The Supply Department.
Page 21
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Selected Information which is likely to be of interest to Makers, Owners, and their Buyers.
Catalogue Standardization.
We should like to point out once again the urgent need that undoubtedly exists for the introduction of a system of catalogue standardization, especially in
the matter of size. The present chaotic state of things is responsible for much loss of temper and business. Where one maker produces a neat and concise booklet in which it is quite an easy matter to find an account of his productions, another manufacturer may turn out a catalogue which is primarily remarkable for its clumsy proportions and the puz7.1i rig and muddled arrangement of its contents.
Wheels, Springs and Gears.
Smith, Parfrey and Co. Ltd., of Fulham Palace Road, W. forwards its new catalogue dealing with wheels, springs, gears, and many other accessories and fitments for the commercial vehicle. The catalogue is well illustrated, and is quite readable, on account of its clean lay-out, and clearly-stated particulars. Every point which is of interest to the user is neatly emphasized, and a full list of prices is given whenever standard rates make this possible. Firms who from time to time require replacements, ranging from complete back-axles to small electric-welding jobs, cannot do better than procure this catalogue, and place it for handy reference purposes within easy reach on the office shelves.
Pulling a Foden to Bits.
At the foot of this page will be found a reproduction of two pages from Seamrnell's latest catalogue. We have chosen these illustrations to exemplify the thorough manner in which G. Scammell and Nephew have set about the preparation of this brochure. Sca,amiells are agents for Fodens of Sandbach, and it therefore has seemed fit to them to adopt a method which would enable many clients to order Foden spare parts with the minimum risk of confusion. Each component-many of them, by the way, are not likely ever to be required as replacements—has been photographed and reproduced under a serial number in these sheets. Numerical references give the accepted standard description for each part, so that ordering can be done without the confusion which is so often apparent owing to the adoption of indistinctive names by users who are not familiar with the more generally adopted workshop terms. Scanamell's new catalogue, of which these two pages are but a small
instalment, is fully illustrated with useful types of industrial coachwork that have been carried out foe different users. These bodies vary from the smartlyfinished high-speed delivery van belonging to such traders as the Arctic Fur Store of Bayswater, to the essentially utilitarian meat-transport bodies belonging to E. W. Rudd Ltd., the haulage contractors. &attunells also make a speciality of trailers, and their reputation as wheel builders needs little further emphasis here. The catalogue contains particulars, in addition, of what is undistinguishedly entitled the " R.S." composite motor wheel ; and this, and other of Seammell's wheel specialities, are well worth the attention of users of all kinds of commercial-motor vehicles.
A Useful Overhead Van Washer.
H. Andrew and Co., Ltd., sends us particulars of its new overhead vehicle-washer, which, we are informed, is selling in considerable quantities. The device is intended to be secured to some convenient overhead beam or girder in the garage, and being mounted on a revolving brass joint, with arms extending 4i ft. from the centre, it only requires a short length of hose in order thoroughly to sluice down all the parts of a van or cab. The hose itself does not get in the operator's way, it keeps perfectly dry, and there is no reason why it should not last for quite a number of years. The pipe and braces are of wrought-iron, the fittings are of malleable-iron. The apparatus is not unsightly, nor is it difficult or expensive to install.
For the Testing of Chains.
W. and T. Avery, Ltd., informs us that it has recently installed a machine in the works of the Coventry Chain Co., designed and manufactured specially for chain testing. This particular machine is giving great satisfaction, and there is without doubt, a considerable market for such a device. On this particular apparatus the strain is shown on the steelyard both by poise and by loose weights. By the aid of the electric trip gear it is automatically relieved immediately the weight which has been decided upon has been applied, the trip gear diverting the driving belts to the loose pulleys which are fitted to the machine. The appliance is designed for test strains up to five toils, and can be regulated by increments of 7 lb. The drive is by belt. We are informed that in use the machine has proved to be capable of giving extremely accurate records.