Answers to Queries.
Page 19
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Oar readers will be informed by the Editor on any Points connected with the construction or use of commercial motors. Where a direct reply is desired, a stamped and addressed envelope should be enclosed : if a request for privacy is not sPeciall,y made, any query and answer may be published. Some replies,owing to pressure on our space, are held several weeks. Numerous requests reach us for lists of motorcab and commercial-vehicle owners; these we never supply. Our advertisement -columns are open to those who desire to make announcements to owners for the Purposes of trade.
Taxis .by Instalments.
[1995]" OwNER-DRIVER " writes I should be pleased if you could furnish me with particulars as to how I could get a taxicab on the easy-payment system, and what would be the lowest deposit required ?"
ANSWE11.—We should advise you to write to : Robert Bell, Ltd., Horseferry Road, SE.; Mann and Overtons, Ltd., 10, Lower Grosvenor Place, S.W. ; and the Belsize London Agency, Ltd., Dean's Yard, Cavendish Square, W.
To Supply Milk by Motorvan.
[1996] "Mitismais" writes :—'I am looking out for a. light motor lorry to carry milk cans, load up to 16 cwt. I require a sound, serviceable chasssis and suitable hp. engine ; price must be very moderate."
ANSWER.--YOu will probably see something of the kind which you want offered in our advertisement columns. We may be able to answer any further queries when you have perused them.
Underand Over-type.
[1997] " WOULD-BE UsErt " writes :—" What are the advantages and disadvantages respectively of the under-type as compared with the overor tractiontype of steam motor wagon?"
ANSWER.—There are first-class sleam wagons manufactured according to both types of construction which you mention. The over-type arranges for the disposition of the principal mechanism in a very accessible manner. The control gear and the speed gear are also very handily disposed. This type of steam wagon has.been evoldved from practice which has been so satisfactory in the case of steam traction engines. The under-type wagon renders it possible to obtain a shorter overall chassis, and more body space for the same wheelbase. The engine, as a rule in such designs, is wholly encased, a practice which makes for long life and a low rate of depreciation.
It might perhaps be as well if you wrote to such makers as S.M. Car Syndicate (St. Pancras) Ltd., 9a, Hythe Road, Willesden, N.W., Alley and MacLellan, Polm.adie, Glasgow, Leyland Motors, Ltd., Leyland, and Mann's Patent Steam Cart and Wagon Co., Ltd., Leeds, concerning the under-type design.
To Get the Back Wheel OM [1998] " HARROGATE " writes:--' We have a threeton lorry which is doing good service for us, but, having had occasion to tighten up a tire on a back wheel, on removing the chain case we found that the chain was an endless one, and both sprockets were fastened by keys. Can you advise us of a simple method which could be used on the road to remove a chain, so as to get a back wheel off It was impossible to apply a press on the inside. Is it advisable to make the chain detachable by inserting a bolt and nut?"
ANSWER.—With regard to the endless chains of your three-ton lorry, you will have to reduce the extension of your gearcases, which you will have noticed act as radius rods, so as to get as much slack as possible on the chain. The proper thing to do then is to pull off the sprocket with the chain on it. This will allow you to remove the back wheel subsequently. Alternatively, you can pull out the sprocket with its shaft. If you have the chain sufficiently slack, you might be able to roll the chain off. There is no need, when gearcases are properly fitted, to use a bolted chain ; some makers prefer an endless variety. Working in the Backlands.
[1999] " STUDENT " writes : --" Will you be so good as to inform a constant reader of your paper, but a stranger and a Colonial, where he could go through a thorough course of oil-engine instruction, or where would be the most likely place to apply for a job as improver. One does not like to trust the advertisements of schools, etc., and besides, I. have found some of them to be far too expensive, I am the sort of man who very likely has to work engines hundreds of miles up in the Bush,' so you will understand how valuable such knowledge is to me."
ANSWER. -The International Correspondence Schools, Kingsw.ay, we think, will suit your purpose as well as anywhere. They will also do their best to provide you with employment after completing their course. They have a very efficient organization.
Opening up a Service.
[2000] " BUSINESS " writes : I have been considering putting down a motorbus in a fairly populous locality, where no ready means of cheap and efficient public conveyance exists.
" My idea is to find such an opening and to purchase a bus, either new or second-hand, out of capital, and personally to conduct the business, doing as much as possible myself and only employing a car driver, conductor, and washer."
ANSWER.—You should place your order for one or two vehicles, as you will certainly never get delivery in good time, having regard to the state of trade, unless you order several months in advance. We think the departure will pay you.
Wants to Know about Insurance.
[2001] " INSURANCE " writes :---" A business firm has asked me whether I can advise them how and with what firm they can best take out an insurance policy for (a) damage to the steam wagon due to accident, fire, etc. ; (b) third party risks.
" Would you kindly tell me whom you consider the best people for this purpose, also would you mind very kindly saying : (1) In insuring for damage to the wagon, do you think it advisable for the owner to accept the risk himself for the first 210, 220, or £20 of the damage, and if so, up to what amount do you consider would be most favourable to the owner of the wagon?
"(2) In case of third-party risks, up to what amount do you advise owners to protect themselves ?"
ANSWER.—You certainly could not do better than put yourselves in the hands of the Car and General Insurance Corporation, Ltd., of 1, Queen Victoria Street, E.C., and so advise your friends.
It is generally found inexpedient for an owner to carry any risk himself in excess of the first £10, and many owners seem to prefer to exclude the smallest of accidents—say, up to 25. Your friends will no doubt ask for alternative rates for the 15 exception and the 210 exception.
It is undoubtedly advisable to cover third-party indemnity to the extent of 21000 per accident, without limit to number of accidents in any one year, and the rates for this class of cover are now fairly moderate— compared with the indemnity. It is really the catastrophe risk, such as accidental loss of control, or the accidental killing of some professional man who earns a big income by his own persenal efforts, that one has to cover under this head.