Three Provincial Exhibitions.
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Liverpool -Manchester Newcastle-on-Tyne.
The promoters of the tenth annual Cycle and Motor Show on the banks of the Mersey-, which has now become the " Motor and Cycle Show," with scarcely a cycle to he seen, are suffering this year from memories of the poor results which accrued to exhibitors of commercial motors in March last. An earnest, though belated, effort was then made to draw the public to a large building known as the Old Iraymarket, the lack of facilities afforded by St. George's Hall, where previous displays had been held, proving too serious to be endured. We might cite, by way of illustration, the fact that the doorways were too narrow to admit large cars, and that a heavy annual expenditure was incurred in flooring the Assize Courts to make space for the stands. The first move was not a success, but the present buildings will probably become a more permanent home. There was no send-off ceremony, and the gates of Tournament Hall, Edge Lane, opened on Friday morning upon an attractive but distinctly incomplete set of stands. Matters were fairly on the way to order by three o'clock in the afternoon, by which hour the attendance had become encouragingly numerous and, what is more to the point, of the right class. A Chelmsford single-deck omnibus, which had arrived betimes from the Vale of Llangollen Engineering, Bus and Garage Co., Ltd., was in service between Castle Street and the Exhibition, the only delay being one of about 20 minutes' duration, due to some exceptionally soft ground near the entrance ; whilst horse-drawn omnibuses ran frequently (free of charge), to connect with the Old Swan tramcar. As for the two "Vanguard" omnibuses, which were hired from the London Motor Omnibus Company at the rate of ,10 each per day, they had encountered a blizzard while travelling North on the Thursday, and the delays were so considerable that they were many hours late : they did not take up their duties until Saturday morning. The secretary, Mr. Thomas Price, and the directors deserve every commendation for all their pains to render access to the Exhibition a matter of very little trouble at a minimum of expense. Visitors who travel by L. and N.-W. Railway can walk from Edge Hill in 15 minutes, or can proceed thence to Edge Lane Station.
BEYER, PEACOCK and COMPANY, LIMITED, of Gorton Foundry, Gorton, near Manchester, has elected to place its new steam lorry before the public at Liverpool. "Tux CONIMERCDM MOTOR," as is usual in such cases, was enabled to publish the earliest illustrated description, and this appeared too recently {February 1st, pages 412 to 415) to render any further particulars immediately necessary. The wagon, however, possesses so many good points that we feel obliged to record our opinion, after a careful examination, that it is the best and most promising of the many new steam vehicles on the market. All who examine it should pay particular regard to the short crankshaft, the valve motion, the cross-head slides, and the lubrication of the engine ; the accessible, fool-proof and high steaming qualities of the Hoy New Form" boiler ; the selfcontained Hoy " Safety " steering gear, which is thoroughly unique and calculated to relieve the driver of all strains upon the hand-wheel; the excellent arrangement of a three-point support for the engine; the Guthrie automatic chain gear wheels; and the curved radius rods, which are carried from the front axle, round the shell of the boiler, to a common point in the centre of the frame.
Two little fittings of practical interest affect the level of the oil in the engine casing, and that of the water in the tank. The first provision consists of a metal pipe, draining from the lowest point of the small, curved crank chamber, and bent upwards under this casing to the level of intended discharge; steam works into the casing through the covers of the valve and piston rods, and finds its way out continuously; this pipe is left open all the time, as experiments have demonstrated that no amount of churning by the revolving parts can be made to force out oil. The second is the attachment to the bottom of the water tank of a gauge consisting of a length of Finch rubber hose, which has a metal nipple at the loose end, and a chain from it to a bracket in order to prevent contact with the ground, although allowing the small orifice to be dropped as low as the fixed outlet from the tank ; this tube is ordinarily hung by a hook and ring, above the highest level of the tank, and a driver has merely to lower the loose end, after turning the cock which is fitted close to the tank as a precaution against mischievous boys, when he wishes to find exactly where his water stands.
FODENS, LIMITED, of Elworth Works, Sandbach, is located to the left of the main entrance. What may be regarded as the company's specialty—a standard 5-ton wagon—is in position, and this particular machine has been sold to Messrs. E. and J. Fountain, of Uxbridge.
The NEW ARROL-JOHNSTON CAR COMPANY, LIMITED, of Underwood, Paisley, N.B., includes amongst a fine collection of pleasure cars one of its latest omnibus chassis. The four-cylinder vertical engine gives 24-30h.p. ; sliding gears arranged to give four anted ratios are
fitted ; and the final drive to the rear road wheels is by roller chains, which are effectively and completely encased in oil-retaining covers. The chassis, of which a full description was given in our issue of November th (pages 1i4 to 157i, has many good points, and these will amply repay inspection. The differential countershatt runs in bearings which are carried by tubular radius rods, which are arranged for ready adjustment from behind the back axle ; side-sway is minimised by an arrangement of transverse parallel radius rods from the main frame members to a suitable provision on the back axle; each of the internal expanding brakes on the inside of the driving wheels can be regulated for wear by a single lock-nut and one bolt ; the protected universal joint behind the gear-box is of a special design, which secures the delivery of all driving efforts in one plane ; and the chain wheels are integral with the hubs. The chassis is more than sufficiently strong for its work, whilst it embodies all the.suitable features of the Arrol-Johnston 30cwt. commercial motors.
The VALOR COmtiANY, LIMITED, of Birmingham, per its local manager, Mr. G. E. Shelvoke, 41, North John Street. Liverpool, has an attractive selection of the New Era" petrol and fire extinguishers. This apparatus is becoming increasingly popular with both private and business users of motors, whilst, as is known to many of our readers, large
numbers of motor omnibuses in London and the provinces carry them.
The ROAD CARRYING COMPANY, LIMITED, of 27, Leece Street, Liverpool, was formed early in 1902, primarily to ess4 the ccnveyance of merchandise by motor wagon. That branch of the undertaking having proved a failure through the faults of vehicles which were constructed strictly to comply with the old 3-ton tare limit, and from other contributory causes, the company has successfully turned its attention to the selling and maintenance of all types of selfpropelled vehicles. Buyers who place their orders with this company may, as the natural outcome of its wide experience, reasonably expect the benefit of the good judgment and attention which is so essential to owners of utility vehicles. An Arrol-Johnston delivery-van chassis, which is one of two on order for the Liverpool Bon MarchC:, had not arrived on Monday last, owing to pressure on the works at Paisley.
Other stands which are of interest to our readers are Singer and Company, Limited, Coventry (I4h.p. delivery van) ; J. Blake and Company, Beaumont Street, Liverpool (vans and bodies) ; the AngloAmerican Oil Company, Limited, Old Hall Street, Liverpool (Pratt's motor spirit) ; the Car and General Insurance Corporation, Ltd., 2, South John Street, Liverpool (motor, workmen's compensation, and all accident insurances); the Hitchon Gear and Automobile Company, Limited, Moscow Works, Accrington (change-speed gears) ; and that of "THE
COMMERCIAL MOTOR."
At Manchester.
Friday afternoon last, at half-past two, witnessed the official opening of the tenth annual show promoted by the Manchester and District Trades' Association, Mr Charles Davies, of Fodens Limited, being one of the most active directors. Had it not been for the, heavy, motor section, this silo* *woilld." have aweared little more than a cycle and ac-c-ory display.
Alderman S. Rudman, ex-Mayor of Salford, whose speech kt the Chester meeting of the MotetUnit3n, in July last, will be within the recollection of many readers of this journal,. gave fresh evidence of his interest in motorism by presiding at the opening,ceremony. This was appropriately performed by the present Mayor of Salford, Alderman Franken burg, who was accompanied by Mrs. and Miss Erankenburg. We were irresistibly reminded of a similar function, which took place during the 1,000-miles trial of 1900, and in which it was our privilege to participate, when Mr. W. E. Rowcliffe, who is now largely identified with the Hercules Motor Wagon Company, of Levenshulme, occupied the chair, and the Lord Mayor of Manchester for that year welcomed those who were taking part in that historic tour, but the progress that has been made during the intervening period of less than six years calls for no comment here.
The exhibits which possess an interest for business men are comparatively numerous and fairly representative. Steam wagons take a prominent lead in the commercial motor section, no less than five of our leading English makers being represented by examples of their manufacture, and this group of heavy traffic vehicles is in marked contrast to the absence of both vans and omnibuses. Local enterprise alone comes forward with a 15cwt. de. livery van, to which we refer later.
T. COUI.THARD and COMPANY, T.IMITED, of Cooper Road, Preston, shows a standard 6-tort wagon. In this particular vehicle Renolds " silent" chains are fitted, whilst the steel tyres have diagonal depressions, to secure the advantages of cross-strako construction without the risk of spreading and shearing bolts, formed in them as part of the origi. nal tread. An interesting selection of parts is staged, including front and back axles, the company's well-known spherical bearings which are employed to eliminate bending strains on the countershaft, and a finished crankshaft. Although the Coulthard submerged-tube boiler is generally preferred, the company is prepared to fit loco-type or other designs to order.
FODENS, LIMITED, of Elworth Works, Sandbach, is represented by a 5-ton machine, which will steam out of the exhibition to its work for the Water. foot Brewery of John Baxter, Limited, aear Bury, Lancs., to whom it has been sold. Mr. C. Davies reported one order on the opening day, and he appeared sanguine of further business. Practically no changes have been made in this system for mare than a year, and it promises to maintain its high reputation for economy and good wearing qualities, "notwithstanding the big reduction in unladen weight, which was made to secure implicit compliance with tho provisions of the heavy Motor Car Order of 1904.
MANN'S PATENT STEAM CART AND WAGON COMPANY, LIMITED, of Pepper Road Works, Hunslet, Leeds, exhibits a 5-ton lorry with the whole transmission encased, which is a repeat order for Lord Joicey, of Gregynog, Newtown, Vont. The steering in this machine is of the traction-engine type, which has not been departed from by the makers. The platform of this vehicle is utilised to display a specimen of Mann's patent "winter wheel," which should be examined by all who follow heavy traffic problems. The wheel consists of a cast-steel centre with a polygonal rim, to which are bolted beech-wood blocks or segments, with grain "end on," to form the working tread_ Segmental side plates, with slotted holes running radially, are bolted against the sides of these wooden blocks and of the rim, to form clamps and to prevent any splitting of the wood. The ends of the plate segments are a sufficient distance apart to allow of their being drawn back towards the hub as the wood wears.
MESSRS, J. ROBERTSON and SON, of Dock Street Engineering Works, Fleetwood, have on view one of their standard 5-ton machines, fitted with an ordinary goods-carrying platform, which is supported by a series of transverse wooden members. The principal features in the Robertson system are slung fire-bars and ash-pan; clipped-on aluminium inspection casings to rods and pump glands, etc. ; composite back axle of 11-section with forged arms ; and a rocking front axle. A novel method of carrying a lifting-jack also deserves mention, this useful accessory being slung by two points from the rear member of the frame. Customers have given very satisfactory reports of the behaviour of these wagons. MESSRS. C. P. COOKSON and BROTHERS, of MI, Chester Road, Old Trafford, who have been doing a successful local business for some years, enter the lists with a 12h.p. two-cylinder petrol van designed to carry loads up to 15cwt. The transmission is of the Panhard type, and the artillery wheels are particularly strong, the back pair being fitted with twin rubber tyres. This vehicle is priced at only £320, and it looks as though it should prove satisfactory and serviceable so long as it is not overloaded.
THE YORKSHIRE PATENT STEAM WAGON COMPANY, of Vulcan Works, Pepper Road, Hunslet, Leeds, has in position one of its 5-ton wagons with the gearing not encased. The machine in question' is the fourth order for this type which has been received by the makers from C. T. Faulkner and Co., Ltd., carriers and forwarding agents, of Manchester. The whole vehicle, including the transverse boiler, the "barrel-wise " disposition of which across the front of all Yorkshire motors is so noticeable a feature of the design, is painted an attractive shade of green, delicately picked out with white, these being the Faulkner colours. Various detail improvements have recently been carried into effect as part of this system, and its regular working should be enhanced by them.
BROWN BROTHERS, LIMITED, of Great Eastern Street, E.G., has on view a varied and useful selection of fittings. The E.I.C. ignition outfits, including the " solid' accumulators, as well as the wide range of lamps and general accessories which are exposed, render a visit to this company's exhibit Stands Nos. 48 and 49) a duty.
The space at our disposal forblds our doing more than to urge the inspection of the Clincher Block and other tyres which are made by the North British Rubber Co., Ltd. (Stand No. 201 ; the splendid chains shown by Brampton Bros., Ltd., and the Coventry Chain Co., Ltd. ; the motor clothing which is so well arranged at the stand of Alfred Dunhill, Ltd. ; the "New Era" fire.extinguishing apparatus of the Valor Company, Ltd. ; the lamps on the stand of Worsnop and Co., Ltd. ; the lubricants of tried worth prepared by Price's Patent Candle Co., Ltd. ; and the stand of "THE CommEkcIAL MOTOR," at which other publications of the Temple Press, Ltd., may be obtained.
On the Tyne.
The first motor show held in Newcastle was opened at the Exhibition •Hall, St. Mary's Place, on the 10th instant. The Mayor—Alderman J. Baxter Ellis— formally declared the Exhibition open, and the chair was taken by Captain H. S. Streatfield, J.P. A very representative collection of motors of nearly all the wellknown types have been brought together, over 20 local firms are exhibiting, and the industrial section is of interest.
MESSRS. FRANK' LITTLE and CO., Ward's Buildings, High Bridge, Newcastle-on-Tyne, have an Albion chassis, which has been jacked up, driven by an electric motor, and showing all the parts in motion, and forming an instructive example of present-day motor design. On this stand is also shown a 15cwt. delivery van, built by James and Browne, Limited, of Hammersmith, London. It is fitted with a two-cylinder engine, which develops 12-14h.p. at 1,000 revolutions per minute. The body is commodious, and is suitable for the quick transport of any class of goods. The wheels are shod with "•Sirdar " tyres---4 inches on the front, and 5 inches on the back. On the same stand may be seen a patent lifting frame —which Is exhibited for the first time. This frame entirely does away with the necessity for an inspection pit, as vehicles weighing up to and including two tons in weight can be raised to such a height from the ground that there is ample room for a mechanic to work underneath. This fitment will be found almost indispensable to the user whose business does not warrant him to go to the expense of having a special garage and pit built. A long platform, fitted with an improved canvas cover, which can be removed by undoing a few bolts, is also of interest. A " Blandford " convertible motorcar body is exhibited, which is fitted with a removable passenger body ; this body is designed with a large boot for commercial travellers' samples, and this vehicle attracted very great at. tention from a number of local business men who are considering the question of increasing their travellers' facilities. Messrs. SANDERSON and SANDER. SON, of Percy Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne, have some interesting examples of presentday commercial motor construction. The 2-ton Arrol-Johnston lorry is fitted with a two-cylinder engine, which gives out between 12 and 15h.p. at 1,000 revolutions per minute. The gear-box is provided with four speeds forward and a reverse, and a maximum of 12 miles per hour can be attained. The vehicle is fitted with 4-inch Peter Union tyres on both back and front wheels. A commercial traveller's brougham of the same make is also shown, having a two-cylinder engine, which gives out T5h.p. : a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour is possible. The wheels are shod with solid tyres, which are, perhaps, more suitable for this class of work than pneumatic Ones.
NORTH-EASTERN GARAGES, of 22, Pilgrim Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne, show a 12h.p. passenger wagonette to carry 10 passengers, by the Wolseley Tool and Motor Car Company, Limited, of Adderley Park, Birmingham. The engine is of the standard pattern built by this company, the reliability and efficiency of which is well known. The front wheels are shod with Michelin pneumatic tyres, 870mm. by 90:nna., whilst the back wheels are fitted with Sirdar solid tyres of 3-inch section,
R. H. YOUNG, LIMITED, of 33, High Bridge, Newcastle-on-Tyne. On this stand are staged a 1-ton delivery lorry, the chassis of which has been supplied by the Motor Car Emporium, of 1, Addison Road North, T.ondon, ft.:A with a two
cylinder Diirkopp engine, developing 1012h.p. at 800 revolutions per minute ; and a 2-ton chassis—suitable for a bus body with a capacity for 20 passengers—'having a four-cylinder engine, giving 2021h.p. at 850 to 1,000r.p.m.
Although the commercial section is comparatively small, it shows that the usefulness and reliability of the commercial motor for all classes of work is being understood more and more by users in the North Country.