WHEELS OF INDUSTRY
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• Royal Show Exhibitors.
This year's show-of the Royal Agricultural Society of England will be held at Harrogate from July Oth-13th, and from the list of names which we publish below ir will be seen that a wide range of exhibitors of direct/interest to our readers will, occupy stands --(the numbers of them are given in parentheses). Some of -the most important concerns in the commercial-vehicle industry will be displaying transport vehicles and power. driven appliances which have been designed and constructed with an eye on the specific requirements of farmers, market gardeners and others who are in any way associated with agricultural pursuits.
The list of exhibitors is as follows:— Albion Motor Car Co., Ltd. (220) ; Associated Equipment Co., Ltd. (218) ; Associated Manufacturers' Co. (London), Ltd. (247) ; Auto-Mower Engineering, Co., Ltd. (173) ; Aveling and Barford and Perkins (Sales), Ltd. ,(83) ; Barford and Perkins, Lid. (194) ; Charles Burrell and Sons, Ltd. (200) ; Dennis Bros., Ltd. (222) ; Alfred Dugdale, Ltd. (318)' Eagle Engineering Co., Ltd. (280) ; Fodens, Ltd. (281) ; William Foster and Co., Ltd. (323) ; ,(172) ; Richard Garrett and Sons, Ltd. (195); Thos. Green and Son, Ltd. (130); Gwynnes Pumps, Ltd. (322) ; International Harvester Co., of Great Britain, Ltd. (214) ; J. P. Super Lawnmowers, Ltd. (82) ; Karrier Motors, Ltd. (212) ; Latil Industrial Vehicles, Ltd. (254) ; Leyland Motors, Ltd. (210) ; I. and H. McLaren, Ltd. (209) ; Marshall, Sons and Co., Ltd. (192) ; Martin's Cultivator Co., Ltd. (223) ; Massey-H.arris, Ltd. (205) ; Merryweather and Sons, Ltd. (415) ; Morris Commercial Cars, Ltd. (213) ; National Motor Horse Box Co. (414) • Plecard, Pictet and Co. (London), Lid. (228) ; Hammes. Sims and Jefferies, Ltd. (180 and 302) ; Rushton Tractors, Ltd. (215) ; Ruston and Hornsby, Ltd. (317) ; Sentinel Waggon Works, Ltd. '(279) ; Simar Rototillers (228) ; H. C. Slingsby (190) ; John I. Thornycroft and Co., Ltd. (211) ; Vincent, of Reading (409) • Wallis and Steevens, Ltd. .(257) ; Willys Overland Crossley, Ltd. (219); Yorkshire Patent Steam Wagon Co. (276).
A.E.C.s for Australia.
During this month the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., has shipped to Australia 11 Model 509 bus chassis to take double-deck bodies, the vehicles having been purchased by the tramways authorities in Melbourne: Two chassis for carrying single-deck bus bodies have also recently been shipped to Melbourne for service in that city.
A Junior Salesman Required.
A well-known commercial-vehicle manufacturer of Birmingham, with offices in London, desires a really 'good junior salesman for the London area. Any replies addressed to "London Salesman," care of the Editor, will be forwarded. Tynemouth Corporation has appointed delegates on the joint deputation to the Ministry of Transport in connection with the cross-river facilities between North Shields and South Shields.
A fleet of 10 Morris-Commercial 30cwt. lorries has lately been supplied by Stewart and Ardern, Ltd., to Booth Bros. (Coals), Ltd., of St. Pancras, a company which has about 14 depots in the Metropolitan area.
It is reported that Cheshire County Council and the other authorities concerned are considering the construction of a new road, about 12 miles in length, from Ellesmere Port to Frodshmn or Ifelsby.
The watch committee of the Newbury Corporation has granted an application by E. Jones and Sons, Ltd., the proprietor of the Morning Star Motor Services, for four bus licences in respect of vehicles running between • Bristol and London.
An Austin 20 h.p. six-cylinder chassis, fitted with a body which enables the vehicle to be used as a van or for ambulance purposes, has recently been supplied to the Brighton Police.
The Great Western Railway Co. is operating 95 country lorry services throughout its system, for the conveyance of merchandise and parcels traffic within a radius of 12 miles of the railheads.
The Priory of Wales (Order of St. John of Jerusalem) is to provide a new motor ambulance and station at fthymney.
Dunlop Report for 1928.
The report of *he Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd., for the year ended December 21st last, shows a total profit from all sources amounting to £2,859,894, after providing for depreciation and crediting the trading account with 11,500,000 from general reserve in respect of losses consequent upon the removal of the rubber restriction. Dividends on the preference shares of certain subsidiary concerns have absorbed £309,750, whilst interest on debenture stock, debentures, loans, etc., account for £412,237, so that the balance available, after bringing in £578,580, is £2,716,487.
Dividends have already been paid on the preference shares, for • the Six months to June 30th; these have absorbed £187,500, whilst a similar sum will be accounted for in respect of dividends on the same shares for the second half of the year. A dividend at the rate of 20 per cent, is to be paid on the ordinary shares, and this will account for £1,540,209. After these allocations have been made a suns of £801,278 remains to be carried. forward. The reserve account now stands at £3,029,711. • Co-Ordination of Passenger Traffic in • Outer London: It is announced that negotiations are proceeding between the London General Omnibus Co., Ltd., and the various railway companies with a view to bringing about co-operation, in the place of competition, in catering for passenger traffic in the outer ring of the metropolis ; that is to say, in the area which is beyond a radius of 15 miles, but within a radius of 25 miles from Charing Cross.
It has been stated in some circles that an agreement has actually been reached in this important matter, but this is rather a premature announcement, for actually, negotiations are still being carried on, and no definite conclusion has yet been reached.
Royal Commission on Transport.
The chairman of the Royal Commission on Transport announces that the Commission will meet in public at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1st, in Committee Room "E," House of Lords, to bear evidence on behalf of the County Councils Association and the Rural District Councils Association. The Commission will resume at 10.30 a.m. the following day and, if necessary, at the same hour on Friday.
S.A.R. Wants British Chassis.
The South African Railways and Harbours is calling for tenders, which have to be presented in Johannesburg by June 6th next, for the supply of one or more four-wheeled and sixwheeled chassis of a minimum of five tons capacity. Those concerns which are in a position to offer British-built chassis can obtain further particulars upon application to the Department of Overseas Trade, 35, Old Queen Street, London, S.W.1, quoting reference AX7820.
The directors of the company formed recently to handle the De Lavand freewheel differential have appointed as its general manager Mr. Alfred J. Hancock, 1VI.I.P.E„ who was, until a few weeks ago, general works manager to Vauxhall Motors, Ltd.
Mr. Hancock received his technical instruction at the Borough Polytechnic. He was apprenticed to marine engineering with the company from which Vauxhall Motors, Ltd., was evolved. It was Mr. Hancock who reorganized the Vauxhall works immediately after the war, and he was personally responsible for every phase of production, so that when General Motors acquired the business it was he who had to put into effect a new layout, process-organization and* time-table, in accord with. the exacting standards of the American concern.
Mr. Hancock is said to have a dual respect for the De Lavaud differentia], as it appeals to him not only as an exceptionally ingenious piece of mechanism, but as something capable of enhancing the refinement, economy of running antl road stability of any vehicle to which it is fitted. He is a relatively young man and we shall watch with considerable interest the progress of the De Lavaud gear under his able management tenure of this position will prove of material value in connection with the new appointment he has taken up.
Consequent upon this new appointment certain changes have taken place in the A.E.C. headquarters' organization. Mr. S. Hollands, who has been the A.E.G. resident manager in Ireland, is now in charge of all matters in connection with theservicim, of vehicles, whilst Mr. A. E. Fowls' who controlled production in the works, assumes responsibility for the supply of spare parts to users.
Mr. F. Rowlinson, at present publicity -manager to Mather and Platt, Ltd., of Manchester, is shortly to take over the establishment of a publicity department for the United Steel Cos., Ltd.. of Sheffield.
Mr. A. A. Hammond, engineer-representative of the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., has returned to England on a short leave, after serving for a period of close on two years in the Argentine. One of the objects of his visit will be to discuss prospects in South America.
Some New Bexhill Licences.
The watch committee of the Bexhill Corporation has received an application from the Maidstone and District Motor Services, Ltd., for licences for a further 16 vehicles. The committee is of opinion that the needs of the borough would be amply met by the licensing of eight more vehicles only, and is making a recommendation accordingly.
A Belgian Manufacturing Concern Under the auspices of the Banque Central° pour le Commerce at l'Industrie, the Socike des Automobiles Miesse, of Brussels, has just acquired the works and undertaking of the Soci6te Bollinckx at Buysinghen, which will enable the production of Miesse motorbuses and lorries to be greatly extended. The title of the concern is being altered to La Societ6 des Automobiles Miesse et T.Tsines Bollinckx.
• Readers may remember that an interesting Miesse vehicle for service in the Syrian Desert was described in our issue dated February 5th.
It is stated that the well-known firm of Messrs. Rankin Brothers, of Glasgow, has recently been taken over by W. Alexander and Sons, Ltd, of Falkirk and Glasgow.
G.P.O. Transport Expansion.
It is stated that plans are being prepared by the Post Office for an expansion of the officially owned fleet of motors used for the conveyance and delivery of mails, and electric traction is engaging the attention of the department. In connection with these plans it is reported that the secretary's staff has lately been supplemented by the appointment to the postal traffic branch of two commercial-motor experts. The Present annual expenditure on contract motor services is estimated to be about £562,000, and for this sum about 2,300 vehicles are provided. The present cost of the officially owned motor services is approximately i650,000 per annum, but this expenditure covers other services additional to those formerly worked by contract. The Post Office fleet of motoyvans and motorcycles now numbers about 2,320 vehicles.
The light van proves to be a most economical type for postal work.
A Municipal Bus Service for Sale.
It is stated that the Bedwas and Machen Urban District Council is not prepared to accept any of the three offers which have been made by private concerns . for the purchase of its motorbus undertaking. Lewis and James, Ltd. (one of the constituent companies of the newly formed Western Welsh Omnibus Co., Ltd.), has expressed willingness to negotiate for the acquisition of the municipal service on the basis of a price to be put forward by the council, and it is understood that negotiations a r e proceeding on these lines.
A light and useful two-wheeled trailer chassis designed to carry a maximum load of 8 cwt., which is known as the Gibson, has recently been marketed by J. Brockhouse and Co., Ltd., of Hill Top, West Bromwich, Staffs., this concern having a London office situated at 110, Cannon Street, E.C.4.
The main frame of this appliance is 5 ft. 6 ins, long and 3 ft. 6 ins, wide, the chassis being constructed of steel and having a drawbar built integral with it. A spring-loaded drawbar eye is employed with the object of absorbing starting shocks. This eye device automatically operates the tisanes brakes when those on the towing vehicle are applied. An important feature of this machine is that it has compensated brakes of the internal-expanding type, the shoes acting in drums on the wheels.
The axle is of round-section nickel steel, and it is equipped with driven-on malleable seats, the road springs, which are of the semi-elliptic type, being mounted directly on to these fittings.
The seats also constitute the brake anchorages. The wheels are of the single steel-disc pattern, and are equipped with pneumatic tyres of 27-in. by 4.40-in. section. Brass greasers are provided at all important points.
The retail price of this appliance, complete with tyres, is 120.
An Alarm Pocket-watch for Drivers.
It is very often the lot of the lorry driver to remain at the wheel during part of the night, when a load has to be carried urgently to a distant town. He snatches an hour's sleep by the wayside when he can, and always he is afraid lest he should over-sleep. Some drivers who have much night work to do carry an alarm clock in the cab, but such timepieces are cumbersome aboard a lorry and often suffer from the inevitable vibration.
. A very useful watch for this kind of service has recently been marketed by Messrs. A. Arnold and Co., of 17, Elmcroft Avenue, Golders Green, N.W.11. It may be set to ring an alarm bell at any required time, and, although the instrument is no bigger than any ordinary pocket watch, the bell rings loudly enough to wake the heaviest sleeper. At one winding the timekeeper is set for 30 hours and the bell mechanism it fully wound; the alarm-bell may, of course, be put out of action when not required. The watch is of Swiss make, and like all the " chronographs " and stop-watches sold by this concern, it embodies a good lever movement and is guaranteed for three years. The price is 21s. The watch is useful in many other ways, particularly for business men, as a reminder of appointments, etc., and for such use the watch may be stood on a desk, the back of the ease being hinged to open so that it may be used as a stand.
A Show of Morris-Commercial Motors.
Stewart and Arden', Ltd., the sole London distributor of Morris-Commercial vehicles, has recently inaugurated a special display of Morris-Commercial vehicles at 134, Queen's Road, London, S.E., for the convenience of roadtransport owners and potential users in South London districts.
Centralized Transport for Blackpool.
The desirability of the establishment of a central municipal transport department for Blackpool is urged in a report which has just been submitted to the tramways and electrical committee by the general manager, Mr. Charles Furness. According to this document, Blackpool Corporation has a fleet of 76 vehicles representing an original cost of over 41,000; the present value is put at about £15,500. It is proposed that 42 vehicles shall come under the control of the new department. The remainder are specialservice vehicles used by the health, cleansing and police departments, and include street sweepers and ambulances.
A Lecture on Ground Gears.
At a joint meeting of the Institution of Automobile Engineers and the Institution of Production Engineers, to be held at the Royal Society of Arts, John Street, London, W.C.2, on May 3rd, at 7.45 p.m., Mr. H. F. L. Orcutt will lecture on the subject of "The Production and Application of Ground Gears."
Two Wakefield Licence Refusals.
The watch committee of the Wakefield Corporation has refused to grant the application of the West 'Riding Automobile Co., Ltd., for permission to run extra journeys between Wakefield and Wrenthorpe and Wakefield and Kirkhamgate, as well as another application of the B. and E. Motor Services, Doncaster, for a licence to ply for hire in Wakefield on a service between Bradford and London, Details of certain of the commercialvehicle exhibits in Milan had to be omitted from the report which we published last week, and we will now deal with them. A striking example of German design was the DaimlerMercedes-Benz. This, although of exceedingly stout construction, possessed fine lines. It had a six-cylindered, sidevalve engine and was mounted on pneumatic tyres, twins at the rear.
Some fine bodywork by Varesina was to be found on the famous Lancia chassis. the Pentaiota and the Eptaiota, both being popular for passenger work, particularly for fast touring. The exhibit which attracted perhaps the greatest attention was a double-saloon town bus on the Lancia Omicron chassis.
This vehicle, with its six-eylindered side-valve engine, can attain a speed of 65 kiloms. per hour. We are informed by our correspondent that this bus has room for 63 passengers seated and 6( standing—a total of 123, and he alludes to this as "a real crowd," with which remark we quite agree. The* body is panelled in aluminium on a steeel frame. On a Pentaiota chassis was a special body for fast touring in mountainous countries. Then there was a de luxe coach on an Omicron chassis, this having velvet-upholstered armchairs, polished-wood panels and other refinements. It is claimed that 25 persons can travel quite comfortably in this vehicle at 75 Idioms. per hour.
The well-known O.M. concern staged a taxicab with a somewhat sporting-type radiator, but its chief exhibit was the new six-cylinder chassis with o.h.v. engine, which was shown in two models, both built under Snorer licence. The Model 3 is for the conveyance of 40 persons at 50 knouts. per hour, whilst the other—a huge machine—has a Diesel engine equipped with the Bosch fuel pump. In this vehicle the steering wheel is about the -size of the road wheels of a cyclecar.
Garavini showed a special Fiat service coach fully equipped with Weaver devices to deal with breakdowns and accidents.
Sir Oliver Lodge on Metals.
Sir Oliver Lodge, F.R.S, is, on May 7th, to deliver the 19th annual May lecture before the Institute of Metals, this being given under the title of " Some Ideas About Metals."
• For Assisting Wheel Grip.
In certain circumstances the delivery of sand or grit to the road surface immediately in front of the driving wheels may be a useful aid for increasing adhesion, with a consequent improvement in starting from rest, or braking. To meet this need a device has 'been patented by • Mr. H. G. Pritchard, 146, Dyke Road, Brighton, known as the Gritgrip. This is a grit container with suitable delivery con-, trol ; the device can be mounted on the chassis or the body and is operated by a pedal.
The Prevention of Rust Formation.
The Pyrene Co., Ltd., 9, Grosvenor Gardens, London, S.W.1, the well-known maker of fire-extinguishers, advises us that it has acquired the patents in this country of the Parker rnst-proofing process which, the company tells us, is of particular value and interest to motorvehicle and accessory makers.
The company states that the process can be applied to all kinds of iron and steel parts, no matter how intricate their Shape,
without in any way affecting the physical properties of the metal, so that its hardness, temper or magnetism remain unaltered. After the surface has been treated it is microscopically etched, so that paint or enamel clings more tenaciously than it would do on a plain surface. Thus there is not the same risk of the paint or enamel peeling off, but should it become chipped the rust will not spread underneath the coating. It is said to be a most suitable treatment for bolts, nuts and spare parts which are held in stock for long periods.
A 4-toner with Twelve Speeds.
America has always been regarded as the land of big ideas, and certainly this is borne out in the new 1929 range of Stewart vehicles built by the Stewart Motor Corporation, of Buffalo, N.Y.
Apart from having a six-cylindered engine, the 4-ton model has a multiple. speed auxiliary transmission which gives the vehicle a total range of 12 speeds in the forward direction and three in the reverse. The auxiliary gear is mounted amidships, and is provided with step-up and step-down ratios which are used in connection with the regular four-speed gearbox of the vehicle. The overall gear ratios range from 151 to 1 in the lowest ratio forward to 10.3 to 1 on direct drive.
So far as, the ratios of the auxiliary ever are concerned, these are step-up, 7 to 1; step-down, 2.25 to 1. Such a gear can be built to be quite compact.
It is claimed that with such a flexible range of speeds the vehicle is ideal for
heavy work, such as that involved in sand and -gravel' pits, but that it ban be used equally well for long-distance haulage at high speeds.
Presentation to a Popular " B.P." Servant.
A presentation of a silver tea service has been made by the staffs of the South Wales branches of the British Petroleum Co., Ltd., to Mr. B. F. J. Roberts, to commemorate the completion of his 40th year of service with the company. Mr. J. Kemp, who has been with the company for 23 years, was at the same time presented with a wallet containing treasury notes. Mr. 3. B. Ellis, group sales manager from the head office of the company in London, attended the meeting that was arranged for the purpose, and Mr. A. B. Phillips, the manager for South Wales, made the presentation. More than 150 members of the South Wales staffs attended the function.
Birch Bros., Ltd., Secures BrightonLondon Licences.
Birch Bros., Ltd., has been successful in obtaining from the Brighton Corporation licences for five motor coaches intended for service between Brighton and London. The application was granted, subject to the following special conditions:—(a) that the vehicles operate only from the garage named in the application ; (b) that they do not pick up or set down passengers on any part of the highway in the borough, except with the express consent of the licensing authority ; (c) that a minimum single fare of 2s. 6d. be charged.
This Year's Olympia Show.
At this year's International Commercial Motor Exhibition, which takes place at Olympia from November 7th to 16th, there will be three distinct sections for the exhibits, these comprising: (1) commercial-vehicle and bodywork section, (2) accessory, component and equipment section, (3) tyre section. At several previous Shows there has been a separate section for garage equipment, but this year it has not been Possible to set apart space for this pur
pose. The Exhibition will be open each day from 10 a.m. until 0 p.m.
A New Peugeot Distributor.
We learnthat United Motors, Ltd., Walnut Tree Walk, Kennington, London, S.E.11, has recently been appointed the distributor for the London district-an area embraced by a radius of 15 miles from Charing Cross— for the range of Peugeot vehicles.
Included in this range is a small commercial vehicle which is capable of carrying 5-cwt. loads. The standard typo of body which
Is used on the chassis has the following interior dimensions :Length, 4 ft. ; height, 4 ft. 1i ins.; width, 3 ft. 6 ins. The chassis price is-i100, • that for the complete vehicle being £185.
Another Edinburgh-London Service.
A coach service, for\ which Daimler luxury vehicles will be employed, is being instituted between Edinburgh and London by Thomson's Tours, Ltd., and the inauguration of the service takes place to-day (April 30th).
Free State Bus Statistics.
During the months of January and February buses operating in the Irish Free State travelled 3,566,072 vehiclemiles and carried 6,712,430 passengers. The gross receipts from passengers, for the two months, totalled £103,920 and the average passenger receipts per vehicle-mile for February were 6.98d.
The figures for February show substantial increases in every respect over those for the corresponding period of last year. The greatest increase is shown in the case of services between Cork and other points, on which passengers increased from 79,868 in February, 1928, to 337,259 in February last. The average passenger receipts per vehicle-mile showed a falling off in some cases, this being most marked in the case of the Dublin city and suburban services. In February., 1928, the figure was 8.32d., and in February, 1929, 6.98d. Reorganization at Cardiff.
it is stated that drastic alterations in the organization of the Cardiff .City . Council's bus and tram services are recommended in a report which, the new manager, Mr. Forbes' • (late of Aberdeen), has submitted to the tramways committee. The suggestions include the overhaul of the working system in its entirety, and alterations to bus routes, fares and time-tables. It is understood that the question of enlarging the bus fleet is to be considered by the committee.
Latvia to Produce Lorries.
The Latvian post and telegraph administration has taken over a factory in Riga with a view to producing motor vehicles. Construction will be in accordance with the latest technical requirements, one special aim being to make the vehicles suitable for .operation over the bad roads of the country. It is hoped that the selling prices will be lower than those of imported foreign makes. At the beginning of this year there were about 900 commercial vehicles in Latvia.
London Tramways Losses.
The auditors' report on the London County Council tramways for the year ended March 31st, 1928, states that
the net loss was £226,211. This, deficiency is to be met out of the rates, and is equivalent to a rate of 1.134. in the pound. The deficiency for the previous year was £275,159. Best Roads Through London.
An extremely useful map, known as the A.A. Throughway Map of London and the Home Counties, has been issued, for the convenience of drivers, by the Automobile Association, Panum House, New Coventry Stseet, London, W.1.
The map is double-sided, one side covering the London area inTags