What to See—and How at Manchester.
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A Suggested Itinerary to Include the Principal Exhibits of Interest at the Second North of England Show, City Hall, Manchester, 14th-22nd February.— We Reproduce Photographs of Many of the Exhibits.
We will presume that we have met the symbolic gentleman of our foreword in the main entrance to the City Hall, and, without wasting any time in pourparlers, we will start with him on our tour by swinging to the left until we come to Stand 23, which is occupied by Walker Bros., Ltd., of Wigan. Here we shall find a couple of good examples of the Page&ld productions, which have undergone some constructional detail alteration since we had occasion last to notice them. A 28 h.p. chassis and a. two-tonner are quite representative of this company's conuriercial-vehicle type of construction. The Pagefield wagon, it will be noticed, is of normal arrangement, and in its latest form is pleasingly representative of clean British design. The four-cylinder engine drives through a simple leathered cone clutch to a. three-speedand-reverse gearbox, in which the gears are always in mesh and the changes are effected by dog clutches. We may usefully notice the suspension of the robust form of tubular radiator rin these machines.
The Low-consumption Steamer.
Next we find a useful contrast in the exhibit which is provided by Richard Garrett and Sons, Ltd., the well-known east-country manufacturers of clean, wagons. It is pertinent here to remember that this company, which nowadays is a. mechanical engineering concern (4 moment, has built up an enormous business in all parts of the world in respect. of its superheated, self-contained, steamgenerating plants. Garrett's 0,mtent themselves, we find, with staging a single machine, and this is of their threeton, superheated type mounted on rubber tires. In view of the fact that the employment of rubber-tired steam wagons is growing to such a noteworthy extent, this light model will repay careful examination as an interesting example of modern practice. The use of a superheater is a speciality of Garrett. wagon construction, and it is claimed that it is due to the employment of this auxiliary that the several remarkable coal and
water-consumption tests, which have been conducted for the company by members of the editorial staff of this journal, have been achieved. Other constructional features which we shall do well here to point out to our companion include the well-known Garrett corrugated fire-box, which yields high evaporative efficiency, the Garrett piston-valve gear, and the tubular feed-water heater.
Representing Two British Factories of Far-reaching Reputation.
Stand 25, which is the next one in direct line ahead, is occupied by Mr. Max R. Lawrence, who, until lately works manager of the Wolseley Birmingham works, is now the Manchester agent for both Hallford and Wolseley commercial models. The former type will be repre-ented by a standard 32 h.p., four-ton machine, and we can usefully pause to examine this model, which is representative of the latest practice adopted by .1. and E. Hall, Ltd. Our companion, if he prove intelligent, will undoubtedly recall the recent severe W. 0. Subsidy Trials, in which the Hallford put up a fine performance, but proved slightly over weight.
First Showing of New Wolesley
Cheek by jowl with this example from a factory which is taking so praiseworthy a share in the development, of the modern commercial-vehicle unit, we find a sample of modern Wolseley practice. This manufacturer is one of the newcomers to the industry, although it is hardly fair, perhaps, thus to classify the company, in view of the fact that, until its decision to cease the manufacture pf industrial models several years a.go, Wolseley designers had .borne no inconsiderable share of the labours incidental to the evolution of early types. The Wolseley model, which will be shown at the City Hall, is an ambulance on a 16 h.p. chassis, and as this constructor has had very considerable experience in the past in respect of this special type of self-propelled machine, and Wilson and Stoekall, the builders of the body, are pre-eminent in regard to ambulance fitting, it is obvious that we may with interest spend some little while in the examination of this portion of Mr. Max R. Lawrence's collection. The chassis is one of the many models of which firstpublished detail particulars have recently appeared in THE COMMERCIAL A.10TOR.
Three Representative Albions,
Further along the same aisle we come TO Stand 26, which is occupied by the Albion Motor Gar Co., Ltd. If our visitor be one who is particularly interested in respect of the employment of petrol-driven machines for delivery purposes, he must obviously spend some time in regard to the detailed examination of the three models which are here to he staged. One of the small worm
driven AlYens of the latest type. will undoubtedly interest us. It is a typical example of the modern high-class delivery van, and, with the Albion long series of successes behind it, it has everything to recommend it to prospective users. Of larger machines, the company is showing a 16 h.p., 25-cwt, box van, and a 32 h.p., 27-seated torpedo charik-bancs. The last mentioned is obviously a vehicle which will make a special appeal to those who are interested in the growing passenger-transport business in the north of England ; it is a fine example of its class. We mast obviously pause on Stand 26 to examine the many individual characteristic features which are part and parcel of standard Albion design ; Albion governor mechanism and the lubricating system alone are worth a considerable slice of our time.
The Luton Examples.
Yet another petrol-driven chassis of world-wide reputation confronts us when we reach the next Stand—No. 27. Commercial Cars, Ltd., has a couple of fine representative machines. The larger one—a four-tonner—is one of a class for which considerable employment has already been found in Manchester and the surrounding districts. The many special Commer-Car constructional features may well be examined on the second exhibit, which is to be a threeton chaseis. We anticipate that this company will, as is its custom, exhibit a demonstration example of its remarkable form of gearbox. If we are correct. we shall be unable to avoid helping the 'dogs to " bite with a click " for a while.
Low-consumption Wagons.
At the end of this row, Berna Commercial Motors, Ltd., shows a maple of its sturdy models. A 35-40 h.p., fourcylinder chassis with a plain platform body is of a type which is becoming increasingly used for high-road-rapacity haulage. The five-ton petrol-driven wagons is, at the present time, engaged in an interesting duel with the largei models of steam wagons, and it is not in Lancashire and in the West Riding of Yorkshire that least interest is being shown in regard to the respective claims of these two heavyweights. The Berna form of construction may well be examined here, and for this purpose -the company has done well to stage an example of the 20-30 h.p., four-cylinder chassis. This is a model which is doing good service in many parts of the country under 3i-ton loads.
Two Thorays and a Windscreen.
John I. Thornyeroft's exhibit backs on to ths Berna stand, and we are afforded yet another opportunity to examine a class of construction which is making wonderful headway for itself both for home and Overseas conditions.
The Thornyeroft examples are both of medium capacity ; one is a 16-18 h.p. ma
chine, and the other a 30 model. Of particular interest is the first-mentioned example, in view of the fact that it has been sold to the Dominion Express Co. branch of the Canadian Pacific Railway. An accessory of interest is to be found fitted to this example—we refer to the Aveling patent windscreen. Thornycroft design has won for its maker a reputation which is almost second to none. especially in regard to motorvan construction of medium capacity, and the examples shown on Stand No. 17 may from that standpoint, be studied with care by any visitor. F..vourites with Brewers and Hauliers—A Manchester Type.
A somewhat welcome relief from the range of typical petrol-driven machines, of which we have just written, is afforded by Alley and MacLellan, Ltd., the occupier of Stand 18. This company is satisfied to show one of its fine heavycapacity six-ton steamers. Should our symbolic visitor he particularly interested in steam-haulage developments, and there is more than the average chance that he will be if he be a native of the districts in the vicinity of Manchester, he cannot fail to examine the Sentinel construction with more than average interest, Especially is this so at a time when steam-wagon design is so largely becoming standardized on the loco-boiler Lnes. The vertical boiler and the horizontal two-cylinder simple engine slung beneath the frame are characteristics of Sentinel design which must claim our attention. The sixtanner which is here exhibited is a fifth repeit order 1r the well known brewery concern, Greenall, Whitley and Co-, Ltd„ of Warrington. We shall undoubtedly recall at, this stage that a representative of this journal, but a few months ago, accompanied one of this
fleet of Sentinel wagons on a heavy day's work in connection with its routine deliveries. Its design was evolved in Manchester.
A New Bevel-driven Mandalay.
Stand 19, the next at which we arrive, is occupied by Messrs. Leach and Seed, who are sole Manchester and district agents for the Maudslay models. Here we are likely to find two useful models. The first is a 32 h.p., 32-seated Maudslay char-ii-bancs, of high-class finish, and this is fitted on a 3-ton Maudslay chassis. We must also spend some time in examining the latest product of the Maudslay factory. We refer to the new five-ton chassis, in which is embodied a doublereduction bevel drive back axle. Mandslay chassis have always presented a number of features peculiar to themselves, and no visitor is likely to pass Stand 19 without renewing acquaintance with the many round chassis components.
Four Barriers on Show.
Across the middle gangway we come to Stand 20, which is in the occupation of Clayton and Co., Ltd., the wellknown vehicle builder, of Huddersfield, without whose exhibit such an exhibition as this einuld seem to be incomplete. Four models are to be staged, and these should suffice to convey an excellent impression of the very useful range of capacities which this maker offers. If we remember rightly, last year one of the most-attractive of the .commercial-vehicle exhibits was a fine example of Karrier ehar-&-banes. This year, again, we are afforded a similar opportunity to familiarize ourselves with what is best in regard to practice of this kind. A 40-45 h.p. Kerrie,char-itbanes, with accommodation for 28 passengers, a fine torpedo body and scuttle dash, steel panels handsomely moulded and very comfortable seating accommodation, will undoubtedly make an appeal not only to those who are particularly interested in regard to passenger transport, but to those who are capable of appreciating high-class finish in respect of industrial-vehicle construction. Another type of machine of altogether different class is the five-ton end tipping Wagon, which is staged on the same stand ; Clayton's have give a lot of at• tiention to what the Yankees call
dump-wagons." The 2k-ton lorry is a good example of the class of vehicle which has been supplied in such numbers by this manufacturer to co-operative concerns in the North. Our attention is certain to he drawn by one of the Clayton representatives to the Karrier Winding gear, which is neatly embodied in this model. Clayton's proudly boast that this is the 15th re peat order which they have received from co-operative eonreee. The smallest model made by this works is represented by the remaining exhibit.. This is a 16 h.p. chassis. built to the order of the Railway and Metropolitan Omnibus Co., Ltd. It is an interesting example of one of the most-recent lines of development in regard to passenger transport by self-propelled vehicles.
Interesting New F.1.A.T. Models.
Passing Stand No. 21, of the contents of which, at the time of our present writing, we are still unaware, we find, next door to it, that Mr. James W. Haworth has staged models which will deserve amply to arrest those who are keen to scent new design. On Stand 22 it is intended to ehow the latest two-ton and three-ton F.I.A.T. machines, shod with Continental tires, be it noted. We are happy to be able to include the first illustration of the smaller model on page
536. It is some considerable time since the F.I.A.T. heavier models have had anything to say for themselves in this country. Nevertheless, the celebrated Italian factory has not been resting on its oars, at any rate in regard to home and Colonial consumption. We learn that e ampl es of the smaller model, which is of two-ton capacity, have been employed by the Italian Government, during the recent war in Tripoli, in great numbers. No fewer than 300 machines, as a matter of fact, have been eugaged in constant service in connection with the army transport. The three.tonner is a brand new model, at any rate in regard to its use in this country. The engine of Ole machine is rated at 30-50 h.p., whatever that may mean, and it, has its four cylinders met en bloc. The gearbox is of steel—an unusual form of construction. Other features which will undoubtedly claim our attention are the sheet-iron casings for the chains, and the change-speed and brake-gear details.
Leylands for Lancashire.
We now arrive at the four large central stands, the first of which—No. 13—
we find occupied by Leyland Nlotors, Ltd., a company which is obviously interested in making a brave show in an exhibition which Is so near to its huge factory. Nobody can cavil at the range of models which the Leyland authurities hare decided to stage. We do not doubt that the bulk of the visitors to the City Hall will be particularly attracted .hy the fine example of Leyland the-engine construction—one of the new 1913 models, with a War Office type of back axle, and a Bees Roturbo pump, which is destined for delivery to the London County Council Fire Brigade. In regard to goods delivery, the fourtot standard petrol lorry, with a 45 11.p, engine and an ordinary lorry body, is representative of all that is best in Leyland construction. The same may be said of the three-ton example. One of the company's one-tonners—ae 18th repeat order, by the way—is typical of this maker's small models. In egard to passenger transport, one of the latest Leyland types of torpedo chars-a-banes, fitted with a 1913-model engine, and with a body which has seating accommodation for 27 passengers, is staged. Handsomely upholstered in green, and fitted with windscreen and Cape-cart hood, and with special fittings and finish throughout., this vehicle will undoubtedly attract much attention.
S.C.A.T., N.B., and then C.O.
On our way up this aisle, we /MIK keep an eye on both sides of the gangway, and we shall therefore have to pause at Stand No. 12 on the opposite side of the way, which is in possession of Newton and Bennett, Ltd., the sole eoncessionnaire for the United Kingdom and the Colonies for the S.C.A.T. models. This factor company has on view a 15 h.p. S.C.A.T. chassis fitted with a special taxicab body. In addition, a 12 h.p. N.B. chassis, fitted with as light tradesman's delivery van, is staged. Why this nomenclature!
Straker-Squire.
Sidney Straker and Squire, Ltd., on Stand 11, we think with considerable evidence of good showmanship, decided only to exhibit one model, and this is of the company's new C.O. type—a fine chassis which is typical of the latest practice of this maker. It is of the liveaxle type, and is suitable for single and double-deck omnibuses, or for employment as a three-tanner or, with slight. modification, as a four-ton industrial type. This C.O. machine is a. type which must claim our very careful atten• tion, especially in regard to the engine and larger transmission details. The worm-drive back axle should be examined with considerable care. As a model which is likely to suit many prospective users of these heavier-type, petrel-driven machines, we have no hesitation in recommending an examination of the single Straker-Squire model at considerable length.
Garners Business Napiers.
Turning to the centre row of stands again, we find that Mr. Tent Garner, the well-known Manchester agent, has on view a nice range of the Napier coininereial models, including examples of the two most recent productions from the Acton factory. We described the smaller one—the 30-cwt.. machine, in our issue of a fortnight age, and the present number contains first-published particulars and reproductions of photographs of the new two-tanner, a. machine with characteristics which are unique in respect of Napier construction. We would refer our readers to pages 523 and 524 in this connection.
Napier commercial niedels are staged in their complete range so far as this company's construction has proceeded at present. We find on Stand 14, examples of the 15-ewt., as well as the one-ton van, models which, in a comparatively short time, have undoubtedly caught the eye of those requiring delivery vans of these capacities, and, in addition, we find the 30-cwt. van complete. This is a useful modification of the smaller original one-tonner, and the two-ton chassis will provide us with much of interest to examine in regard to chassis detail construction. This is the firstof its type, and we understand is to be used for demonstration purposes solely.
A Well-known German Model.
Opposite Stand 14, and to our right, we find that Stoewer's (Northern), Ltd., the Manchester company which handles Stoewer's products in the north, has two interesting examples of this well-known German maker's commercial models. We should undoubtedly have seen more of Steewer lorries and vans in this country many months ago, had it not been for the fact that the English concessionnaire, Mr. Turner Smith, has experienced such a remarkable demand for the light Steewer pleasure car, and this turn of events has, to a large extent, monopolized the time of the English organization. The two models shown on Stand No. 10 are at the opposite ends of the list of goods-vehicle capacity; one is a light 10-15 h.p., 10-cwt. delivery van fitted with Badge-Whitworth wire wheels, whilst the other is one of the big Stouwer 5-ton, chain-driven lorries which is capable of towing a four-ton trailer. This is of a type which finds favour with European Government authorities, and it will he noticed that it is fitted with towing hooks. The machine in question, we understand, is one which has beeu through the last German War Office trials suceses idly. These tests extended over a period of one month, the vehicles covered 60 miles per day, and there was no involuntary stop registered. The bore of the engine is 125 mm. and the stroke is 150 mm.
The Milnes.-Daimler Exhibit.
Again passing to the left of the gangway, we must pause to examine the Milnes-Dainder-Mercedes exhibits on the stand. of J. A. Lawttm and Cu. Four interesting models are promised here, and in regard to high-grade design and workmanship we shall do well to draw the attention of our visitor to any one or all
of these Milnes-Dairriler models. The five-tonner is a model which has not hitherto been exhibited, and this is shown in chassis form, so that there is ample opportunity to become familiar with the many unique Milnes.-Daimler constructional features. 1913 types of the 4-ton and six-ton chassis are also staged. In view of the fact that ManesDaimler models are now being offered at prices which will render them more easily capable of competing with other well-known machines on the market, there is no doubt that the examples staged on Stand 15 will be the object of renewed interest at the hands of users who have hitherto looked upon machines of this type as something in the nature of expensive luxuries.
A Local Maker's Machines.
Across the way we find, on Stand 9, the exhibits of a company which always has specific interest for the many visitors to the Manchester Shows who are natives of the surrounding country. We refer, of course, to Belsize Motors, Ltd., whose extensive works at Clayton, near Manchester, will no doubt be familiar to many of our readers. As might be expected, prominence is given to the Belsize cabs, and these are shown in both the two-seated and four-seated patterns. The smaller one is supplied with a worm-driven back-axle, whilst the bevel-driven alternative is offered for the larger machine. The Belsize is motor-cab which is proving very popular with the growing class of owner-drivers. The little 5-cwt. van, which is putting up quite a fight with the parcelcar in respect of express-delivery work, is a Belsize speciality which has attracted much attention recently. An example is, therefore, welcome at the City Hall. The range of commercial models for which the Clayton works is now responsible is, of course, of an extensive nature, and we shall do well to examine with care, and to compare with other models of similar make, in regard to price, design and finish, the 30-cwt. chassis, and the big three-ton machine, of which. a number of examples are already in hard service.
The Stoneleigh Depot.
No. 8 is a small stand, and is in the occupation of the Siddeley-Deasy Motor Car Co., Ltd., which concern has hitherto occupied itself exclusively with the production of high-class pleasure cars. We, however, are pleased to note the initial appearance of the Stoneleigh 30cwt. van, of new design throughout. It has a 16 h.p., four-cylinder silent
Knight Siliave-vHive motor., a worm final drive, and steel wheels, and we must ex. amine, if the machine is on show in time—although we understand it will need exceptional enterprise on the part of the works' staff to get it through—the novel embodiment. of thi gearbox suspension with the propeller snaft casing.
Daimler Industrials.
Our imaginary companion will, of course, want to spend some time in looking over the Daimler exhibits, as this great company's ties'commercial programme is proving tiuch a live one in all parts of this country and abroad. The Daintier authorities have wisely decided to give visitors every opportunityof familiarizing themselves with the standard lines of Daimler industrial construction, and they will show a 40 h.p., 28-seated char-à-bancs, for Mr. Kingham, of New Brighton, with a body by Stagg and llobs.on. This is a particularly well-finished machine, and its price, with body, tires and lighting set, is £930. The 40 h.p., four-ton lorry, with high-sided body, of which we give an illustration (page 537), has a speciallytrussed frame and auxiliary springing arrangements. The price complete is £770. One of the ordinary three to four-ton chassis, fitted with Continental tires, is another interesting exhibit. One of the company's etandard London. type, double-deck buses will be demonstrating in Manchester during the show week. We shall undoubtedly have our attention drawn to the fact that one of the Aveling patent windscreens is also fitted to a Daimler model.
The Predominant Partner.
The end stand on the right is No. 7, and we find this in occupation by Fodens, Ltd., the creator of the modern loco-type steam wagon. This company's models are so well known that we invariably feel that it is hardly necessary for us to indulge in anything of the nature of detail description, but, in view of the number of new models which continue to be placed on the market, it is as well not to neglect to remind ourselves of the principal characteristics of such an old favourite. One of the standard five-ton, steamers is staged, and a three-tonner on Polack solid tires, an example of the modern tendency to employ steam for higher speeds, must undoubtedly claim our careful attention. Some idea of the extraordinary success whiun this maker has achieved, and the satisfaction which its models invariably evoke from users may be gathered from the fact that the five-tonner which is exhibited is a 14th repeat order from Mr. T. T. Lawton, a loeal owner.
A Nice Range of Honeys.
Ealley's are well represented on the center exhibit. which we find on swinging to the right at the end of the row. On Stand No. 6 three machines are staged. This is the first time that the 25 h.p. model has been shown at Manchester, and it is a specially interesting machine, and is fitted with the last word in regard to Halley engine construction. Thermo-svphon circulation is employed on it, and all the valves arc enclosed. The ether two machines are of the three-ton, and the five-ton type, respectively, the first mentioned being a chassis, whilst the heavier model—a third repeat order —is a good example of the high-capacity goods lorry.
Lacre's Change.
Stand No. 5 was originally allocated, owing to a misunderstanding with regard to its requirements, to the Lacre Motor Car Co.. Ltd., but subsequent rearrangement, by courtesy of the exhibition authorities, transferred the Laere Co. to a site under the gallery, which, although not what this concern would have chosen, afforded it more frontage, and the original site was allocated to Stagg and Robson. Ltd., the well-known coach and v builders, of Selby. Here we may expect to find exhibited a new commercial chassis, which is to be known as the " Economist," and on this will be mounted an example of Stagg and Robson's special body building in the shape of a 23-seated touring wagon.
The Only Front-driven Exhibits,
A welcome relief, in so far as constructional features are concerned, is offered by the Renard Commercial Motor Co. Ltd., which we find in occupation of the next stand—No. 4. This company is handling the unique front-driven machines which have achieved so much success as Lath models in France. We have had much to say in the columns of this journal recently in regard to this constructor's special designs, and we shall do well to consider, with the exhibits actually in front of us, the obvious advantages in certain directions, which the grouping of the mechanism at the front of the chassis yields. We should note particularly the ability with which bodies of extraordinary dimensions can comfortably be ac• commodated on the back, beyond which point none of the vital mechanism extends.. The Renard exhibits are two in number: one is a five-ton lorry with a specially-low chassis fitted with an open platform body, whilst the other is a 2iton tipping wagon fitted with a steel body and steel tires on the rear wheels.
A Dennis Fire Engine.
Staffords, Manchester, Ltd., the wellknown automobile agent, is responsible for the Dennis display on Stand No. 3— just across the gangway—and this it appears. consists of an example each of the goods-van type, passenger-transport type, and a fire-engine model. We expect, as usual, the Dennis fire-engine, which, in this vise, is a repeat order from the Leeds Corporation, will attract most attentilm at the hands of visitors. The Dennis char-ft-bancs is of the 28 h.p. type, and is a fine example of many which are being delivered just now.
A Display of Small Models.
Rnatilt, Ltd., is only showing comparatively mien models. Nevertheless, there are, we find, to be five of them : two of them of the 9 h.p., two-cylinder type, with bodies suitable for small traders, and two of the 10 h.p., furcylinder type, with light delivery-van bodies.A four-cylinder, 15.8 h.p., oneton chassis is a good example of this famous French constructor's mediumcapacity industyial form of construction. The Renault light chassis is one of the few which can be offered to those users who require something between a parcelcar and the smallest model of goods chassis. The two-cylinder model in particular should appeal in this respect.
Most Remarkabl-Design in the Hill.
We shall probably find that we have left WIC of the most remarkable vehicle. exhibits in the show to the last. Elsewhere in this issue will be found a fullyillustrated description of the new 30-cwt.. Austin, a vehicle upon the design oi which Mr. Herbert. Austin's genius has evidently had full play—pages 520 and 521.