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Story That Holds Water
nREDGING recently in the Victoria Docks, London,
employees of the Port of London Authority brought up some interesting debris. This comprised a two-wheeled trailer, which someone remembered had been blown into the water during an air-raid. As can be seen from the illustration, the trailer is most dilapidated, but the Firestone 7.50-20 Ground Grip tyres were still inflated to their normal pressure. The gash shown was made by the dredging machinery. It is remarkable that these tyres should have held their pressure for nearly 20 years.
Surprise for a Van Thief
ONE of our somewhat critical readers asks whether there is no way of combating the mail-van robbers. In his opinion, which may not be that of others, the surest way of having valuables stolen is to send them by registered post.
Some time ago he had the pleasure of unintentionally giving a mail thief, or thieves, a disappointment. There were once biscuits known as "Punch and Judy," these characters being modelled in shortbread. As a joke he sent a Toby one, carefully packed in a small jewel case, as a birthday present to a man usually known by that name. This was registered but it never arrived, as the mail bag vanished on its journey, but he wished that he had been present when his particular package was opened.
Tubes for Coil Springs ?
IN nearly all situations where coil springs are employed I as, for example, in the front suspensions of many motor vehicles, the steel employed is in rod form. A recent suggestion put forward is that tubing could be used for the same purpose and it is claimed that this might well save 40 per cent. of the weight.
Obviously, the material adjacent to the centre of the metal used in a coil spring has decreasing value the nearer it gets to the middle. This has been recbgnized by some designers who employ tubes for torsional-suspension media.
. A Well-merited Award
nNE of the most notable advances in lubrication has been the production of low-viscosity oils, the use of which has permitted a marked reduction in fuel consumption in practically all types of motor vehicle. Their advantages of easy starting and low frictional losses have been especially successful in vehicles which are engaged in work demanding frequent stopping and starting, and in which the engines seldom have time to reach what are considered to be efficient Operating temperatures.
These oils are, of course, particularly useful in the case of vehicles normally employed in areas where the prevailing temperatures are low. • Some operators were originally doubtful as to their merits for they are unlike the ordinary run of lubricants, in that they retain adequate viscosity under hot running conditions, whereas many of the older oils Commenced by being highly viscous but quickly lost this alleged attribute when they became hot.
One of the oil technicians who played a great part in the development of the new oils is Dr. E. M. Dodds, of Esso, who was recently honoured by that well known City guild, the Worshipful Company of Carmen. He was announced as the first recipient of a new award, the Viva Shield, which includes a gold medal and citation. The object is to recognize the individual, company or corporation making the most notable contribution to the advancement of road transport.
The use of lubricants of this nature is not confined to engines, for they. have been found beneficial for transmission gear, although, of course, special high-pressure lubricants are necessary in the case of certain axle gearing in which the tooth pressures are unusually high.
Approach to Winter
Now that we have altered our clocks to make lighting-up
time earlier, the unpleasantnesses of winter driving seem to rush upon us all too suddenly. The late autumn is a season fraught with possibilities which can be alarming when they are not foreseen.
After a summer of uncommonly wet weather, much of the ;countryside has absorbed about as much moisture as it can take. A very little more and the valleys are flooded: a drop in temperature brings the risk of fogs freezing on the windscreen. Wet and slippery leaves are apt to pack on sheltered corners.
Grass verges have become soft sponges, unable to accept the weight of a loaded lorry. The driver who does not relish a wretched night de-ditching and putting the load back on an even keel will be wise to stop only on a lay-by with a good hard standing.
The cab radio sets which were to be seen on exhibits at Earls Court' were received with raised eyebrows by some operators. Although such home comforts have not been part of the trunker's lot in the past, the national weather forecasts available at the touch of a switch could well make the long-distance driver's forward planning a great deal easier.