Tyre Economy Goes on Tour
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How the L.N.E.R., by Use of a Mobile Exhibition and Expert Demonstrator, Brings Home to its Drivers the Ways and Means by Which Vehicle Tyres can be Conserved
ACCORDING to information sup.plied to us, British railways are, to-day, concerned, either directly or indirectly, with the care and maintenance of no fewer than 80,000' wheels running on rubber tyres. This means that any steps which may be taken in the direction of effecting economies must, in itself, prove a useful contribution towards the Conservation of our
rubber supplies. .
The Southern Area of the L.N.E.R. has tackled the problem in a practicable way by -the employment of what amounts tp a mobile tyre-economy exhibition, complete with demonstrator.
A Fordson 30-cwt. van is used to carry the exhibits, which consist of a number of sections of tyre, mounted on wood stands. Each section shows part of a tread which has come to a premature end as the result of the tyre having been subjected to treatment not conducive' to its well-being.
The results following underinflation, overloading, scraping along the kerb---all the general causes of tyre damage can readily be appreciated from t an examination of the relevant sections, and details are given on a typewritten notice which accompanies each .exhibit.
The man in charge of the vehicle is also the demonstrator, and it is his job to move about a given area, travelling from one depot to another, giving instructive and informative talks to the • . company's drivers. One of the features stressed is the need for watching tyres with a" view to their being removed for retreading before it is too late. The demonstrator, having been given every assistance by tyre manufacturers, is 'armed with the most up-to-date knowledge regarding the processes and general technique of retreading.
At the same time, the various pieces of helpful literature, issued by the Ministry of tupply, ate handed out and, in this way, a tyre-conscious atmosphere is being steadily built up.
There are one or two interesting features in the van itself which are worthy of mention. The racks which serve to carry the exhibits, run the full length of the body and are so made that the
supporting stands can be slipped in quickly and, when pulled along, are held securely in a vertical position.
The rear is enclosed by roller shutter and, when not in use, it takes up a position beneath the roof of the
van. This is 'very convenient on the occasions when it is necessary to give a talk under cover, as the maximum daylight, combined with the artificial light-" ing provided, enables the exhibits to be examined without difficulty.
. Forms are carried in the van-so that a dozen or more drivers can be seated while the demonstrator gives his talk. The exhibits are, of course, used to bring home the points touched on by the lecturer.
A number of posters is also carried and, when not displayed, ' these are carried in containers specially made for their reception. A place for everything and everything in its place would seem an apt description of this propaganda vehicle.
Whether the demonstrator calls attention to the fact that the Fordson is eqnipped with rayon-cord syntheticrubber tyres we do not know, but such
is the ease. They are of Firestone manufacture but, at the time of oulinspection, had not covered sufficient mileage for eoniparisons to be made with the• natural-rubber 'product.