Answers to Queries.
Page 18
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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 nct specially made, any query and answer may be published. Some replies, owing to pressure cn our space, are held several weeks. Numerous requests re ich us for lists of motorcab and commercial-vehicle owners ; these we never supply. Our advertitement colonies are open to those who desire to make announcements to owners Jor their own benefit.
Subsidies for Tractors.
[1,911] " Owsems " writes :—" Can you tell me why the War Office have not even asked me to register my tractors for use on manceuvres this year ?"
ANSWER.—The War Office has, since November, 1910, apparently changed its views in regard to tractors, and it is now going in heavily for vehicles. The .abandonment of this year's maneeuvres may also have been a factor in the case.
London Motorbuses and Possible Maximum.
[1,912] " KARAKTAKAS " w ri tes : —`` Now that the L.G.O. report is out and that there are consequently rumours of several new companies to share the spoils, I should like to hear your opinion as to whether the Commissioner of Police is likely to limit the number of London motorbuses in the near future."
ANSWER.—It is not probable that there will he any official limitation of the number of motorbuses. The matter does not rest with the Commissioner, .although his recommendations carry great weight. The stringency of examination for licences will rightly be maintained, and this, combined with severe competitive conditions, will prevent the arrival of a supply of motorbuses that would be excessive from the public point of view. It is already excessive from the tramcar point of view.
The "B. and B." Non-skid.
[1913] In reply to "J.N." (Castle Eden, Co. Durham),
MANTJEACTURERS " (London), "TEA MERCHANTS" (Plymouth), " PROVISION' MERCHANTS" (MOSSley), and MAIL CONTRACTORS" (Cumberland), we have pleasure in stating that the maker of the " B. and B." nonskid device for twin solid tires, which was illustrated in our issue for the 30th November, on page 281, is Mr. T. Buckton, "Motors," Lightcliffe, Yorkshire. We believe that Mr. Buckton is prepared to grant licences in respect of manufacture.
Where Reflex Lights can be Purchased and Used.
[1,914] " CONTRACTOR " writes :—" On page 292, speaking of lights on vehicles, you remark that reflex lights can now be supplied at the low price of 2s. 6d. each. Will you please inform me where such are to be purchased ? I am in need of a strong, cheap, powerful light for tractors and traction engines, that would stand rough usage, acetylene or other."
ANSWER.—A reflex light is only of service, when attached to the back of a cart or other vehicle, to reflect the light from the headlamps of an overtaking car or vehicle back to the driver of that overtaking vehicle. The object of their being used is to safeguard all users of the highway against existing risks of accident, due to the use of slow-moving unlighted vehicles. They do not comply with legal requirements as to the lighting of motor wagons, tractors or other road locomotives, but are of great value to owners of such vehicles, and particularly to owners of petrol-driven machines, for the reasons indicated above.
As you know, there is no universal lighting law in this country requiring slow-moving vehicles te display a red light behind, although there certainly should be such a requirement. As matters stand, a requirement of the kind is dependent upon the local by-laws, and we refer you to the police notice which is reproduced on the page which you quote. Should you desire to obtain any reflex lights for attachment to the backs of carts, at the sum of 2s. 6d. each, we have no doubt: you could obtain any reasonable number at that price if you wrote to the Secretary of the Commercial Motor Users Association, 80, Pall Mall, S.W.
A Tractor for Australia.
[1,915] "MIDLAND MERCHANTS" write : —"We have an inquiry from an Australian customer for a quotation for a motor traction engine. It is for use on a station in the interior of Australia. We should like you to give us information as to where we could obtain such a motor. We presume he wants a vehicle something like a steam traction engine, but to be propelled by an internal-combustion engine. It seems more common to have a petrol lorry that carries the goods itself. We should have thought it would be more economical to have such a vehicle, but we must send out information to meet the request."
ANSWER.—We should strongly recommend you to put yourselves in communication with the under-noted manufacturers, and we hope that you will mention this journal when you write : Clayton and Shuttleworth, Ltd., Lincoln. Daimler Motor Co., Ltd., Coventry.
Ivel Agricultural Motors, Ltd., Biggleswade. Marshall, Sons and Co., Ltd., Gainsboreugh. Saunderson and Gifkins, Elstow Works, Bedford.
Front and to a Would-be Driver-Owner of a Taxi.
[1,9161 " EASTERN " writes : —"I am thinking of purchasing a taxicab to ply for hire in London, and will drive myself. I have a liking for driving. Would you kindly favour me with information on the following points :—(1) Is the game worth attempting l (2) How do I procure the necessary licences and what books to study for knowledge of London test ? (3) What are the average day's takings of a London cab ? (4) The approximate cost per running mile? (5) The average price of the latest and more-powerful cabs? (6) Will you name three or four makes?"
ANSIVER.—There is no doubt that you can make a good living as an owner-driver in London. You will be quite safe to purchase a Belsize (Belsize Motors, Ltd., Clayton, Manchester), a Unic (Mann and Over. tons, Ltd., 10, Lower Grosvenor Place, S.W.), a Napier (S. F. Edge, Ltd., 14, New Burlington Street, W.), a Mors (Mors, Ltd., 45, Great Marlborough Street, W.), or an Argyll (Argylls, Ltd., Alexandria, N.B.). It is, however, no good your thinking of driving in London if you are not confident of your ability to pass the "Knowledge of London" test of Scotland Yard. This is of considerable difficulty. Several schools have been established in the past to teach men so that they might pass this test, hut, at the present time, we are unable to give you the name of existing schools of this sort. There possibly are none left.
The average price of an owner-driver's cab varies very considerably, owing to the divergence in the matter of taste as to body work and general internal fittings. You ought to be able to get a very well-finished and serviceable machine, ready for service, for under £400. The approximate cost per running mile, including all possible charges, is about 4d. This, of course, must of necessity be subject to variation. The average of earnings varies from 18s. a day to 35s. a day, according to the type of cab, the capacity of the driver, and the season of the year. Gratuities, which may be put at from 3s. to 7s. a day, are also variable, but, in spite of recent troubles, we doubt if they will continue to average below 4s. daily—the year round.