WHEELS of INDUSTRY
Page 34
Page 35
Page 36
Page 37
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
The Ford 2-tonner Introduced.
An important addition has just been made to the range of vehicles produced by the Ford Motor Co., Ltd., of Trafford Park, Manchester, and 88, Regent Street, London, W.1. The new model consists of a chassis with a capacity for 2 tons pay-load. It embodies the well-known 24 h.p. four-cylindered engine which develops 40 b.h.p. at 2,209 r.p.m. It drives through a single-plate clutch to a four-speed gearbox. The new chassis differs from the 30-cwt. type in regard to only the transmission details and, of course, the suspension has been materially strengthened in order to stand the greater load. The prices are as follow :—.Chassis (10 ft. 11f ins. wheelbase), £188; (13 ft. 1 in. wheelbase), £197; extra for cab, £25; short-wheelbase lorry, £227; long-wheelbase lorry, £237; hand-operated tipper (short wheelbase), £235; hydraulic tipper, £285; farm utility vehicle (short wheelbase), £245; Luton-type van; £267.
Official Orders in July.
July proved another quiet month as regards the placing of orders for motor vehicles by Government departments. The Admiralty placed one for 1-ton lorries with Morris Commercial Cars, Ltd. The War Department Placed orders for light six-wheeled chassis with Crossley Motors, Ltd., Garner Motors, Ltd., and Morris Commercial Cars, Ltd. The last-named-concern also received one for six-wheelers, and Hardy Motors,
Ltd., one for six-wheeled tractors, also bodies. The Crown Agents for the Colonies ordered a lorry from Albion Motors, Ltd., and a tractor from Richard Garrett and Sons, Ltd. The d.P.O. orders comprised one for bodies, divided between Duple Bodies and Motors, Ltd., and Wm. and Thos. Robson, Ltd., and one for chassis, divided between Albion .Motors, Ltd., Morris Motors, Ltd., and Morris Commercial Cars, Ltd., the last-mentioned concern also securing one for lorries.
The Anti-dazzle Demonstration.
Over 90 entries have been received by the Royal Automobile Club for the antidazzle demonstration which it is organizing to take place at Cambridge, on September 17th, in connection with the International Illumination Congress that is now being held in this country. The demonstration will include (1) headlamps designed to meet the requirements of certain foreign countries, (2) those which comply with the amendments proposed' by the R.A.C. to meet the Ministry of Transport regulations and (3) lamps which do not meet the requirements of any regulations, but which tackle the dazzle problem by.. a variety of novel methods. Leading examples of English, French, German, Dutch and American devices will be demonstrated.
The demonstration will be divided into two parts. Vehicles will first be lined up so that the devices can be inspected in detail, after which they will be driven over a short route on the demonstration ground.
Producer-gas-vehicle Trials in France.
No fewer than 48 entries have been received for the reliability trial of motor vehicles driven by gas producers mounted on the chassis, which commences at Versailles on September 11th, under the auspices of the French military authorities.
The entries are as follow :—Berliet, two 30-cwt. vans, two 24-ton lorries, two 5-tonners and two 73-tonners, with Imbert-Berliet producers ; Delahaye, two 30-cwt. vans, two 24-ton lorries and 14 5-tonners, all with S again producers ; Dewald, two 5-ton lorries and two 73tanners with Sagam producers ; Renault, two 30-cwt. vans, two 23-ton lorries, two 5-tonners and two 73-tonners with Renault producers; Rochet-Schneider, two 21-ton lorries, with Sagam producers; Panhard-Levassor, two 23-ton lorries, and four 5-tonners, all with the company's own producers. In addition, 16 vehicles have been entered by five different makers of producer, these being Rex, Gohin-Poulenc, Sagam, Ardens and Rnbert.
A New Order.
An Order under the Metropolitan Public Carriage Act, 1869, and the London Cab and Stage Carriage Act, 1907, entitled the "Metropolitan Stage Carriage (Tramcars and Trolley Vehicles) Order, 1931," has been made by the Home Secretary to replace the provisions in the Cab and Stage Carriage Order of 1924, as to the licensing of tramcars and trolley vehicles and their drivers and conductors. The new Order took effect on September 1st.
Morris Light Vans for 1932.
In co.nneetion with the two new Morris light vans for 1932, details of which were given in our issue for last week, it should be noted that the 5 cwt. van weighs unladen 11 cwt. 3 qrs. making the annual tax £10, whilst the 8-10-cwt. van weighs 19 cwt. 2 qrs., making the tax £15. Halley's Report.
The report of Halley Motors, Ltd., for the year ended March 31st, 1931, shows a loss of £11,068, after making the usual allowance for depreciation, but before writing off special depreciation on stock in respect of obsolescence caused by the provisions of the Road Traffic Act. As the result of a rearrangement of the mortgage, it has been found possible to set free a sum sufficient to provide for this special depreciation, to write off £1,000 of preliminary expenses and to leave a billance of £16,780, which has been placed to general reserve.
Since the close of the previous financial year a substantial interest in the company has been acquired by the North British Locomotive Co., Ltd., of Glasgow.
During the year the company developed a new six-cylindered engine and a double-deck bus chassis, with both of which we have dealt in our columns.
Tramway Substitution in Manchester.
Interesting details of the progress which is being made in substituting motorbuses on a large portion of Manchester Corporation's tramways routes were given a few days ago in a report submitted to the transport committee by Mr. Stuart PiIcher, general manager of the transport department. It is stated that during the past 18 months 14 per cent, of the whole tramways system has been converted to bus operation and during this period 258 tram drivers have been trained as bus drivers.
A Tractor and Trailer Inquiry.
The tport-eqpiprnent department of the Antwerp municipality is asking for tenders, which have to be presented in Antwerp by September 14th, for the supply of a motor tractor and two trailers for service on the roads approaching the port. The tractor must be petrol driven and one of the trailers must be of the tipping type. Further particulars can be obtained from the Department of Overseas Trade, 35, Old Queen Street, London, S.W.1, reference GX.10,702 being quoted.
Canadian Exports Lower.
A marked downward tendency continues to be the order of the day as regards the exports of commercial vehicles from Canada. Thus, the shipments from the Dominion during May last numbered 429 units (L32,628), bringing up the total for the first five months of the year to 3,304 vehicles valued at £262,306, compared with 6,515 and £470,902 respectively in the corresponding period of 1930—a drop of £208,596 or nearly 45 per cent. India, and South and West Africa are at present the best customers for Canadian vehicles.
Bus Working at Derby.
in the year ended March 31st, 1931, the 35 buses in the service of Derby Corporation were operated at a gross profit of £7,854, as compared with a gross profit of £4,985 a year earlier. As interest and sinking-fund charges amounted to £8,594, as against £4,632 in the year ended March, 1930, there was a net loss on the year's working of £740, as contrasted with a profit of 1352 a year earlier.
The revenue account for buses shows that traffic receipts amounted to £53,582 and working expenses to £45,728, these figures on a per-bus-mile basis being 15.43d. and 13.17d. respectively.
The buses are working on a routemileage of 191 and during the year the total mileage covered was 833,389, whilst 8,096,037 passengers were carried. The average number of buses in use was 17 and each vehicle covered an average mileage of 129 per day.
Derby Corporation bus fleet comprises 15 Tilling-Stevens, 12 Guys and eight A.E.C.s. Advance Traffic Signs.
In connection with instructions of the Ministry of Transport regarding the installation of traffic signals, the highways committee of Leicester County Council suggests that a suitable form of advance sign should be erected. This, it is pointed out, should be visible to approaching traffic before the point is arrived at where it is necessary to decide on the direction to he taken, and such advanced signs should be in addition to a direction gen placed in the normal position.
New Life for Old Vehicles.
It is a tribute to the qualities of A.E.C. products that the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Co. recently passed over to the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., a fleet of 67 old-type A.E.C. lorries, which have been in regular use for from 10 to 15 years, for reconditioning in preparation for further service.
To enable this work to be carried out satisfactorily the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., has taken over premises at Slough, where 35 employees, under the supervision of Mr. J. Watkinson of the service department, Southall, are now busily engaged in turning out five chassis each week.
The work includes the replacing or reconditioning of such parts as the differential, gearbox, clutch, steering gear and radiator, and overhauling of all road springs and the strengthening of those at the rear. A new deep-section frame is used, as well as a new 5-type engine. Pneumatic tyres of 38-in, by 7-in. section are used to replete the solid-tyre equipment.
After completion each chassis is subjected to a road test before being taken to the railway company's bodybuilding works, at Wolverton, for a new body and cab to be fitted.
It is interesting to note that, before this work commenced at Slough, 80 L.M.S. vehicles had been similarly reconditioned at the A.E.C. depot at North Road, London, N.
Transport Recommendations for Bradford.
Mr. C. J. Spencer, who was called in as expert adviser to the tramways committee of Bradford Corporation, makes the following recommendations :—No further expenditure on tramway track —even renewals—unless a new form of traction cannot commercially take the place of the tramcars ; continuation of the policy of replacing tramways by trolley-buses ; experiments with petrol buses in replacement of tramcars on some routes, and, where possible, the replacement of single-deck by doubledeck buses; a conference to consider further possible protection from privately owned buses.
"This Motoring."
So many of our readers count the years of their connection with the motor industry from the very inception of the motoring movement that we feel sure they will be interested in a brief review of This Motoring," which has been written by Mr.. Stenson Cooke, secretary of the Automobile Association, and just published by Cassell and Co., Ltd., at 3s. 6d. it is, of course, a history of the Association and for many of us it will awaken a host of memories. Written in the lightest possible vein, it serves to convey not only the sequence of facts which represent milestones in the remarkable development of the A.A., but also something of the spirit that urged those founders and promoters of the organization.
From the days of the police traps of 1906, and the A.A. scouts who were sent out to battle with them, the reader is carried through the stages of the manysided progressive activities of the organization up to the present day, when the membership exceeds 400,000.
It may be noted that the industrialvehicle section of the A.A. affords corn1322 mercial-vehicle users the full benefits ot the road service, the scouts, the telephone boxes, etc., as well as free legal defence, and membership costs t2 2syearly plus an annual charge of 5s. per vehicle, also the initial cost of the octagonal A.A. badges. It is a most 'valuable and natural extension of the service afforded by the Automobile Association Personal Pars.
Councillor P. S. Dollen has intimated his resignation from -the Traffic C01047 missioners for the Southern Scotland area. Mr. Dollen, who was the nominee of GlasgoW Corporation, was appointed by the Ministry of Transport as the representative of Glasgow and other cities in the area.
The trausport committee of Dundee Corporation has appointed Mr. Robert Taylor, now chief assistant, as manager of the department. Mr. Taylor, who Singer Dealers Meet.
During the luncheon which followed the recent display of the 1932 range of Singer private-car models at the works of the company at Small Heath, Birmingham, when a large number of agents an4 dealers attended, Mr Bullock, the managing director of Singer and Co., Ltd., referred to the difficulties which beset the motor trade in all its branches, and forecast the probable formatian of a local board of works directors.
• In a Line or Two.
The new address of the Perfect Circle Co., Ltd., is 10, Store Street, London, W.C.1.
Copenhagen Corporation has sent a special delegation to this country in order to investigate traffic problems, and a number of large towns is to be visited. It is said that the delegation is to order a fleet of 35 buses.
A reader of this journal desires to trace a concern by the name of Amalgamated Road Transport, which at one time had an address in Leeds. The company undertook haulage between Selby and Liverpool.
Economies Effected by Motors.
A costing return of the cleansing committee of Manchester Corporation gives the following figures regarding refuse collection by mechanical and horsed transport :— Average cost per ton for collection by motor freighter, 4s. 4.42d.; average cost per ton by horse-drawn vehicle, 6s. 0.98d. The economy of motor collection, compared with horsed transport, per ton collected is thus 1s. 8.56d., or
28.17 per cent.following are the gtatistics in regard to motor sweeping machines :—Cost of sweeping 10,000 sq. yds. of surface by motor sweeper, 5s. 3.42d.; cost by horse-drawn machine, 8s. 9.18d. The economy of the motor sweeper. is thus 3s. 5.76d., or 39.70d. per cent.
A New Lubricating Oil.
. Alexander Duckhans and Co., Ltd., the well-known concern of lubricatingoil manufacturers, which. ha l; its head office at 16, Cannon Street, London,
E.C.4, announces that, in conjunction with Morris engineers, a grade of oil, called IVIorrisol, has been produced and is now solely recommended by Morris Motors, Ltd., for use in the engines of Morris ears and vans, also Wolseley cars. The price ranges from 5s. 8d. per gallon in 40-gallon barrels, to 7s. 3d. in one-gallon cans. The one grade is suitable for all models and for winter and summer use.
Morrisol Commercial oil is, we are told, adopted for sole recommendation by Morris Commercial Cars, Ltd., for all its models. In 40-gallon barrels the price is 4s. per gallon, in 10-gallon drums 4s. 44., and in 5-gallon drums 4s. 6d. A. transmission oil . is available at similar prices. Discounts are quoted for contracts or large quantities.
Britannia Batteries Progress.
A story ofachievement is contained in an attractive brochure which has recently been issued by Britannia Batteries, Ltd., Britannia Rouse, 233, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W.C.2. It really constitutes a pictorial impression of a tour of the company's works at Redditch, the various departments and the work upon which they are engaged being clearly indicated. As the building up of its factory and its organization has been accomplished in the past two years the company is certainly justified in giving to the new brochure the title "Achievement."
Good Municipal Bus Profits at Newcastle.
During the past five years the bus section of Newcastle Comoration has shown a remarkable growth and. in the year ended March .31st last the total revenue from the operation of the buses Was £177,452, the vehicles having covered a total mileage of 3,704,884 and
carried 21,276,128 passengers. , The bus fleet consists of 108 vehicles, Comprising A.E.C., Daimler, Guy, Dennis and Leyland makes. There are (A singledeckers and 44 double-deckers in the fleet, although 15 of the former are being replaced by a similar number of the latter.
In connection with the bus system, the parcels delivery service has been reorganized and arrangements are now in operation whereby parcels are collected and delivered on any point situated on the routes served by the undertaking. In the past year working expenses totalled £130,512, the gross profit being 146,940. Interest and redemption and other charges totalled £29,276, so that the net profit on the year's working was £17,664.
Devon Census Deductions.
It is stated that the traffic census taken recently by the Devon county officials in conjunction with the Ministry of Transport shows that the increase
in motor vehicles,and tonnage continues, but that the inerease is not so Jorge relatively as increases shown on the two previous census occasions.
A Maintenance Manager Available.
We have strong recommendations, con.firmed, by a personal interview, regarding an applicant for a post as maintenance or repel-• works manager, either in London or the country. The man in question is well educated, has a thorough mechanical knowledge and experience, -and we should judge him to be capable of dealing with men. Letera addressed "J.," care of The Editor, will be forwarded. Municipal Purchases and Proposals.
HEREFORD Rural District Council is considering the purchase of a motor fireengine in collaboration with neighbouring authorities.
WIDNES Corporation has placed an order for a Crossley oil-engined doubledecker, incorporating the maker's patent automatic gear-changing device.
The gas committee of GLASGOW Corporation recommends acceptance of the tender of Albion Motors, Ltd., at £520, for the supply of a 2i-ton lorry.
The transport committee of MANCHESTER Corporation has accepted the tender of Manchester Garages, Ltd., for the supply of a. Ford 30-cwt. lorry and five Ford 30-cwt. chassis.
The transport committee of Hun. Corporation is obtaining tenders, which have to be delivered by September 19th, for the supply of eight single-deck and 12 double-deck motorbuses.
ABERTILLERY 'Urban District Council proposes to buy a new fire-engine and wishes manufacturers' agents residing in the South Wales area to arrange with the council's surveyor to demonstrate their products.
Minntusanotfou Corporation is making preparations for the abandonment of the tramways system between North Ormesby and Stockton and its replacement by buses. The tramways committee is to buy four motorbuses at a cost of £1,685 each.
The sanitary committee of BIRKENHEAD Corporation has been in communication with the Ministry of Health 'regarding the proposal to purchase two tipping vehicles, and as a result the committee has now decided to purchase only one at a cost of-f322.
SWANSEA Watch Committee has received a report showing that provision of a new motor fire-engine--estimated to cost 11,500—is urgently necessary. It is also recommended to the committee that provision be made for the purchase of at least one new motor ambulance.
CATERHAM and WARLINGHAM TJXbRIL District Council is inviting tenders for the supply of a trailer for use with a Fordson tractor. Its capacity must be between four and five cubic yds. and it must be equipped with end-tipping gear. Tenders have to bedelivered by 4 p.m. on September 14th.
The cleansing committee of MANCHESTER Corporation recommends the purchase of five dustless-loading motor vehicles at £790 10s. each, a chassis with interchangeable water tank and dustless-loading body at £967 10s., a lorry with hydraulic tipping gear at £399 10s., road two Lacre three-wheeled road sweepers at £492 10s. each.
A Coach Owners' Federation.
The London Coach Owners' Federation, Ltd., was registered on August 31st -as a private company with a nominal -capital of 1100, to protect and develop the interests of members and nonmembers concerned in any form of transport. The directors are Messrs. R. W. Birch (Birch Bros., Ltd.), J. H. Ewer (George Ewer and Co., Ltd.), W. F. French (United Service Transport Co., Ltd.), L. A. Mitchell (Blue Belle Motors, Ltd.), F. B. Monkman (Keith and Boyle (London), Ltd.), W. A. Timpson (A. Timpson and Sons, Ltd.). The registered office is at 82, Clapham Road, London, S.W.9.