• Home
• Used vehicles
• Product news
• Dealer news
• Compliance
• Buying advice
• Archive

WHEELS of INDUSTRY

"The wheels of wealth will be slowed by all difficulties of transport at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by the roughness of the roads over which it runs."—John Beattie Crazier.

Motor-vehicle Publicity: • An Important Case.

One day last week Mr. Bingley, the aagistrate at Maryietbone Police Court, ;aye a decision in a ease which will nterest all those commercial-vehicle is-ers who appreciate the value of mobile publicity. The case was one in which a vehicle was being used to advertise the play "Almost a Honeymoon" at the Garrick Theatre, the van being designed to simulate a railway engine and tender.

When a police constable stopped the vehicle in High Road, Kilburn, the, driver said that he had just delivered a parcel for his employers and was on his way back to the theatre.

The defending solicitor submitted that no offence had been committed, as the van was used for bona-fide journeys and not solely as an advertising medium. He intimated that he would ask the magistrate to state a ease if a conviction was obtained, as many large business houses used motor vehicles for advertising purposes.

The magistrate said that he had no doubt that an offence had been committed and inflicted fines, but he agreed to state a case.

We give an editorial comment on this matter elsewhere in this issue.

M. of T. Inquiry at Nottingham.

One day last week a Ministry of Transport inquiry was held at Nottingham into the refusal of Nottingham Corporation to grant Messrs. Baker Bros., of Warsop, a licence for a service between that town and Nottingham, via Mansfield. It was contended on behalf of the firm that the service was necessary, as it would enable passengers to make a through journey from Warsop to Nottingham, which, it was stated, is present impossible. The corporation opposed the application on the ground that the proposed service would add to the already congested state of traffic on the Mansfield Road. The Minister's decision will be made known at a later date.

Interdict Action Against Glasgow Corporation.

Further to the report in our issue for last week, Lord Sands, after considering a note of suspension and interdict lodged by the Lanarkshire Traction Co. against the magistrates committee of the Corporation of Glasgow, dismissed it and, in the case of the notes by the Scottish General Transport Co., Ltd., and the Midland Bns Services, Ltd., ordered answers within eight days.

A further stage has now been reached in the protracted struggle between the magistrates of Glasgow and the private bus companies operation. in and around the city. The particular point in dispute at the moment is whether the vehicles of the private operators shall continue the practice of running to and from their private stations in the city instead of taking up a position at the

street stances fixed by the magistrates.

Last Tuesday the whole question was under consideration by the magistrates committee, when the legal representative, ' on behalf of various companies, including the three already mentioned, appeared before the committee and explained the position of, the respective organization s.

After some discussion it was agreed that the whole matter in dispute should, in the first instance, be remitted to the chief constable to confer with the legal representatives of the companies, and to-day (Tuesday) the magistrates will have before them a full report on it. So far, the indication is that the parties will arrive at an amicable agreement.

Practical Engineer Required.

An important company in the industry requires the services of a thoroughly practical engineer with literary ability for compiling highly technical specifications for lorries and cars, also books dealing with spare parts, and repairs and instructions for owner-drivers and salesmen. A good knowledge of motorvehicle technique is essential. Further particulars of this vacancy can be found in the small advertisement columns of this issue.

Items of News In a Few Lines.

Stirling Corporation has asked a committee to consider the desirability of inaugurating municipal bus services.

In order that patrols can notify road users of emergency routes, the Automobile Association has adopted light canvas signs which, when rolled up, can easily he carried by these men.

The Post Office authorities have recently ordered seven new Kathanode batteries to replace similar equipment which has been in use for the past 31 years on vehicles conveying mails.

A Novel Scheme for Commercial Travellers.

To-day most representatives of business houses travel by ,car ; a large number of the total of private motorcars in use to-day is owned by companies and other concerns. The operating cost per mile is usually an uncertain item, but Jowett Cars, Ltd., of Idle, Bradford, has made a bold bid to remove this uncertainty by means of a complete scheme embodying ear maintenance and periodical replacement

For each Jowett car purchased at the retail price and registered under the scheme a fiat rate of 21d. per mile for 15,000 miles is payable. This covers the cost of petrol, oil, tyres, tax, tariff insurance, and repairs and maintenance up to £25 in value. The period during which this scheme is in operation is one year, or such shorter time as covers 15,000 miles. If the £25 repair allowance be not expended, half the difference is returned to the user as a rebate. At the end of 15,000 miles a new car is given in exchange, free of charge. This scheme should interest business users. After the first year the cost will be ±156 5s. for 15,000 miles. In the case of the first year there is the cost of the car to be added. The scheme is worked with the co-operation of Jowett agents, who keep monthly accounts in. connection with each car.

Berlin Show Postponed.

We understand that the International Motor Show in Berlin, which was arranged to take place in November next, has now been postponed until February, 1931.

The Morris Range for 1931.

To-day's issue of The Motor contains a supplement on tinted paper, printed in photo brown, giving a fully illustrated description of the range of Morris cars for 1931, including an entirely new ear, which is known as the Morris Major.

C.M.U.A. Booklet on the Road Traffic Act.

A useful and informative pamphlet, dealing with the important provisions of the Road Traffic Act affecting owners and drivers of commercial-motor vehicles, has been written by Mr. F. G. Bristow, general secretary of the Commercial Motor Users Association. Copies may be obtained free on application to the Association at 50, Pall Mall, London, S.W.1.

Injunctions Granted Against Municipalities.

Interim injunctions have just been granted at the Lancashire Chancery Vacation Court, at Liverpool, on the application of the Ribble Motor Services, Ltd., against Rawtenstall Corporation and Ramsbottorn Urban District Council,. restraining them from running motorbuses beyond the Burnley borough boundary.on any route between Stockport and Burnley, without fulfilling certain statutory requirements and giving the Ribble concerli'an opportunity for objecting at a public inquiry'.

New Alloy Brake Drums.

The well-known concern, Lake and Elliot, Ltd., of Braintree, Essex, has recently put on the market a range of brake drums made from Millenite. This material is claimed to have a longer life than the more commonly used metals, also ....to cause greater service to be obtained from the brake facings.

The material has a refined steel base ; it is alloyed with nickel and chromium, and is prepared in a high-frequency electric furnace. Although it is hard enough to resist wear, it contains ,sufficient very finely divided free carbon to provide a measure of lubrication to the wearing surfaces of the drum. It has a tensile strength of from 18 tons to 20 tons per sq. in., but is not ductile.. Millenite brake drums can be ,stippleed as castings or as completely finished products.

Result of a Licensing Inquiry.

With reference to the appeal of the Rhondda Tramways Co., Ltd., the Imperial Motor Co., Ltd.. Gough's Garage Co., Messrs. Jones Brothers, Thomas White and Co. and Messrs. C. Davies and Sons, against the refusal of Merthyr Corporation to grant licences in respect of a service between Merthyr and Cardiff, the Minister of Transport has informed the municipality that, after du; investigation, he has decided that three licenses be issued to the Rhondda Tramways Co., Ltd., and three to the Imperial Motor-0o., Ltd., but he is not prepared to make an Q.rder in the case of the remaining appellants.

Reducing Drivers' Wages.

According to a circular which has been sent out by one of the Manchester transport-owners' associations, members are instructed to reduce wages by 2s. per week and to introduce the following scale :—Mechanical-vehicle drivers : For vehicles up to 1 ton, youths,

19s. (not to load more than 15 cwt.) ; up to 1 ton, adults, £2 Os.; 1 ton and under 2 tons, £2 13s.; 2 tons and over. £2 19.; wagon assistants and loaders, £2 9s.; steam-wagon drivers, £3 2s.; steam-wagdu second man, £2 lie.

Bus Results at Newport.

The annul report of the general manager of the electricity and tramways department of Newport Corporation for the year ended March 31st last shows that the gross profit on the operation of buses was £2,823, the total income having been £40,226 and working expenses £37,403. Charges in respect of interest sinking fund and income tax absorbed £7,458, so that the actual deficiency on the year's working was £4,635. Intend:sit and sinking-fund charges RI respect of the supersession of the tramways on. Malpas Road route account for a further £3,019, so that the total deficiency was £7,654.

At the end of March last the .total borrowing powers sanctioned in connection With Newport's buses amounted to £71,629, _the gross expenditure having been £44,591. The buses are operated over a routemileage of 28, and this is the sixth year in which the service has been provided. During the year 34 buses were in ser vice, these comprising machines of Leyland and Karrier makes, a large proportion of the former being double. saloon vehicles.

Another Welsh Licensing Inquiry.

The Minister of Transport has received an appeal on behalf of Mr. A. W. Harrison against the refusal of Merthyr Corporation tegrant him licences to ply for hire with two buses on a service to Abercanaid. It is proposed that an inquiry shall 1)e held at the town hall at a data to be decided.

• Busy Coach Stations.

From the Blackpool motor station there is now in force an excellent series of tours to all parts of Lancashire and Yorkshire. In the current schedule of departures about 40 towns are mentioned as being on the list of services provided from Blackpool. About 50 per cent, of these places are served by one coach per day, about 20 per cent. by two, but important places like Bradford, Burnley and intermediate towns are served by as many as four. Ribble Motor Services, Ltd., has its own station, from which there are vehicles radiating to Liverpool, Manchester, Carlisle, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Leeds, Scarborough and Newcastle-on-Tyne.

• Minaging Firestone Tyre Sales.

We reproduce on this page a portrait of Mr. F. A. Upperton, who was for many years associated with the Firestone Tyre and Rubber Co., Ltd., in England. Mr. Upperton left London in 1926 to take control of the company's export sales in several countries in the

Far East. He has been around the world in the Firestone interests and has spent periods in many of the company's factories.

Mr. Uppertois, who is an Englishman, is now settling down •at the Firestone head office at Brentford, London, in an executive capacity, and will, amongst other responsibilities, assume full management of Firestone sales.

Air Compressors for the Workshop.

Wherever cellulose finishing, the inflation of large-section tyres and Power-operated refuelling installations have to be provided there is need for air compressors and receivers. Those interested in all-British plant of this type should study the latest list of Bristol Pneumatic Tools, Ltd., Causeway Works, Fishponds, Bristol. Compressors from 2i-cubic-ft capacity up to 300 cubic ft. are manufactured, together with auxiliary equipment such as air cleaners. The various compressors are made up in sets for different forms of power drive. A point of note is that the ball bearings employed are of such a size as to guarantee a very large margin of safety and reliability in operation..

Another 100 Buses for Glasgow.

We have recently had several references in our columns to the fact that Glasgow Corporation had under consideration the question of purchasing a further large fleet of buses, and we now learn that it has decided to buy 100 double-saloon vehicles. It is to purchase 75 chassis, at a cost of £950 each, from Leyland Motors, Ltd., and 25 chassis, at £933 each, from the Vulcan Motor and Engineering Co. (1906), Ltd. P. D. Cowieson and Co.' of Glasgow, is, we understand, to build the bodies for all the vehicles, the price being £690 per body. The buses are to be delivered at the rate of six per week. Practically all the municipal buses on service in Glasgow are double-saloon vehicles.

New AC Commercial Plugs.

Following considerable experimental work carried out in conjunction with aperators of fleets of all types of vehicle, the AC-Sphinx Sparking Plug Co., Ltd., Bradford Street, Birmingham, announces the introduction of a series of four AC Long-lie-commercial sparking plugs.

The insulator of the new type of plug is massive, whilst the centre electrode is 5-32 in. in diameter. In accordance with the patented AC process, the insulator is sealed into the gland nut while the latter is at a bright red heat, so that the two parts are shrunk together and, as in subsequent service such a high temperature is not reached, there is no possibility of gas leakage.

The firing points are of Isovolt metal, which is claimed to have the valuable characteristic of reducing the voltage required to give a spark at the points. This feature facilitates starting and offers greater resistance to sooting and oiling up.

Type B18 is the standard-reach plug and type B18 LR is the long-reach model. Each type is available with three points or a single point.

Award to a Bus Driver.

Mr. j. Jeffrey, a bus driver in the service of Glasgow Corporation, has been awarded the first prize of £10 and a silver medal in a competition open to all municipal transport employees in Great Britain for an essay on "The Organization of Bus Garages for 50 or 100 Vehicles."

The New Road Traffic Areas.

As our readers will be aware, Part 4 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, which is concerned with public service vehicles, comes initially into force on lievember 1st, 1930, when traffic commissioners will displace some hundreds of licensing authorities for public-service vehicles. To meet the requirements of passenger-vehicle operators occasioned by this delimitation of the country into traffic areas, the publisher of "The Motor Transport Year Book and Directory" has prepared a map of Great Britain, showing the areas and the principal places in each of them. The map has been drawn with a view to use in the regrouping and rearrangement of traffic-route centres, and is printed on stout paper suitable for marking, colour ing, etc. It can be obtained from the Electrical Press, Ltd., 13-16, Fisher Street, London, W.C.

New Edinburgh-Newcastle Service.

One day last week the Scottish Motor Traction Co., Ltd., commenced the operation of a limited-stop service between Edinburgh and Newcastle. Vehicles are being run twice daily in each direction and stops are made only at Musselburgh, Tranent, Haddington, Dunbar. Berwick, Belford, Alnwick and Morpeth.

Liverpool's Cleansing Motors.

In the annual report of the Liverpool Medical Officer of Health some interesting particulars are given of the work of the city engineer's department, notably in connection with the collection and disposal of household refuse. It is responsible for cleansing and watering the 660 miles of streets within the city, the periodical emptying of ash-bins, street gullies, street and court bins, ash-pits, and the disposal of -the refuse when collected. • During 1929 approximately 412,243 tons of refuse was disposed of, including 34,269 tons of clinker residue and fluedust from destructors. The quantity dealt with per working day was 1,343 tons. The whole of the 660 miles of streets, with the exception of a few on the outskirts of the city, are swept weekly, the principal thoroughfares and those in congested areas receiving regular daily attention.

Font motor sweeping machines -are regularly employed, each of which • nightly covers approximately 38 miles. In connection with street watering, • upwards of 3,000,000 gallons of 'water were distributed during the season. • Courses in Transport Management.

Mr. W.. Henderson P.ringle, M.A., LL.B., principal of' the City of Birmingham Commercial College, has sent us a copy of the regulations dealing with diploma courses which are being run in industrial transport management. The course extends over a period of three years and deals with various phases of transport and subjects of an allied nature.

Municipal versus Private Enterprise in Wales.

Cardiff was recently the scene of an inquiry held by the Ministry of Transport into the refusal of the local watch committee to grant licences to Barry Associated Motors, Ltd., to operate a service between Rhubina, Llandaff and Barry Island. The application of Cardiff Corporation for sanction to rim buses on a Rhubina-Llandaff-Ely service—an extension of the municipality's Ely-Llandaff service—was also considered.

Barry Associated Motors, Ltd., objected to the proposed municipal service, and contended that it already adequately covered the route by means of the service in respect of which the appeal was made. • On behalf of Cardiff Corporation it was stated that the proposed service would constitute a final link in a chain of municipal bus services. The corporation, it was said, would be prepared to grant licences on condition that the company made a minimum charge of 6d. for the single fare and 941. for the return journey between Llandaff Station and CnIverhouse Cross.

The company, however, considered that the Ministry of Transport should decide upon the matter. The Ministry's decision will be made known At a later date.

Municipal Bus Working at St. Helens.

During the year ended March 31st last St. Helens Corporation motorbuses were operated at a gross profit of £2,063 and trolley-buses at £4,766.

The actual income from the operation of buses was £21,899, whilst expenditure totalled £19,836. The income from trolley-buses was £13,461 and expenditure £8,695. After meeting certain charges there was a deficit of £3,475 on the buses, but a balance of £2,890 on the trolley-buses.

At the end of March last 20 motorbuses were being run and 10 trolleybuses. The aggregate mileage covered by the buses was 519,907, and by the trolley vehicles 251,530, the former vehicles being operated over 30 routemiles and the latter over 5.9 route-miles.

An Adjustable Tool for Cylinder Bores.

Selling for ill 10s., the new ApsonStewart Cylinder Grinder is offered in this country by the Service Equipment Co., Ltd., Drayton House, 30, Gordon Street, London, W.C.1. An ingenious feature is that there are two stones and two guide blocks on each tool. These can be moved outwards or inwards to vary the 'overall diameter to enable bores of between 214 ins. and 41 ins, to be tackled satisfactorily.

In addition to the main rack-andpinion adjustment, there is a micrometer fitting for control of the expan

sion when grinding. The tool is used in connection with a light power drill, and grinds to a depth of no less than 5 ins, at a time, so that steady action should be assured. The one set of stones suits all sizes of Cylinder, and operations can be carried out whether wet or dry. The milled hexagon shank prevents slipping in the chuck, whilst the shank is connected to the aluminium body of the grinder by a ring-type universal joint to ensure that any angle between the drill chucks and the grinder may be ruled out in operation.

A Bets Station for Falkirk.

The first part of a scheme for the erection of a bus station at Falkirk has, we understand, been approved. It fs said that a site has been secured at Callendar Riggs, and it is expected that extensive bus services will radiate from this centre to all parts of Scotland.

Satisfaction from a Mechanical Loader.

The city engineer of York reports that a mechanical loader brought into opera

tion is giving every satisfaction. The time saved on transport alone equals 87 hours per week, which means that that period is converted from standing time into useful running time. In addition, there is a great saving on loading costs, and the men at the depot are kept to more regular jobs' instead of having to be taken off for the purpose of loading vehicles. Blackpool Coach Owners Reduce Fares.

At a recent meeting of the Blackpoo and District Motor Coach Owners Aso ciation it was decided, in view of fin poor business experienced throughou the season, to reduce fares for prac tically all tours, the " cuts " ranging from about 12 per cent. to 40 per cent

Some of the principal reductions are Windermere, from 7s. to Ga.; Southport 45. to 2s. 6d.; Gretna Green, 12s. 6d. to 10s.' Keswick, Os. to 8s.; and Morecambe, 4s. to 2s. 6d. Shorter trips are subject to proportionate reductions.

• Fares, it is stated, are in some case now 40 per cent. below those charged in the pre-war seasons. Owners represent. tag more than 200 machines are affected.

Preventing "Fur" Deposits in Cooling Systeins.

Li the course Of time the precipitation, of solid matter in the water in the cooling system of a. vehicle rapidly causes' a loss of radiation capacity. This precipitate, or " fur," is principally composed of lime, and it acts as a very bad conductor of heat.

To counteract this precipitation, the CooperStewart Engineering Co., Ltd., Stewart House, 136 and 137, Long Acre,

London, W.C.2, is marketinr,b Cooper's Radiator Tablets at 2s. 6d. per box of 24. This quantity is sufficient for one year, when the vehicle has a capacity of two gallons of water. The tablets are claimed to prevent the deposition of " fur " and to remove that which already exists. On trial we found that, when the radiator of a twoyear-old vehicle ,was drained after the tablets had been in use for a few weeks, a large amount of solid matter was drawn Off with the water, this was, presumably, dislodged "fur."

' A Welsh Bus Merger.

A. South Monmouthshire merger of ich and bus services has been brought out through. the Blue Ensign Co., of vm (Mon.), acquiring several of the s services run by the Blue and White nnibus Co. It is intended to provide Newport a new bus station to act as terminus for the combined services, e garage and headquarters remaining r the present at Langstone. The Blue td White Omnibui Co. has running ght s on several routes centred on hepstow and Newport, and between .e two towns.

Free State Imports.

During June last 87 commercial .hicles valued at £22,257 were imarted% into the Fri& Free State, bringrg up the number imported during the rat six months of the year to, 667 alkieles, as contrasted: with 562 in the vresponding period of 1929. The value E the imported vehicles shows a define from £107,916 to £104,383.

Inspecting Public-service Vehicles.

Reporting upon the annual inspection if public-service vehicles, Mr. W. &Ring-, inspector, of Stoke-on-Trent :lorporation, states that he examined 399 vehicles, composed of 386 buses.

our coaches and nine taxicabs. Of :he above, 226, or 56 per cent, were mssed without comment. Upon sumnarizing the 173 defective machines, 91, n. 52 per cent, had mechanical disa

bilities, whilst the faults in the remaining 82, or 48 per cent., were confined to bodywo rk.

Beware of Manfeuvre Traffie in North Suffolk.

The Eastern Command Maucenvres, which are now taking place in North Suffolk, will continue until September 20th, and road users are advised that the movements of bodies of troops and military material in the area will cause a certain amount of congestion, particularly in the vicinity of the camps which have been established at Framlinghaui ; Oakley Park, Hoxne; Benham Park, Wangford; and Carlton Hall, Saxmundham.

New Vulcan Prices.

The Vulcan Motor and Engineering Co. (1906)., Ltd., Southport, announces new prices for its range of commercial chassis. The normal-control 30-35-cwt. chassis now sells at £295, whilst the same chassis arranged for forward control is listed at £330. Normal-control and forward-control 40-45-cwt. chassis sell at £355 and 1385 respectively, whilst the 21r-3-ton chassis is marketed at £495 when arranged for normal Control and £535 as. a forward-control model. The 3-1-tonner is a normalcontrol model and is listed at 1575. There are two low-loaders ; the 35-40cwt. costs £365 and the 3-tonner £465.