Bulk Conveyance of Liquid by Boxvan.
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To all outward appearances a standard boxvan, the Dennis forward-control 2-tonner bearing the name of the British Printing Ink Co., Ltd.—illustrations of which appear on this page—embodies several features of special interest. The main purpose of the vehicle is the conveyance of printing ink in bulk, and to this end a D-shaped tank of 400 gallons capacity, fixed to a diminutive wheeled undercarriage is used. It is a product of the Steel Barrel Co. (of Uxbridge), Ltd., Phcenix Wharf, Uxbridge.
The floor of the body is metal lined, in it being countersunk two steel channels to accommodate the tank wheels, so that the container can easily be run out when the vehicle is required for other purposes, and just as readily replaced. At both front and rear are two tiehars with tensioners, which securely anchor the tank.
In view of the low viscosity of the ink, there is a power take-off from the gearbox, whereby a Itotoplunge two-way pump is driven, this being connected to the base of the tank by a union which can be quickly slacked off when the tank has to be removed. The vehicle was supplied through Bates Auto Works, Ltd., Petersham Road, Richmond.
U.S. Petroleum Production Drop.
In 1931, says the Bureau of Mines, the production of natural petroleum in the United States totalled 1,831,918,000 gallons, valued at 63,732,000 dollars, or declines of 17 per cent. and 42 per cent. respectively compared with the figures for the previous year. The drop in output was chiefly due to a material decline in the production of crude oil, and the decrease in value was a reflection of the low prices of motor fuel.
Speed Limits for Large Vehicles in France.
Without waiting for the actual amendment to the "Code de la Route" to be discussed and passed by the French Chamber, in the autumn session, the Minister of the Interior and the Minister of Public Works have signed a decree instituting the following speed limits on commercial vehicles :—
Front 3 tons to 64 tons, 30 k.p.h. (18.639 m.p.h.) with solid tyres, or 65 k.p.h. (40.38 m.p.h.) with pneua14
matics; 61-10 tons, 25 k.p.h. (151 m.p.h.) with solids, or 55 k.p.h. (34.17 m.p.h.) with pneumatics ; above 10 tons, 20 k.p.h. (121 m.p.h.) with solids, or 45 k.p.h. (28 m.p.h.) with pneumatics.
Another restriction consists of a limit of 60 k.p.h. (37i m.p.h.) on all vehicles exceeding 2 m. 50 cm. in width.
New Registrations in August.
The total number of mechanically propelled road vehicles registered for the first time in August, 1932, Vi'aS 15,074, compared with 12,758 in August, 1931. This year's total includes 2,881 goods vehicles and 249 hackney vehicles, the comparable figures for 1931 being 3,201 and 368.
A New Austin Van.
At the recent annual meeting of the Austin Motor Co., Ltd., Sir Herbert Austin, K.B.E., in reviewing the company's progress and prospects, said that during the past year sales efforts have been directed towards the commercial side of the company's business, which has shown a decided increase. During the year new 7-h.p. and Twelve-Six light vans were introduced, and a van body is now in production for the Ten-Four chassis.
An American Cylinder Reamer to be Made in England.
We are informed by Turner's Motor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Wulfruna Works, Lever Street, Wolverhampton, the works of which are now entirely devoted to the production of components for the motor trade, as well as garage equipment and accessories, that it has recently acquired the sole British Empire rights for the manufacture and sale of the St. Louis portable automatic cylinder-reaming machine, which: it will shortly be able to offer as an entirely British-made machine.
Paper Before Welding Engineers.
At a meeting of the Institution of Welding Engineers, to be held at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Storey's Gate, London, S.W.1, on October 19, at 7.45 p.m., Mr. It A. Stephen, M.Sc., will read a paper entitled "The Radiographic Examination of Welds."
Tenders Required for Conveyance of Mails.
The Postmaster-General is prepared to receive tenders on or before December 10, 1932, by 11 a.m., for the conveyance as from October 1, 1933, by motor mail vans, of letter and parcel mails (a) between post offices and other places of call in the London head and sub-districts and near provincial towns ; and (b) between the London head post offices and certain posting offices, firms and other organizations in the London area for collection and delivery purposes.
Further particulars can be obtained from the office of the Controller of the London Postal Service, King Edward Building, General Post Office, London, E.C.1.
Eagle Trailers' Good Features.
The Eagle Engineering Co., Ltd., Warwick, has published new illustrated pamphlets relating to its various models of trailer, especially the highspeed, standard trailers of all sizes for road purposes. Illustrations draw attention to the spigoted kingpin (of the turntable), which relieves the pin of shear stresses, the balance-spring to facilitate lifting the drawbar, the compensating bar between the brakes, the robust spring mounting (integral with the brake anchorage), and the diagonal tubular frame bracing.
The company's new London address is 1, Victoria Street, S.W.1.
Prize Competition for Welding Operatives.
We haVe received particulars of the third prize competition promoted by the Institution of Welding Engineers for the best original paper submitted by a working welder on the subject,of "Improvements in Welding Practice," the gold medal of the Institution and a prize of 10 guineas being the award. The competition is open to all welding operatives resident in the British Empire, including non-members of the Institution. Entries have to be delivered at the offices of the Institution, 30, Red Lion Square, London, W.C.1, by January 31, 1933. Licence Returns and Registrations: M. of T. Return.
According to a Ministry of Transport return, the gross amount received in payment for licences issued during the nine months ended August 81, 1932, was £25,607,112, compared with £25,530,760 in the corresponding period of the previous year.
Particulars are also given of the total number of licences issued and surrendered during the same period, and of the approximate number of lidences current on August 31 last. The total number of motor vehicles, exclusive of tramcars and trade-licensed machines, was about 2,182,000-24,000 higher than the figure for the corresponding period of the previous year.
Hauliers Extend South Wales Business.
The well-known South Wales and Midlands haulage contractors, Messrs. Venn and McPherson, who have headquarters at Newport (Mon.) and a large branch depot at Birmingham, are build ing a new depot at Swansea. •
Road Signs and Vehicle Indicators: Ministry's Statement.
Following a statement which appeared in the Press a few days ago, with regard to road signs and car indicators, the Ministry of Transport announces that any statement as to the report of the departmental committee which is considering these matters is premature and unauthorized. The committee has not yet completed its investigations, or submitted its final report, and the Minister has made no decisions in connection with the matter.