The Canadian Advertising Van.
Page 11
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On Monday last a member of our stall drove the Canadian Government's advertising van, which was described by us last week, from the L.C.C. weighbridge at Newington Causeway to its garage some seven miles distant. His assistance was invoked owing to the awkward disposition of the controlling levers, it being necessary to carry two mechanics—one to steer and to control the speed; the other to manipulate the various levers and switch handles connected with the engine and switch board respectively. The first difficulty experienced was the amount of effort required to turn the steering wheels, owing to the fact that the front axle carries more than double the weight that is on the back axle. The actual weights are : Front axle, 3 tons 7ewt. 561b.; back axle, z ton i4cwt. 561b. In approaching Westminster Bridge, the engine became very hot, and a stop was necessary near Victoria Street, where it was found that most of the water had boiled away. After replenishing the tank, the van ran fairly smoothly to St. George's Hospital, but the carburetter was continually flooding. At this point a large crowd assembled round the van, and their interest in the lettering on the vehicle certainly indicated that a satisfactory advertising medium had been discovered. One curious person clambered into the engine room and asked for some " tracts," but anything of that nature would have been distinctly out of place at the time, in view of the troubles being experienced there. Knightsbridge Barracks were successfully reached, but the van climbed the slight gradient towards Queen's Gate with great difficulty, owing to the fact that defective circulation and too rich a mixture caused the engine to overheat. Water was taken no less than four times, and the trip occupied close upon four hours, whilst eight gallons of petrol were used. It is scarcely necessary to add that the van will be thoroughly overhauled in every respect before it starts upon its tour.