Answers to Queries.
Page 16
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Our 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 sPecially made, any query and answer may be published.
Meters for Liquid Fuels.
[1399] " Cosisraccroa " writes :—" We shall be glad if you can supply us with the names and addresses of the makers or suppliers of petrol or paraffin meters."
ANSWER.—You can get a meter of the kind you want from S. Smith and Son, Ltd., of 9, Strand, W_C.
Petrol-driven Rollers.
[1400] " MOTOR AGENT " writes:—' I should be pleased if you could give me the name of any firm who make a petrol-driven motor lawn roller."
ANSWER.—Messrs. Rexford and Perkins, of Peterborough, Thomas Green and Son, Ltd., of Smithfield Iron Works, Leeds, and Ransomes, Sims, and Jefferies, Ltd., of Orwell Works, Ipswich.
A True-to-scale Foden.
[1401] " J.R.H." writes:—" I am thinking of making a scale model of a Foden steam wagon, and would like to know if in your early numbers you gave illustrations and details of it, and if it is out of print. I have only been a reader of your paper the last two years. If not, perhaps you would let me know where I could obtain particulars."
ANSWER.—No such set of illustrations have been issued by the Foden Company : we think it is highly improbable that the makers will give away a set of drawings for the purpose.
A' List of Motorcab Owners.
[1402] " AL," writes :—" I wish to obtain a list of the principal motorcab and taxicab companies in London (names and addresses), and the names of the chairmen or managing directors, and I would be glad if you could oblige me with them. I write to you because I believe you are more likely to have the information than anyone else."
ANSWER.—You will obtain the nearest approach to the list you want in our issue of the 29th October last. Very few copies of this are left, but you can have one on remitting is. to the business department.
A Third-hand Steam Lorry.
[1403] "GENERAL CARRIER " writes:—' I am a regular reader of ' THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR,' and enjoy reading same. I am a general carrier by horses (eight) at present, but am greatly interested in motor power. I like the petrol motor best, but, I have had an offer of a four-ton steamer,' and I shall be pleased if you can tell me what mileage it should do per week, and the probable cost of working. It is offered me at £250, but it is really a third-hand lorry and has been put in thorough repair— so the vendor says. I do not think I have suitable work, and should have to find it. Your information will greatly oblige."
ANSWER—The only thing to do is to have the wagon in question inspected by a competent engineer. We undertake work of that class, and will be happy to make a thorough inspection (at ), trial and report for an inclusive sum of £4 4s. You might be able to arrange with the vendor to hear half that amount. If in London, the charge would only be £3 3s.
Subject to inspection, and to the machine's not being in bad order, it ought to cost you about 9d. per mile run, provided you do not run less than 180 miles per week, inclusive of driver, repairs, fuel, maintenance, insurance, depreciation, sundries, and all incidental charges, and provided it is not overloaded. Scottish Law upon Main Road Traffic.
[1404] " TRAMWAY ENGINEER " writes :—"As a constant reader of your paper, I was interested in the middle paragraph of the right-hand column on page 78 of your April 1st edition, with reference to main-road traffic. Will you kindly give me the reference to which you refer, together with intimation as to where I could obtain the details of the case referred to? "
ANS WER.—The case in question is that of MacAndrew versus Tillard, which was heard in the First Division of the Scottish Court of Session, and a good report is contained in the Scottish Law Reporter, of the 16th December last, published by John Baxter and Son, 39, Elder Street, Edinburgh, price is.
A Motorcab Enquiry.
[1405] " HOTEL-KEEPER writes:—" I hope to be in London this coming week, or next, and shall be glad of your advice as to the most suitable taxicab for this district—good surface, but greasy (limestone), and stiff gradients. I should purchase one on trial, for introduction of service if suitable, none being on the road here yet, no outsider being allowed to run them. I should, of course, prefer purchasing by instalments and guarantee."
ANSWER .—For the needs of your district, we think you could not do better than communicate with A. Darracq and Co., Ltd., Walnut Tree Walk, Kennington Road, London, SE., and enquire about that company's 1416h.p. chassis with four-cylinder engine. The inclusive cost, with an English-built body, is £320. You would require non-skids on the driving wheels, in order to avoid side-slip.
Motorbus Undertakings.
'1406] "SEATS" write :—"We are desirous of obtaining a list of all the motorbus undertakings and proprietors in Great Britain and Ireland, and it has occurred to us that you might publish such a reference book. If so, kindly send us particulars and the price. If not, might we presume upon your kindness to refer us to the publishers of any such directory, or, possibly, you might have loose reference sheets of such, and if you could favour us with a copy, will you kindly let us know the cost?"
ANswaa.—We, of course, have in our possession a pretty comprehensive list of the class of undertaking you name, but we naturally regard it as any trading company regards its list of customers. You could not do better, from the point of view of getting in touch with such people, than to make an announcement in our advertisement pages.
An Overturned Van.
[1407] " DOIIIITFCL OF SAFETY" asks Did you recently notice a report about the overturning of a petroldriven motorvan at Hambleton Bank, near Thirsk? If so, why did you not report it and explain why it happened 9" ANSWER .—We did observe reports and enquire as to the cause. Those enquiries satisfied us that the mishap did not call for special mention, but we now answer the last question raised. The driver, after climbing the hill in his low gear, and after getting over the steepest portion, in attempting to change up, missed his second gear; the brakes were out of adjustment, the van " got away" on the incline, was steered into the side, and tipped over. Neither the driver nor the second occupant was injured, and the van was none the worse except in respect of its front wings and the windscreen. We put the whole trouble down to neglect of the brakes.