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Passing Comments

15th October 1943
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Page 16, 15th October 1943 — Passing Comments
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

THE pneral manager of-a

well known passenger-, transport. concern has written to us in connection with our leader entitled "'The Delinquencies of buses," published on September 17. He states that the troubles to which we specifically referred, and many others, have been with his company for some time, and that We have done well to call attention to them. In order to avoid the growth of lack of consideration amongst the company's road staff, he issued to every member, a year or so ago,. a well-written booklet in which he pointed outithat the member was a public servant, and that in return for the conditions be enjoyed the public had the right to expect cheerful and willing service. This was only one of the points mentioned. There were many others, amongst them being hints on fuel and tyre economy; with the useful observation that the only money the Government can pay out is that which it can rake in by taxation or by borrowing, 'which we and our children will have to pay-back some day. It. was also mentioned that the number of serious accidents in which bad damage had been done to vehicles had been deplorablt and that culpable negligence was a form of sabotage damaging to the national effort. Conductors are the direct link between the .company and the passengers,, on whose good will success or failure depends. It is the passenger who provides the money to pay the

wages, and he must be treated accordingly. Passen.

Bus Manager Agrees with Us on Travel Troubles . . . . .

gers, like elephants, have long memories, so they must not be left at bus stops. The employee was asked to see that the company's good reputation is kept green until the return of those who are fighting our battles.. * *

Europe .Using Under • A BOUT the middle of 1942 One-sixth of Its 4—kan interesting survey of the

Vehicles ' . . . civilian motor vehicles then in .

use in Europe was published.. Since that time there have probably been further reductions. The figures then given were about 000,000 commercial vehicles and 400,000 private cars . in Continental Europe, excluding Russia, representing only 10 per tent. of the pre-war total of over 6,000,000. Most of the comparatively few left were dependent upon meagre supplies of petrol and a variety of alternative fuels, even alcohol derived from grape juice, and, of course, a cOnsiderable number of gas-producer outfits. France was . apparently the worst off, having less than 1,000,000 motor vehicles in usable condition,of which some three-quarters were laid up. Sweden remained the outstanding example of adaptation, nearly 100,000 having been successfully converted to use producer gas, with wood as fuel. Germany had about 100,000 conlmorcial vehicles using producer gas and something under 150,000 operating on other alternative fuels. It would be' interesting to know . how these • figures have changed during the past 12 months. More Advice on-Pre71-'HE engineer of the Royal venting"Valve-burning I Automobile Club makes cer

Troubles fain suggestions with the object of iireventing, or minimizing, the effect of engine troubles caused by the use of tetraethyl lead in Pool petrol. He points out that the main difficulty arises when engines are over-stressed for considerable periods, and the following are his principal recommendations :—Keep engine temperature a little lower than usual; replace fan or fan belt if this has been removed, also any masking from -radiator. Increase valve clearances to some 50 per cent. above those recommended by the maker, so that the valves will seat smartly. Mix, say, three fluid ounces of lubricating oil with each gallon of petrol ; this will provide improved lubrication for valve stems and guides and tend to plevent•sluggish closing. [Some additive's' would probably have the same or an even better effect—Em] Do not use full power output except for brief periods. Frequently check the compression of each cylinder k using starting handle, while engine is thoroughly hot. Take action immediately if compression be found faulty. Detecting in time and freeing a sticking valve will prevent more serious damage. The views here expressed are opposed to those given in our centre-pages article, which goes to show that engineers are not unanimous as to the real cause .of the trouble.

Further Developments THE President of th e With American High'American Institute of octane Fuel . . . Chemists stated, . in August,

that a new quality of highoctane petrol had been perfected. This is, of course, mainlyof value in connection with aircraft, and is expected greatly to increase the power developed, but it may have some reflex action upon the fuels which will eventually be employed in motor-vehicle engines.


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