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WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.

17th March 1925, Page 4
17th March 1925
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

he xvizeels of wealth will be slowed by all dirpculties of transport at whatever loints arising, as -cr carriage is by the roughness

of the roads over which it runs."—John Beattie Crosier.

Statistics for London's Motor buses.

Certain statistical information with regard to Loudon buses which, although known in separate details, had not previously been grouped together comparatively, was given by Col. Ashley, the Minister of Transport, in the House t,f Commons the other day.

He.set out the number of licences that had been issued in the last two years. They are as follow:— 1923. 1924, L.G.O. and associated companies ... ... 4,472 4,272 Other proprietors ... 545 .1,105

He also stated that during the twelve months ended February 28thlast, licences in respect of new vehicles were issued to the extent of 779 to the London General Omnibus Co. and their associated concerns and 222 to remaining Proprietors.

A Paper on Wheel Wobble.

A very interesting paper on the subject of "Wheel Wobble" has been prepared by Mr. A. Healey, of the research department of the Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd., to be read before the members of the Institution of Automobile Engineers.

Mr. Healey explains what "wheel wobble" is, and shows that a real engineering problem is involved. Having set out the principles concerned, he proceeds to show how various features of design influence wheel wobble, and makes a few suggestions for preventing its occurrence.

Selling the RS. Petrol-electric Buses.

The assets of the F.S. Petrol-electric Omnibus Co., Ltd. (now in voluntary liquidation), were sold last week by Messrs. Goddard and Smith. They included six buses, which tealized from £150 to £175 each. It will be remembered that these omnibuses were equipped with Dennis engines, David Brown and Sons' back axles and Christopher Dodson bodies. A 40 h.p. Dennis engine in a dismantled condition realized 151, whilst the total realization was in the neighbourhood of £1,200.

The S.P.A. Policy of Manufacture.

As is well known, a fusion of financial interests between the Fiat and S.P.A. companies, of Turin, was effected last autumn Under which, as we under

stand it, the former company have a 55 per cent. shareholding in the latter concern, a change in the constitution of the S.P.A. board of directors and general management following..

Mr. A. E. Tapper, who is the sole concessionnaire in this country for the Co., with a sales and service depot at 244, Earl's Court Road, London, S.W.5, asks us to make it clear that the policy of the company concerning the manufacture of S.P.A. cars and lorries is to go on, the difference being that manufacture will continue on •a more, extensive scale than in the past. '

Sottihdown's Payment to Brighton Corporation.

At a recent meeting of the aqflariura conimittee of the Brighton Corporation a deputation was received from Southdown Motor Services, Ltd., on the subject of the rental payable by the company for kiosks, indicator boards, etc., on the Aquarium Terrace. At a previous meeting of the committee it was decided to fix the sum at £350 per annum, but after hearing the view of the members of the deputation it was decided to f x the increased rental at £275 per annum.

Alpha Power Units.

With reference to our article on "Small Engines for Industrial Purposes," which appeared in our issue for March 10th, and which described the productions of Johnson, Hurley and Martin, Ltd., of Coventry, we regret that through some • curious miaunderstanding the name of the units was spelt "Alfa," our representative who inspected the units for the purpose of description believing that this was how the Greek word bad been altered for registration purposes... We now bear from Messrs. Johnson, Hurley and Martin that the word is spelt in its normal manner, "Alpha?'

Paris Express Buses Nota Success.

The special committee of the Conseil Generale de la Seine, which deals with the affairs of 'the Paris municipal tram-. ways and omnibuses,. decided, at a special sitting ki few days ego, on the immediate suppression of the two new express omnibus services which were Put into operation some weeks ago. .

The two original lines from Passy to the Bourse and from the Place Clictly to the Palais Royal are to be continued fo: the moment, but many members of the committee expressed the opinion that these also should be abandoned, in view of the very poor receipts obtained.

The buses are really only used during the rush hours in the morning and evening, and also to some extent at lunch time. For the rest of the day they run almost empty. As the buses are well patronized at the times stated, however, it would appear to an outsider that these services might be 'put on a better footing by adjusting the time-table rather than by suppressing them altogether. In any ease, the fast omnibuses will be Very useful to the T.C.R.P. for excursion purposes during the coming summer, in view of the crowds of visitors for the Paris Exhibition Darlington's Trolley-bus Bill.

Since evincing its preference for trolley-buses in place of tramcars, the Darlington Corporation has lost little time in forging ahead with the preliminary legal steps necessary in conjunction with the proposed change-over. Matters have now advanced so far that the Bill, in which the corporation seeks power to authorize the substitution of railless cars for existing, tramway routes, and giving it permission to operate trolley-buses, or motorbuses, over new districts in and outside the borough, has been read a second time in Parliament. Some opposition is being encountered, but the corporation is hopefill that a speedy and amicable solution will be reached.

It is expected locally that the Bill will be passed finally about. July next. The new system should be in operation by hlarch, 1926. The repayment and interest charges will be considerably reduced once the railless system has been inaugurated.

Home Secretary-to Attend London

Parade Luncheon.

The Home Secretary, the Rt. Hon. Sir William Joynson-Hicks, Bt, M.P., will be the principal guest at the luncheon at the Savoy Hotel, on Saturday, April 4th, in connection withthe 19th annual London parade of commercial motor vehicles organized by • the Commercial Motor -Users Association, under the patronage of H.M. the King.

We understand that Dennis Bros., Ltd., have now acquired the entire patent rights in emineetion with the Tamini turbine pump which, in future, will be described as the Dennis patent turbine pump.

Leeds Trolley-bus Scheme.

The highway committee of the Otley Urban District Council suggests that Mr. C. J. F. Atkinson, the clerk, should give evidence in support of the Leeds Corporation Bill for powers to run trolley vehicles from the White Cross to Bandon Bridge, but without prejudice to the points upon which the council is supporting the opposition of the We Riding County Council with a view tb obtaining modified clauses as to stopping places, fares, direction posts, etc.

New Glamorganshire Road.

The Ministry of Transport has given its sanction to the construction of a new road from Abercynon to Peurhiwceiber, in the bed of the old Aberdare canal, and has promised to contribute one-half of the cost. The Glamorgan County Council is to carry out the work, which is estimated to cost £35,000.

The new road will provide an alternative route to the Mountain Ash and Aberdare Valleys.

• An Experienced Man Available:

We know of a Man who has been associated with the motor industry for over 20 years and in business on his own account for 15 years, who is now desirous of securing a position in which his capabilities for managing a garage, or controlling the operation of a fleet of lorries or buses, can be put to good use. He is _conversant with vehicle maintenance and possesses organizing ability. Letters addressed "A.," care of the Editor, will be forwarded to the proper quarter.

Tramcar Tickets AvailaWe on Buses.

In no part of the Midlands have recent developments in regard to motorbus traffic been proceeding at a more rapid rate than in areas of which Nottinghamshire is the centre. The city itself is surrounded by colliery districts, and with the elaboration of many new mining enterprises, extensions of road travelltng facilities for reaching the capital of the county have been multiplied.

The Trent Motor Bus Company, Ltd., with 'headquarters at Derby, were the pioneers of these arrangements, and now, supplementing the operations of the Notts and Derbyshire Tramway Co., who have maintained an admirable system connecting Nottingham with Ripley, a new service by motor omnibuses has, within the past few days, been inaugurated ripen a route covering impor

tent industrial territories extending from Nottingham to Heanor, and taking. within its scope several busy centres.

An eminently Convenient arrangement has been entered into with the Notts

and Derbyshire Co., by the Midland•Omnibus Co., under whose tegis the

enterprise has been inaugurated, whereby passengers holding return tramcar tickets are allowed to make the journey home by motorbus.

Bus and Rail Competition.

The tendency of travellers to patronize road motor services in preference to the railway, even on long distances, has been aptly illustrated by events which have occurred during recent months on the Cardiff to Pontypridd route.

During the past few years many bus services have been developed in this area, and between Pontypridd and Cardiff—a distance of 12 miles—a 10minute service is maintained from early morning until' late at night. Before Christmas last year the bus companiea made a charge of 1s. Pd. for the return journey between these centres, the comparable railway charge, except in the case of cheap excursion tickets (issued once or twice weekly), being as. return.

The buses had become very popular, largely on the score of the lower fare by bus, but the railway company have, since January, issued return tickets for the journey at is. 6d, The bus companies have now followed snit and reduced fares to the same level, and it is stated that in spite of the equal footing on which they are now competibe with the railway company, they are still able to obtain considerable patronage. Moreover, it is confidently expected that increased business will be obtained by the bus proprietors during the summer months, when road travel is much preferred to rail journeys.

Road v. Rail Transport.

What promises to be an interesting discussion on the relative merits of road and rail transport is to be held by the Graduates' Section of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, at Storey's Gate, London, S.117.1, on March 30th, at 7 p.m., when Mr. W. Worby Beamont will occupy the chair.

Telephonic Traffic Control.

Torquay Corporation has granted the application of the chief constable of Devon on behalf of the standing joint committee for free sites on which to erect police telephone boxes in connection with the traffic control in various Parts of the borough.

• The Tractor-lorry's Value.

The tractor-lorry type of vehicle is being employed on an increasingly large scale at Liverpool, and several of the leading local manufacturing companies have recently added machines of this type to their fleets. One well-known Company of oil-cake manufacturers, J. Bibby and Sons, Ltd., have shown enterprise in this direction by having

some of their four-wheeled machines converted into six-wheelers. They own afieet of steam vehicles which are employed almost exclusively On short haulage work within a radius of three miles between the locai docks and their huge mills.

Haulage contractors are also using such vehicles to an increasing extent, and an illustration on this page shows a 10-ton load of canned goods on a Super Sentinel belonging Co a Nottingham motor haulage contractor. This load was picked up at Liverpool for discharge at Leeds and Birmingham on the return journey.

Albion Choir's_ Success., Most manufacturing and industrial concerns at the present time pay much attention to the welfare oftheir employees, for it is realivd that by• such means advantages are obtained both for employer and employee. The competitive aspect promotes enthusiasm in various recreative branches and, in this 'respect, it may interest our readers to learn of the success achieved by the male voice choir of the Albion Motor Car Co., Ltd., of Scotstoun, Glasgow, which carried off first honours in the open section at the recent Renfrewshire Musical Competition Festival.

Good Service from a Caledon.

The Caledou vehicle, which we illustrate on this page, constitutes a repeat order for Mr. W. W. Perks, a removal and transport contractor, cif Gloucester, who intends using the machine to augment the regular hi-weekly service which

• he maintains between Loudon and Gloucester:

For the past three years Mr. Perks has run a regular service from Gloucester-London-Gloucester, and, with the exception of one week during the last C22 dock strike, has maintained constant journeys to the Metropolis, This is a fine performance, especially when it is considered that the vehicle has always run to a definite schedule, from which it has only departed to a slight extent. The mileage which this machine has covered is over 39,140, and during the period that it has been in use the cost of renewals and replacements has been confined to such items as hushes, ball bearings, brake linings, etc., the original components of the Caledon E-type live. axle chassis not having required renewal or special attention.

' The vehicle which Mr. Perks has just put in service is a 5-ton chain-driven model, fitted with a tilt-van body built in his own shops, and it gives a loading space of just over 700 cubic ft. It should he mentioned that it is shod with Henley air cushion tyres on the front wheels. Mr. Perks has found that tyres of this make and type give an excellent mileage and ensure safety for fragile goods.

Glasgow Traffic Problems.

The magistrates' committee of the Glasgow • Corporati, on is considering questions relating to street trading, the parking of motorcars, increase in chara-banes traffic, the desirability of experimenting with one-way streets and taxicab fares, and has now decided to seal a deputation, consisting of two magistrates, the chief constable and Lieut. Peters, the police traffic expert, to visit London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Sheffield and Manchester to obtain information with regard to these various matters.

Sheffield's Transport Users Committee.

At the recent third annual general meeting of the North Eastern Division (Sheffield and Rotherham Area) of the Commercial Motor Users Association, the following members were elected to serve on the committee for the ensuie,,-7 year :---Messrs. J. Gibbins (chairman), H. Jeffries (vice-chairman), It. J. Armstrong, G. Caudle, P. L. Maitland, J. Padget, 11. Groeock, T. S. Boothroyd, R. J. Smith, F. H. Cooper and .1. M. Colley. The hoe. sec., Mr. W. Wakelam, was also re-appointed.

North American Motor Vehicle Output.

Figures compiled by the Department of Commerce at Washington show that the production of motor vehicles in the United States and Canada during January amounted to 28,804 commercial vehicles and 212,908 • passenger 'cars. The Canadian proportion of the total was 1,540-vehicles • for commercialuses and 3,301 passenger cars. The totals for the two countries in January, 1924, were 30,627 commercial vehicles and 293,822 passenger cars.

B.A.T. Traffic Receipts.

The traffic receipts on the passenger vehicles owned by the British Automobile Traction Co.' Ltd., and their associate companies, for the first eight weeks of the present year amounted to 1231,887, a figure Which shows an increase of 143,271 over that for the corresponding period of last year.

A Spanish Motor Show.

The fourth annual Barcelona Motor Show, which is to be held in the Palace of Modern Art in that city from May 16th to 26th next,-will comprise sections for commercial vehicles and tractors, as well as components and ' tyres. Mr. Harry Walker, a well-known wholesale trader in British motor goods in Spain, who is a member of the organizing committee, is at present in London, and will furnish all desired particulars to those concerned desirous of taking part in the Spanish Show-He can be communicated with at the Engineers' Club, Coventry Street, W., until the end of March.

West Hartlepool's Bus Scheme.

The West Hartlepool Corporation has secured the permission of the local authorities interested for the opening of a new motorbus service between West Hartlepool and Easingtou, along the new east coast road, and four new saloon buses are to be purchased in order to provide a regular and adequate service. The authority, as has been previously stated in The Commercial Motor, is at present involved in a dispute with the neighbouring corporation at Hartlepool on the question of the mode of transport which is to supersede tramcars over the through route between the two towns, and in this connection is arranging for a demonstration of the new Parker combined petrol-electric trolley-bus, the construction of which was recently described by us.

Leeds Opinion of Buses.

In its report concerning the purchase of new tramcars, the tramways committee of the Leeds Corporation mentions that for mass transportation the tramway must remain the chief means of street transit, but, recognizing that the motorbus has proved and will continue to be a valuable auxiliary to traniways, the committee proposes to make the fullest use of vehicles of this type, both as feeders to the tramways and for the purpose of developing new routes.

Where London Theatre-goers Can

Garage.

The Automobile Association has prepared a map which shows the location of the various London theatres and garages which are conveniently placed in relation to them. A booklet accompanies the map, in which is set out the Police regulations for preventing, oh

struction in the neighbourhood of theatres so far as they relate to private cars, and copies of it, together with the map, can be obtained from the secretary to the Association, Fanum House, New Coventry Street, London, W.1.

P.L.M. Buying Petrol Railcars.

We understand that the P.L.M. Railway has just placed an order with the Hame et Buire Co., of Lyon, for the supply of 15 motor-driven railcars at a price of 165,800 francs each.

• A Road-closing Proposal.

The Monmouthshire County Council proposes' to issue an order closing to heavy motor traffic the road from. Glans-afon, Ebbw Vale, to, or near to, Beaufort, and a Ministry of Transport representative is to hold an inquiry into the propos4,1 on March 27th, at Ebbw Vale.

Bus Developments in Ireland.

We learn from Dublin that the Irish Free State Parliament has adopted the report of a joint committee approving the Dublin United (Electric) Tramways (Omnibus Services) Bill, the obiect of which is to establish omnibus services connecting with the tramways at certain points and running to the more populous outlying districts in the counties of Dublin, Kildare, etc.

_Duty on Steam Wage ns for New Zealand.

According to a decision lately arrived at in New Zealand steam wagons for road use in the Dominion are to be imported under Item No. 550 (1) of the Tariff, under which British vehicles are dutiable at 10 per cent, ad valorem, as against the general tariff of 25 per cent.

Garage Accommodation in Liverpool. Lime Street Ga -ages (Liverpool), Ltd., inform us that they are now in a position to accommodate motor vehicles of all types at their spacious garage at Bolton Street, Liverpool, where they can also undertake repairs and offer a wide range of supplies.

In view of the proximity of the Grand National Steeplechase, which takes place at the Aintree Racecourse shortly, many road users will undoubtedly be interested to learn of the facilities which the company can give. They inform us that from 10 p.m. until 7 a.m. hot coffee is served free to all owners and drivers using their premises.

Fire-fighting at Croydon.

Statistics have just been issued relating to the fire brigade and ambulance ' service maintained by the County

Borm0that of Croydon which show at 1. 249 fire calls were received during the year 1924. The number of motor appliances in the services of the brigade is six, four of them being housed at the chief fire station. The estimated loss in the borough through fiFe, in the year was £45,671, the value of the property fit risk 'being £301,386.

There are two ambulances attached to the fire brigade and during 1924 they received 931 public-service calls and 897 private calls, the total of these representing an increase of 326 over the number of calls received in the previous year. The total mileage travelled by these-vehicles was, according to figures • prepared by Mr. J. W. Dane, the chief officer, 7,655.

By-passing a Busy City.

A committee of the York Corporation has recently had under consideration the question of providing new thoroughfares

which can be used by vehicles not desirous of passing through the centre of the city,' where there is frequently much traffic congestion. The city engineer is preparing plans for a new road from Campleshon Lane, at its junction with Bishopthorpe Road, to Hull Road, °where it will join with the new highway which leads from this point to Tang Hall. By this means the main East and North Riding roads will be linked up with that radiating from Leeds.

Raising a North Wales Bridge.

The surveyor to the Merioneth County Council advises us that, in connection with. the raising of the bridge at Corwen, the Holyhead road passing over the Great Western Railway at the western end of Corwen Station will be closed to all traffic from midnight on Saturday, March 21st, until 6 p.m. on the following day. Several other routes are available for use by heavy and light motor vehicles.

• A Leyland in Toronto.

In our issue for January 27th last, wa published an illustration of a largeCapacity Leyland van used for the bulk delivery Of loaves of bread by the Ideal Bread Co., whose headquarters, we are informed, are at Toronto, and not, as stated in the paragraph, which accompanied our illustration.

Local Proceedings.

Wakefield Corporation has allocated a sum of £650 for the purchase of a motor ambulance.

East Ham Corporation has purchased a 1-ton motor from Messrs. Stewarts at a cost of i=5.

Newport (I.O.W.) Corporation is considering the desirability of obtaining a motor hose cart.

Eastbourne Corporation is allocating a sum of £500 for the purchase of a motor ambulance.

The Bedwellty Board of Guardians has decided to purchase a Fiat ambulance at a cost of £600.

The British Red Cross Society has presented a motor ambulance to the Woodford Urban District Council.

The tramways committee of the Rotherham Corporation proposes to inaugurate several new motorbus routes.

Adelaide City Council has allocated £2,450 for the purchase of a steam roller and a petrol tandem-type roller.

Eastbourne Corporation Bus Committee is to install a 4,000-gallon fuel storage tank in the forecourt of the bus depot.

Morecambe Corporation has appointed a committee to obtain further information with respect to battery electric traction.

Rotherham Corporation proposes the erectien of additional garage accommodation for its motorbuses at a cost of about 110,000.

Chesterfield Corporation has authorized the purchase of a low-built motor vehicle for the cleansing department at a cost of £580.

The electricity committee of the Portsmouth Corporation recommends the purchase of a motor lorry at a cost of £510 from Portsmouth Motors; Ltd.

The tramways committee of the Portsmouth Corporation has made arrangements with Dennis Bros., .Ltd., for the supply of 11 saloon-type motor omnibuses for 11,123 each and one chassis for £713.

The tramways committee of the Rotherham Corporation recommends the purchase of three chassis from the Bristol Tramways and Carriage Co., Ltd., at £592 each, and three bus bodies from Roe and Co., Ltd., at £365 each. Brighton Watch Committee proposes the purchase of a motor ambulafice at a cost of about £.800.

Oxford Motor Services, Ltd., have agreed to the suggestion of the Oxford Watch Committee to introduce 1d. fares on their buses.

Barnsley Corporation has authorized the chief sanitary inspector to purchase a 500-gallon tank for the storage of petrol at the sanitary depot.

Sheffield Watch Committee has granted licences to W. T. Underwood, Ltd., of Clown, Derbyshire, in respect of 85 motorbuses for service between Handsworth and Kiverton Park, and Pond Street, Sheffield and Clown.

Manchester Corporation is applying to the district councils of 'Failsworth, Cb.adderton and Royton for licences for motorbuses to be used on a proposed service along the new arterial road from Oldham Road, Manchester, when the road is open for traffic.

The works committee of the Southwark Borough Council recommends the purchase of a gully-emptying machine from Messrs. Atkinson and Co., at £970, a 2i-ton tipping wagon from Dennis Bros., Ltd„ at £624 15s., and an S.D. Freighter from Shelvoke and Drewry, Ltd., at £590. • Vandervell Batteries.

As a result of the fall in price of lead and lead-oxide C. A. Vandervell and Co., Ltd., inform us that they have withdrawn the advance of 10 per cent. which they recently placed upon certain types of the company's battery.

French Commercial Vehicle Exports. Official returns lately issued show that no fewer than 4,193 commercial vehicles were exported from Prance during the year 1924, the number showing an increase of about 51 per cent., and the value about 86 per cent., over the preceding year.

Hiring Charges.

I The Isle of Ely County Council has recently accepted tenders for the hire of petrol and steam vehicles from different owners at the following rates per day :-30-cwt. lorries 30s„ 3-ton lorries 40s., 4-ton lorries 50s., and for a steam wagon and trailer at 50s. and 55s.

Legality of Bus Stands.

At a meeting of the Isle of Ely County Council the county surveyor reported that the Wisbeeh Town Council had decided upon certain stands for motorbuses on the main roads in the borough and had delineated these by marks on the roads. The clerk was instructed to take counsel's opinion with regard to the power of the town council to fix stands for buses on the main roads and to communicate with the Ministry of Transport and the County Councils' Association on the matter. The clerk is also to inform the town council that the county council does not recognize it right to fix stands -without consultation with the county council.

Brighton's Ambulance Activity.

The Brighton Watch Committee has recently issued statistics dealing with the operations of the police motor ambulance for the past year. During the whole of 1924 the vehicle dealt with 965 cases, 258 of these being of a private nature. The number of private calls received at night (between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.) was relatively small, being 37. The total fees received in respect of private cases amounted to £82 10s. 6c1.

Willcox Lubricants.

W. H. -Willcox and Co., Ltd., of Southwark Street, London, S.E1, have just issued a new folder dealing with Wilcox-Fiske greases and lubricants, which are made in grades to suit various requirements. Another little folder which the company hays issued deals with various grades of oil for use on motor vehicles of all types, and another draws attention to the merits of Lubrigear, which, as its name might suggest, is a lubricant for gearbox use.

Aluminium Alloy Wheels.

One of the experiments initiated by the London General Omnibus Co., Ltd, and carried out for them so far as the . manufacture is concerned, is the design, construction and • use of aluminium • wheels for London's buses. A consider' able saving of weight has resulted from the use of aluminium in place of steel and, as this is all unsprung weight, the net effect of the production of a successful aluminium wheel has been to reduce shocks to tyre and road crust. A great deal of research work was entailed before entire success could be claimed, the credit for this being due to the technical staff of William Mills, Ltd., of Grove Street, Birmingham, where the wheejs for the L.G.O.C. buses are produced. Hand-in-hand with design has, gone a series of experiments in alloys, whilst special foundry methods had to be introduced to deal with moulding difficulties. The wheels are giving excellent service, no troubles of any sort having occurred, which fact is extremely satisfactory, whilst it is interesting to note that at the end of the life of a wheel the scrap value of the metal is equal to about two-thirds of the original . cost—which means a substantial recoupment. Aluminium alloy wheels are now being employed for chassis of various ratings, and for various duties, the War Office, the India Office, and other large users having placed considerable orders for them. William Mills, Ltd.. willingly place their time and experience at the disposal of manufacturers desirous of learning more abdut *heels of this sort.


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