Bicycle Box Vans.
Page 17
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Interesting Examples of Small fligh-speed Delivery Units.
Since we are considering, in other columns, the many interesting aspects of the delivery problem for the smallest class of trader, and endeavouring fairly to state the case for motor substitution where it is possible, whilst indicating where it is economically unsound as yet, it is strictly appropriate to illustrate our remarks from time to time with specifie examples of small delivery units which are successfully being employed for special services.
Herewith we illustrate two rather taking examples of the application of a hard-wearing type of ordinary motor-bicycle in conjunction with a box form of sidecar construction, both of them, as it happens, in the service of a tailor, although in very different parts of the world.
One, it will be seen, consists of a twin-cylinder Harley-Davidson American-built motor-bicycle with a substantial sidecar attachment and a large box body mounted on " C" springs. This is so located as to leave the driver's view unobstructed so far as is necessary. This particular machine is in the service of a well-known Los Angeles concern.
The method of delivering the articles of clothing is interesting. The garments are hung on shoulder supports and similar devices and slung inside the box body exactly as they would be in a modern wardrobe.
The results, we learn from a local correspondent, are excellent, and the deliveries are effected without creases due to cl-amsy folding or parcelling The rear door of this conveyance is large enough to admit the suits upon their racks, and
our little inset shows the door open and illustrates this point. A very considerable number of clothes can be stowed in this systematic way. The boy who drives it easily makes 30 calls a day, and he can cover a radius of 30 miles or more.
The second-named machine corresponds in general method of application very closely to the American example which we have described. There is a, difference, however, in the method of stowage. This example embodies a standard two-cylinder 6 h.p. Neekarsuliner motor-bicycle, built in the wellknown N.S.U. factory in Germany. The attachment of the side carriage is a particularly stiff job, and the framework itself supports, on short helical springs, a carrier frame in which the box body is properly located.
This carrier is not only useful for similar work to that in which the American. built Harley-Davidson motor-bicycle is employed, but it has a special and obvious application for use by a certain class of commercial travellers who can usefully stow their samples in flat eases. Our small illustration shows the rear view of the box body, giving accommodation for four leather sample eases, supported on suitable shelves. The capacity of this compartment is up to 150 kilos. we are assured—that is, 330 lb.
Some attempt has been made to employ this class of delivery plant in England, but the conditions so far have not led to much development in this direction. A few examples of sidecar construction of this class were shown at the last Motorcycle Show at Olympia.