Answers to Queries.
Page 18
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Is There a Book?
[2088] " ESSEX writes shall be glad to know if you publish, or can refer me to, any books dealing thoroughly with eonamercial cars and lorries, their construction and upkeep ? "
ANSWER.—No such book exists. You can only read up the files of this journal.
What Class of Street Cleaning?
L2089] " H.F." writes :—" I suggest for printing in TRE COMMERCIAL Moron under 'One Hears' column— That street cleaners will not be required in wet weather as motorbuses and motorvans can do the work ' Instances of this are very noticeable, on Sundays particularly."
ANSWER. —We thank you for the suggested pa,ragraph, but we cannot very well use it, having regard to our recent editorials on the subject of street cleansing. We consider that street-cleansing should be varied to suit modern traffic conditions, but that it should not he abolished.
Where Shall They Insure?
[2090] " OWNERS " write Could you inform us . if the Insurance Co. is reliable to meet claims up to several thousand pounds in insurance of motorcars and passengers ? If you are unable to give us this information, could you advise us whom to ask for quotations ? "
ANSWER.—The company about which you ask is known to several of our friends, who tell us that they unfortunately are shareholders. They also tell us that the company has spent its capital, has never paid a dividend, and is not worthy of support, either for motor or for any other business. In these circumstances, perhaps you will do well to address the company which specializes in this work—the Car and General, for example.
Clutch Arrangement on L.G.O. Omnibuses.
[2091] " COUNTRY MAN " writes : —" As a motorist myself, I have been at a loss to understand the principle of construction of the clutches which are fitted to L.G.O. omnibuses. Can you tell me how they are designed, and what is the loose fitting which revolves behind the clutch, and looks as though it were going to fly off at any time'?"
ANSWER.—You are evidently referring to the twin laminated cross-springs which are used on the clutches of all L.G.O. B-type chassis. When the clutch is revolving at high speed, this certainly gives the impression of something flying round loose. The springs are anchored on opposite edges of the flywheel, and their centres press the male member into position. This arrangement has been found to be exceptionally accessible, and it affords very ready and easy means of adjustment. A similar method was adopted on the Wolseley buses, which the L.G.O.C. has now taken off the road.
Specimen Letters to Various Traders.
[2092] " SCOTTIE Writes : —" I have some recollection, at one time or another, of seeing a series of suitable letters (sales) to the various trades, such as grocers, confectioners, brewers, aerated water manufacturers, etc., for approaching such firms with regard to the question of motor transport. I shall be glad if you will advise me the dates of the issues containing these letters, or if same were issued separately.
I shall be pleased if you can see your way to forward any such literature per return, when I will immediately forward amount on receipt."
ANSWER.—We think you must have in mind the article on small motorvans for trade purposes which appeared in our issue of the 5th January, 1911. That issue is out of print, but you might be able to see the article in some library in your district, or to refer to it elsewhere on a, file. It was subsequently used as the basis of a, series of articles for different trade journals, but no crikestion of framing suitable letters has been handled by us.
How to Treat a Man who has been "Gassed" by Petrol Vapour.
[2093] " PRECAUTIONARY" writes :—" Will you be good enought to let me know if you are aware of a method of resuscitating individuals after they have been ' gassed,' that is, rendered unconscious, owing to the presence of petrol vapour. For instance, a man cleaning out petrol-storage tanks.
"Can you say what means should be employed to bring a man round after he has collapsed through cleaning out a tank."
ANSWER.—The only recognized method of treating people who are overcome by petrol vapour is that which is adopted when people are rescued from drowning. Probably the best and most scientific apparatus for prompt application is that known as the Synchron artificial respiration apparatus for the restoring of animation. You can obtain particulars from the Holmquist Electric Co., Ltd., 27, Kingly Street, Regent Street, W.
Insurance, Licensing and Loading.
12094] "ENGINEER" writes :—" Perhaps you will remember that I wrote to you a good many months ago regarding the purchase of one or more secondhand petrol wagons for use in connection with our business. Eventually, we decided upon the purchase of two new steamers with trailers, and the first of these has just been delivered—some ten weeks or more late.
"I propose to keep very careful accounts of the work done, mileage, cost, etc., and I shall let you know how we get on.
" We have not yet got the machine insured, and, as I am anxious to put that in order at once, I shall be very much obliged if you will inform me which company you recommend, and whether you advise a comprehensive policy covering damage to machine by accident and fire, third-party risk and accident to driver and mate
"With regard to licences, the machine is of course, registered. Am I right in thinking that trade vehicles are exempt from any other form of taxation? Also, is it necessary for the driver's mate to hold a driving licence?
"Legally, I suppose, one should only load six tons on the motor and four tons on the trailer, but I understand it is quite the practice here to put eight tons on the motor. Do you think it is wise to do this 7 " ANSWER.—You ought to go and see Mr. T. M. Foyster, the resident manager of the Car and General Insurance Corporation Ltd., at 2, South John Street, Liverpool. It is the nearest branch to you. That company will cover the risks which you mention, and will give good terms. You ought to have a comprehensive policy, and not to stint the limits. It is not always advisable to have a driver's licence for the second man, although the cost is only 5s. a year. He might one day handle the machine, and be caught without one ; at the same time, if you get one, you should give strict instructions to the driver that his mate is only to handle it very gradually and in safe places, and not in the streets at the start. If you intend that he should never handle it in any circumstances, do not let him have a licence.
You could certainly overload the back axle in — without trouble, as all the streets are so very strongly paved, and the authorities by no means active in regard to axle-weights. As you know, we seldom approve this *nurse.