name and address of the manufacturers."
Aicswsa.—Navaltum, Ltd., Jubilee Place, King's Road, Chelsea, S.W.
Concerning the Front Wheel Drive.
[2126] " ROAD SURVEYOR " writes :—" Do you know anything in detail about the working records of the Bezangon system of front-wheel drivel I enclose you an extract of a report taken from a French journal and, if it is not asking too much of you, I should like an expression of your opinion upon same."
ANSWER.—We have no detailed information of the system which you mention, except that some of the Paris motor dust-carts are so equipped. There is an approved front-drive system of which we have had knowledge for some years—that is, the Renard-Latil. Viee recommend you to address the Renard Commercial Motor Co., Ltd., 82, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., as that company will no doubt be pleased to send you information about its machines, together with evidences of successful use, as well as quotations. There is, of course, much to be said in favour of a front-wheel drive for many uses.
Access to Motor House.
[2127] "PURCHASER" writes :—" Can I do anything to force a local council to give me permission to run my three-ton lorry over the pavement, if 1 re-arrange my premises so that I am able to store the machine at the back of them? There is no means of approach at present, and I have to keep the vehicle more than half a mile from my place."
ANSWER.—We should have thought that a chat with the local building surveyor would have brought about the desired result. Under the Public Health Amendments Act, 1907, the provision of new means of access for vehicles to premises across the footway of the public street may be allowed by the local authority, subject to certain conditions which are set forth in that Act, and to local approval. We should say you would have no difficulty in getting the desired permission, if you are agreeable to comply with. the usual supervision at the hands of the surveyor's department, after submission of plans of the proposed alterations.
Shall They Accept Delivery ?
[2128] " PURVEYORS " write :—" We shall esteem it • a favour if you will give us your opinion on the following matter. We have purchased an 8 li.p. -car with box body, with which we had the following
guarantee The chassis will be guaranteed to be in thorough good condition throughout, and fitted with magneto, the body made especially to carry the weight it is required to carry, and we guarantee the whole turnout to give you every satisfaction.'
"The car was delivered to us by the firm, and the morning after, when the engine was started up, there was a harsh knock in the engine. The man we employed is practical, and his advice was that the car was unfit to run. We at once communicated with the firm of whom we purchased same, and they sent a, man the following morning ; he also said that it was not safe to drive the car.
Under the aforesaid circumstances, are we compelled to have the car?"
Ass w&,—The guarantee which you quote its of an amazingly-open description. We presume that the weight, to which reference is made, is at least common ground'? We should not like to go so far as to say that you either can refuse to take delivery of the car, or that you would be wise to do so. In the absence of any guaranteed date of delivery, it will undoubtedly be open to the vendor to make good any defect, and successfully to tender the vehicle.
The "harsh knock" may be due to an error in the timing of the ignition, which may be occurring too much in advance, or, of course, it may be due to some fault in erecting the engine—such as leaving one of the big-ends without a nut, or a. split pin, on one of the bolts.
If the people who have sold the machine to you are reasonable' they will no doubt put it right for you, and that should not be a. difficult matter, with an engine and chassis of such sound make as that which you mention. We think you might let them do so.
Taxes, Pour-ton Loads and Taxicab Prospects.
[2129] " SCOTTIE " writes:— "1 should be obliged if pia. could give me the information undernoted on the motor-lorry business:— " (1) is the tax payable on engine bore according to the usual rate as charged on motorcars?
" (2) What is the average running expense per week, carrying, say, a four-ton load 25 miles per day l
"(3) Would you consider there would be a fair margin of profit carrying four tons seven miles; making four journeys per day, at the rate of 2s. 6d. per ton.3
"Regarding the taxicab business " (1) Do you consider the second-hand cabs to be bought in London for £200-E.250 a good investment for hire work in the summer months in a seaside town with rather hilly district where a rate of 10d. or is. per mile could be obtained? "For any information you ,an give me I should he very much obliged. Please let me know your fee for advice."
ANSWER.—(l) The carriage tax which is applicable to private motorcars is not applicable to business motors which are used solely for the conveyance of a, load or burden in the course of trade or agriculture, but they do apply to a vehicle which is used for private-hire purposes. A motorbus or char-à-bales does not pay ; but a private-hire vehicle which is let out to special parties does pay. (2) Twenty-five miles a day is a yery low average. You would want to put the figure for a four-ton vehicle at is. 3d. a mile inclusive, on that low average. If you got the mileage up to 50 per day, it would go down to about wild.
(3) There would be no profit, unless you got a load both ways.
As to the taxicab business, a selected cab, such as the F.I.A.T., if chosen from stock by a competent inspecting engineer, would be procurable for 2225, payable in instalments, and it ought to pay you all right at the rate named—especially if you get half-rates for empty running. We would inspect and select a F.I.A.T. cab for you, for a fee of two guineas. If you wish to make inquiries about these vehicles, you should address the Receivers of the F.I.A.T. Motor Cab Co.. 6-10, Pancras Road, N.W. We charge no fee for advice of this kind.