Answers to Queries.
Page 17
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Building or Buying a Trailer.
[2662] (Sunbury).—We regret that it is not within the scope of this journal to furnish the information which you request in your list of inquiries. The only way in which to get a blue print of an up-to-date trailer, for that appears to be what you require, is to make application for one to one or otlier of the makers of such machines, and to state your reasons for asking.
Will Women Drivers Supervene?
[266,3] (Lady Driver).—We think there will be absolutely no demand for qualified women drivers after the war for any form of paid employment. This is obvious from the fact that many thousands of fresh men ara being trained for war service to drive vehicles. The casualties amongst them are relatively low, and these new drivers will have to be absorbed in civilian service afterwards. There were plenty before the war ; there should be more than enough afterwards. We are unable to express an opinion as to the desirability of your training with a view to obtaining some such temporary employment.
Coats for a 24-seated Char-a-bancs.
[26611 (Devon).—Our freesheet of working costs (mailed) may be of some service to you. The gradient you mention (one in seven) falls within their scope. In order to be safe -in respect of a char-A-banes, you should take the costs for a three-tonner, and you will perhaps find it necessary to double the charge for insurance, as all the companies make this high in respect of live loads. The Commercar make, about which you inquire, is certainly a good one for the purposes which you have in mind. No opinion of value can be given in respect of a second-hand chassis in the absence of an inspection, but the purchase of a good second-hand chaesis a,s a makeshift for the time being has undoubted advantages.
Selling Second-hand Vehicles on Commission.
[2663] (Charterers).—There are, as a matter of fact, several firms which have for a long while past specialized in the handling of second-hand commercial vehicles. There is, in our opinion, .a further opening for an enterprise of this kind, providing it be conducted on thoroughly-sound lines. It is absolutely necessary for any such undertaking to be prepared thoroughly to overhaul and renew models of this kind, so that a reputation may be built up which is not constantly likely to be marred by dissatisfied purchasers. This is a business which calls, however, for very expert knowledge of old types and their reputations, as well as of their constructional details. It is also a business which is very often troubled by disputes from dissatisfied clients, who may have purchased machines of whose reputation and further capacity they are not in a position to inform themselves: Your previous experience in respect to ships and steamers should stand you in good stead regarding the contemplated scheme. We do not quite understand your idea of the suggested commission. It is not likely that you would be able to do much business unless you actually purchased the machines and took your own profit. If, however, it is your intention to store cars for clients and to charge them a commission if you get rid of them, the figure suggested (5 per cent.) is glide a reasonable one. It is our opinion, however, that there is more money to be made by the very careful pui-chase of suitable secondhand models which you know, by their careful overhaul and repair, and by their sale subsequently as an honest effort to dispose cif a fairly good machine. In that way you should be able to build up a reputation of very great value to your good selves: There undoubtedly a field for that particular 'class of undertaking. About Petrol and Other Fuels.
[2666] (Parade).—Petrol is of the paraffinoid group, one of the homologous series of hydro-carbons which starts with Methane (CH-4), the general formula CnH-2n plus 2, and Heptane (C7-H1e) is the nearest in the group to ordinary petrol.
Benzole is an aromatic compound in the benzene series of the general formula OnH-2n minus 6. Bensole is the nearest akin to benzene-06-H6. Kerosene is alsceone of the refined products of petroleum.
Changing the Magneto on his lord.
[2667] (Wokiege—We should endorse the recommendation for you to fit a high-tension magneto on your Ford. We think the price you „mention is a standard one. There are several of theseignition sets on the market, and they are all sold at somewhere about the same figure. It is not, of course, absolutely necessary that the magneto should be a Bosch.
Can They Get a Good Two-tonner for £300?
[2668] (Sligo).—We have, as requested, mailed one of our free sheets of working costs ; this may be of some help to You. If you cannot give an aggregate mileage so high as 400 miles a week, you will find that, whilst the costs per mile for fuel, lubricants, tires and maintenance will be practically as shown, the incidence per mile of driver's wages,rent and rates, insurance, depreciation and interest will go up. You ought certainly to give the lorry at least 48 miles of running a day for it to pay you well, although it would no doubt pay its way on so little as 30 miles a day, or even 24 miles a day, You cannot get a two-ton lorry for so little as 2300, and you must be prepared to pay 2475, or more. We suggest your applying to some of the makers who advertise in our pages.