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Caught Knapping
THE fourth volume in the series "Our National Heritage," issued by the National Benzoic Company Ltd., Wellington House, Buckingham Gate, London, S.W.1, is fully up to the standard of their previous productions. It deals with many of the occupations requiring personal skill which exist in Britain today, and which require a tradition of fine craftsmanship. Blacksmithing, hand-block printing, inn-sign designing, thatching and even flint knapping are included.
One would hardly believe that flints, other than the modern type for lighters, are still required, but they continue to be used for old hunting guns in Africa. The last page concerns something more connected with our industry as it deals with oil and benzoic.
It is mentioned that as early as 1694 experiments were made to extract "oyle" from coal, whilst in 1825 Faraday extracted benzene from compressed gas. The recovery of benzoic from coal began about 1883. It is a mixture of benzene, toluene and xylene, and seems to have been used for the first time in a motor vehicle in 1906. Benzoic and its constituents are also largely used in the manufacture of plastics, synthetic fibres such as nylon, paints and solvents.
Electrical Computing of Suspensions
nNE of the difficulties in designing commercial 'vehicles, particularly those in the heavy field, has been to determine reasonably quickly the suspension systems best suited to the various needs. At present the tests include driving vehicles over tracks built to simulate most conditions that might be found when the vehicles are in service, but this is a long procedure.
German scientists havle discovered a new method. A30 This is to employ an analogue computer which can determine, in an hour, the suspension system which will give the best results. In making investigations, a Short computer, built by a British concern, is being employed.
Set up on the computer is an equation in which factors, such as the type of axle used, the suspension and chassis, and various types of bump and road depression, are represented by voltages of varying values.
When the simulated suspension is "driven" over the bumps, a trace on the cathode-ray tube indicates the movements of the chassis and axle. By operating control switches it is possible to change such values as the stiffness of the springs, the pressure in the tyres and the damping by shock absorbers.
There Shall be Light
THE correct lighting of factories and offices is one I of the most important adjuncts to general efficiency, and accurate production in particular. This is excellently shown in a film, "New Light on Industry," introduced recently by The British Electrical Development Association, 2 Savoy Hill, London, W.C.2.
Not least in interest are the many views of modern factories and other establishments, including London Transport's new bus repair depot at Aklenham, and the Opperman Works at Boreham Wood.
The main theme of the film is the story of an industrialist planning a new factory. Visiting the British Industries Fair he meets Lord Chandos and discusses his plans with him. Lord Chandos points out the importance of good lighting and the desirability of consulting lighting experts at the earliest stage.
As a result the industrialist, who is also the narrator, pays many visits and he learns and sees how modern lighting methods can keep the factories and workers 'cheerful, and reduce industrial fatigue, ill health and accidents.
Available in 16 mm. and 35 mm., this. film can be obtained on free loan from the Association.
A Europabus Occasion
THE enterprise of the East Kent Road Car Co., I Ltd., in linking up with the Europabus Internatio_nal Motor Coach Lines appears to be increasingly rewarding. The summer services commence today and the East Kent express coach services between Dover and London form the link between Europabus on the Continent and the British network of express coach services. Thus, almost any point here is linked to most places in Western Europe.
The growth of Europabus since 1951 has, been rapid, and there are now 94 regular cross-frontier services on 37,000 miles of route. The focal point in London _is the Victoria Coach Station. Here, last week, a reception was held by the East Kent concern, London Coastal Coaches, A.C.V. Sales and J. C. Beadle, partly to display two of the fine East Kent coaches with Beadle bodies •on A.E.C. Reliance chassis and partly to meet four of the coach hostesses representing Europabus services in Britain, Holland, Germany and Belgium. One of the coaches was the winner of the" Brighton Trophy" at the recent British Coach Rally.
The many guests were welcomed by the highly popular East Kent chairman, Mr. R. P. Beddow.