• WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
Page 8
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
"The wheel's of weal& will be slowed by all difficulties of transport at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by the roughness of the roads over whieh it runs."—Johu Beattie Crozier.
Remedying Slippery Roads.
The Royal Automobile Club recently drew the attention of the Ministry of Transport to certain complaints concerning the dangerous nature of parts of the Great North Road and other highways constructed with bituminous surfaces, which, it was stated, resulted. in motor vehicles exhibiting A tendency to skid when the surfaces were coated with greaSe.
The Ministry has informed the R.A.C. that arrangements have been made for the roughening of the surface of that portion of the Great North Road which has been laid with a mastic asphalt, and which under certain atmospheric conditions becomes unduly slippery. • Several miles have already 'been improved in this way, and the -whole of the surface—upwards of -20 miles in length—is to be similarly treated.
The Ministry also states that all surfaces to be laid in future will have a rougher finish than hitherto has been the case, without their durability being in any way impaired. .
A Well-travelled Sentinel.
The Sentinel steam wagon shown in an illustration on this page is, as will be seen, of a rather unusual type, being equipped with a large upright boiler. It was built originally for using timber fuel and has been in Service at Para. Some years ago, it was reshipped to this country and acquired by J. Bibby and Sons, Ltd., seed crushers and oilcake manufacturers, of Liverpool. This steam wagon now burns ordinary coke fuel and the bunkers, which previously were of very capacious dimensions, have been reduced to more appropriate size. The service upon which the wagon is now employed is the transport of feeding stuffs arid their constituents between the Liverpool Docks and Messrs. Bibby's mills, journeys which average
between three and four miles. The loads, similar to that the wagon is to be seen carrying, generally consist of 80 or 90 sacks of nuts, seeds, cakes, or meals, weighing between seven and eight tons.
J. Bibby and Sons, Ltd., by the way, operate a fleet of 42 veiticles, all steamers, made up or Sentinels, AtkinEMS and Garretts. The company are
now in process of reorganizing their fleet to make provision for the employment of additional six-wheeled vehicles, with which they have been experimenting for some time, Reporting the Scottish Show.
Our next issue will contain a fully illustrated report dealing with the commercial vehicle exhibits at the Scottish Motor Show to be held at Kelvin Hall, Glasgow, from November 21st to 29th inclusive. This will be written on the spot, and will form a comprehensive survey of the whole of the exhibits constructed for business purposes.
Galloway's New Agent.
We learn that Mr. C. Park, who bas recently been appointed agent for Galloway Motors, Ltd., whose works are at Dumfries, has opened premises at 116, G-reat Portland Street, London, W.1, where a demonstration van can be seen and inspected.. Mr. Park is agent for this company in the Metropolitan area, the Home Counties .and districts in East Kent.
A 'brief description of the main features of the Galloway van, which Is built to carry loads up to 8 cwt., was contained in our issue for July 1st last.
Long-distance Eus Enterprise.
It is stated that in the new year the Greyhonnd Motor Co., Ltd-, of Bristol, intend to inaugurate the longest daily bus service which has yet been planned. It is proposed to rim a fleet of special buses of the saloon type, front Bristol to London, and it is estimated that the complete journey will be accomplished in eight hours actual running time. The vehicles will be constructed to seat 30 passengers, and provision will be made for carrying a certain quantity of luggage. It is stated that the fares to be charged will compare very favourably with those at present ruling on the railway for the same journey.
New Cardiff to Caerphilly Road.
The fact that several stretches of the existing main road between Cardiff, Caerphilly and Rhymney mining valleys are selected for severe hill-climbing tests for motorcars and cycles will emphasize the importance to commercial motor users of the scheme now put irs hand by the Glamorgan County Council, the Caerphilly Urban District Council and theCardiff Rural Council for the construclion of a new road between Cardiff and Caerphilly via Rhubina.
Inst. P.E. Meeting.
A general meeting of the Institution of Production Engineers will he held at 7.30 p.m. on November 21st at the Engineers' Club, Coventry Street, London, W.1. On this occasion Mr. 0. II. Medcalfe, of the Power Plant Co., Ltd., of West Drayton, will read a paper on "Gear Cutting, with Special Reference to the Sykes Generating System," and lantern slides will be used for illustration purposes.
Helpful Road Signs.
During the first nine months of this 'year the Automobile Association erected. 6,898 road signs, equivalent to over 750 per month. 'Of this number, 3,598 included the names of villages, whilst 1,184 were direction signs. Signs giving warning of danger points numbered 714, whilst 225 temporary diversion traffic signs were erected in connection with obstructed roads, roads Under repair, etc.
Our Regular Features.
Those who are regular readers of this journal will be acquainted with the fact that amongst features of this journal are our pages devoted to !"Hints on Maintenance" and " Making Best Use of the 'Ford," but for the benefit of those who do not buy the journal regularly, we would point out that these features appear alternately.
A Municipality's Good Wishes.
Ossett Town. Council has authorized Mr. T. W. Wilson, the town 'clerk. to communicate with. the West Riding Automobile Co-, Ltd., to express appreciation -of the company's initiative. and enterprise in institutinn an nmuibus service from Ossett to Leeds, and to convey the hope that the service will be highly successful in every way.
Northern General" Enterprise.
An important new service, and one providing regular and cheap travelling. facilities for the residents of a large mining neighbourhood in the Durham coalfield, has been commenced by the Northern General Transport Co , Ltd . of Chester-le-Street. This supplies a direct connecting link between Washington and Wrekenton, where passengers can transfer to the Gateshead and District tramcars, and be conveyed into Newcastle in a minimum of time.
Another development contemplated in this district is the institution of a through service from Gateshead to Sunderland via Washington, and this will be inaugurated so soon as the company Secure the approval of the various authorities through whose districts they desire to operate. When instituted, the service will be the first direct bus service between Tyneside and Wearside dis tricts.
India's Business Vehicle Imports.
In a report issued by the Department of Overseas Trade covering a period of 12 months ended March last, it is stated that the number of motorbuses, vans and lorries imported into India was 451, valued at 91 lakhs, as compared with 265 vehicles, valued at 71 lakhs, a year earlier. Of the total number only 35 vehicles were shipped from the United Kingdom, the greater number coming from the United States, which exported 160 vehicles to the country.
A Striking Demonstration Van.
To serve the purpose of a travelling exhibition stand, Hobbies, Ltd., of Dereham, Norfolk, have now in service a Ford chassis which has been embellished by a particularly fine piece of coachwork. This vehicle is employed exclusively for advertising purposes, and is now making a tour of the country. Up to the present it has covered several thousand miles.
As will be observed from our illustrations, the van very aptly expresses the purpose for which it was intended. The length of the body space is 19 ft. and the height 10 ft. When the side is raised, a view is given of an exhibition of fretwork machinery and accessories, and work that can be done with delicate little fretsaws. Round the walls of the interior showeaSes are disposed, and from the roof small chains are suspended for holding model boats and toys. Natural light is admitted through a large glass skylight in the roof, and the van can also be illuminated by electric light. During the past few days the van has been touring South-West Lancashire, and it has attracted considerable attention.
Petrol Pump Respite.
Manchester Watch Committee suggests that the time for the removal of petrol pumps from public footpaths in the city should be extended to March 31st next year.
Another Appeal Rejected.
The Ministry of Transport has, we learn, rejected the appeal of the NorthWestern Road Car Co., Ltd., Stockport, against the refusal of the corporation to licence certain motor omnibus routes.
A Monmouth Road Scheme.
The Monmouthshire County Council is to reconstruct and widen the Cardiff to Newport main road, at an estimated cost of £200,000, of which £150,000 is to be provided by Ministry of Transport grant.
Sufficient Buses at Carnarvon.
Car narvon Watch Committee has refused an application from Bangor Blue Motors, Ltd., for permission to run a service from Bangor, as it is considered that a sufficient number of omnibuses is already licensed on the Carnarvon to Llanberis route.
Coal for Steam Wagons.
We are informed that Judd, Budd, Ltd., Oxford House, John Street, London, E.C.3, have made special arrangements for the prompt supply of Ferndale Record motor coal, which already enjoys a high reputation for its purity, high evaporative power and uniform quality, for all of which reasons it is admirably suited for use on steam wagons of all types.
Hartlepool Trolley-bus Scheme.
Active steps are now being taken at West Hartlepool to further the proposed substitution of tramcars by trolley. buses. It will be recalled that, at the commencement of this year, the corporation effected a change-over from one form of transport to the other on its Foggy Furze route, and thereby accomplished a large saving in capital expenses as compared with the expenditure which would have been entailed in relaying the worn-out tram tracks.
Since inau.gurating that service the authority has expressed itself as satisfied with the operation of the trolleybuses at well as with the figures of operating costs, and now, with the rapid approach of the expiration of the lease from the General Electric Tram. ways Co., Ltd., for the services operating both in West Hartlepool and Hartlepool, trolley-bus operation is being considered as a substitute for passenger transport in the two boroughs. The lease expires next year, and negotiations are to be carried on with the General Electric Tramways Co., with a view to ascertaining the terms upon which the two corporations may be relieved of all responsibility relative to the repair of the tracks upon the termination of the lease.
As a preliminary measure the tramways committee of the West Hartlepool Corporation is to apply for a provisional order authorizing it to substitute trolley buses, primarily over the route between Middleton Road and Clarence Road and the northern terminus of that route' and also upon certain other routes of the borough.
Facilitating the Filling, of Grease Guns.
In view of the difficulty which is often experienced in filling grease guns from tins' Sterns, Ltd., Royal London House, Finsbury Square, London, E.C.2, have introduced a new packing for Ambroleum lubricant. In addition to packing the grease in fins, they now supply it in 1-lb. collapsable tubes, after the -style of those used for solution, etc., but, of course, of much larger dimensions. This is a good idea, andenables grease guns to be filled without soiling hands and clothes.
India's Tyre Imports.
Figures published in a Department of Overseas Trade Report dealing with aspects of trade in India for the year ended March last show that 174,770 rubber tyres for motor vehicles were imported into the country during that period, the greater number of which (60,191) were of British manufacture. In spite of the fact that nearly 17,000 additional tyres were imported into the country as compared with the figure for the previous year, the value decreased by seven lakhs. This fall is accounted for byreduced prices, particularly of French tyres, which have profited by the depreciation of the franc, The British share of the trade increased to a satisfactory degree, but it is still 15 per cent, below what it was before the war.
• Football Traffic at Twickenham.
The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis has just issued a set of regulations for the control of traffic in the vicinity of the Rugby Football Ground, Kneller Road, Twickenham, which have to be observed on days when, matches are taking place.
. Heavy motorcars (omnibuses, motor coaches, etc.), not being illegible • for admission to the private car park, must: proceed to the allotment roads to set, down passengers and to park under thedirection of the police.
. Regular bus services, will be diverted from Whitton Road and Kneller Road on such ,days as may be notified, not later than noon, and must not resume Until; in the opinion of the senior police officer present, they can be permitted with satety.
Carrying Bread by Vulcan.
During a recent visit to the works of the Vulcan Motor and Engineering Co. (1906), Ltd., our representative was afforded an opportunity for examining a vehicle designed by the company especially for the transport of large quantities of bread, and we now publish an illustration of this machine.
It will be observed that the doors are at the side. They are of the sliding type and so arranged that half of the interior of the body is exposed at a time, one door sliding over the other. The trays on which the loaves are carried are slid on to angle-iron racks, the arrangement being such that the vehicle can easily be loaded from a chute at the bakery. Accommodation is provided for 69 of these trays. Loading or unloading can be effected from either side.
Attention must be drawn to the very adequate protection afforded to the driver, there being a three-piece windscreen and high side doors with frameless windows.
Russia Restricting Imports.
• It is reported from Moscow that the central committee of road transport of the Soviet Government has decided to allow the importation into Russia during next year of 975 commercial motor vehicles of a carreing capacity up to 11 tons, and of 825 1 or loads up to • 3 tons. The decision has led to a vigorous protest on the part of the Russian Motor Manufacturers Association, which urges that imports should be re7. stricted to about one--tenth of the projected number, which, with an esti.
• mated output of 645 Russian vehicles next year, would, it is considered, fully meet all requirements. A recent report of the London County Council states that the Roadside Petrol Pumps Bill, which was a private member's Bill, sought to enable highway authorities to permit the erection of petrol supply pumps on the edge of the roadway. Having regard to the reso lution of the council expressing the opinion that, it was undesirable to permit in London the supply of petroleum spirit or oil from fixed stand pipes in the streets, action was taken to secure, if possible, the rejection of the Bill, which, the report adds, did not make any progress.
Municipal versus Private Enterprise.
We are given to inederstand that Hebden Bridge District: Council has refused an application from Ribble Motor Services, Ltd., to ply for hire with motorbuses in Hebden Bridge. The company had in mind the operation of a service between Rochdale and Keighley, the route of which would pass over Cockhill Moor.
On the other hand, the council has sanctioned an application from the Todmorden Corporation to run buses from Hebden Bridge to Oxenhope, over the same moor, where the service will link up with that maintained by the Keighley Corporation.
Parking Charges at Plymouth.
Plymouth Watch Committee has considered the arrangaments in connection with the parking of motor vehicles in the borough, and decided upon the following charges. in lieu of the present charge of Is. per vehicle for parking in Princess Square :—Motorcars, 6d. per car for two hours; local chars-a-bancs plying for hire, 6d. per car up to noon, and a further 6d. after this time.
Commercial Vehicles in South Australia.
Figures lately to hand show that no fewer than 904 new commercial vehicles were registered in South Australia dur ing the seven months ended July last, an increase of about SO per cent. over the corresponding period of 1923. In July, out of 119 vehicles registered, 52 were Fords and 32 Chevrolets, the British industry only being represented by two Karriers.
Local Proceedings.
Plymouth Corporation reports a profit of £1,807 on the motorbuses for the last six months.
Hull Corporation has purchased a Karrier motor sweeper and collector at a cost of £950.
Leeds Watch Committee has decided to purchase a Fire-suds motor fire-engine at -a cost of £700.
Sheffield Corporation has authorized the purchase of • six additional motorbuses at a cost of about £10,000.
Manchester • Corporation proposes to arrange for the use of four tipping bodies on chassis at present carrying omnibus bodies. • Leeds Corporation Tramways Committee has accepted the tender of -Guy Motors, Ltd., for the supply of four motorbus chassis.
Leeds Watch Committee has decided to replace a motor fire-engine which has been in use since 1913 with a new engine, at a cost of about £1,000.
Manchester Corporation Gas Committee has accepted the tender of Mr. W. E. Eaton, Manchester, for a new body for a Sentinel wagon.
Leeds Watch Gummi tee is considerbig a report by members who visited London to obtain information concerning apparatus for extinguishing oil fires.
Beckenham Urban District Council is seeking tenders for the supply of a motor ambulance, and these have to he delivered not later than December 1st.
Leeds Watch Committee has decided to discuss with representatives of the Motorbus Owners' Association matters regarding the licensing of motorbuses.
Ossett Town Council has decided to install a petrol tank and pump at its transport depot, the tender of ShellMex, Ltd., for £80 having been accepted.
Hull Watch Committee and the 'Bessie Urban District Council are discussing the advisability of co-operation in regard to new bus services and the conditions to be imposed when licences are granted.
Plymouth chief constable has made arrangements with the education committee to give a series of lectures to school children with regard to street traffir and the avoidance of danger at busy crossings; etc.
Hull Corporation finds it advisable to purchase additional motorbuses, but before arriving at a decision as to make and type has authorized the chairman of the tramwa.ys committee and the general manager te visit the commercial vehicle exhibition to be held at Glasgow, Warwick Corporation is considering the reorganization of the equipment of the fire-brigade.
Preston Corporation has decided to purchase three motorbuses—two 24seaters and a 32-seater.
Manchester Corporation proposes to purchase a number of 54-seater doubledeck buses and two 30-seater buses.
The local authorities of Malden and Coombes Merton and Morden are considering arrangements for a mutual ambulance service scheme.
Torquay Corporation has agreed in principle to the proposal of the highways committee to purchase additional mechanical vehicles.
When licences for chars-ft-banes are issued in future, Torquay Corporation is to make it a condition that such vehicles shall be provided with a mirror and a speedemeter.
Delco-Remy and Hyatt's New Plans.
In our last issue we made reference to the fact that Delco•Remy, Ltd., and,
Hyatt, Ltd., had amalgamated. We now learn that the company—under the title of Delco-Remy and Hyatt, Ltd— are making arrangements to take over premises with an area of 40,000 sq. ft., situated in the north-west district of London.
It is expected that the new premises will be ready for occupation towards the end of the year, but until further notice orders for Delco-Remy starting, lighting and ignition equipment, Sylphon thermostats and certain other equipment should be sent to 715, Fulham Road, London, S.W.6, and those for Hyatt roller bearings and N.D. ball bearings to 56, Victoria Street, London, S. W.1,
Manchester's Tyre Contracts.
The central purchasing committee of the Manchester Corporation has made contracts for tyres with the Avon India Rubber Co., Ltd., David Moseley and Sons, Ltd., Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd., Chas. Macintosh and Co., Ltd., Mr. 3. Fitzsimons, the Shrewsbury S.T. and Challin_er Tyre Co., Ltd., the North British Rubber Co., Ltd., the Michelin Tyre Co., Ltd., and G. Spencer, Moulton and Co., Ltd.
Seeking a Speed Limit.
Malden and Coombe Urban District Council has forwarded to the Surrey County Council a petition signed by residents and ratepayers of Malden urging the necessity for fixing a speed limit for traffic over Malden and Coombe roads.
Co-operative Bus Regulation.
The authorities of Hythe, Folkestone, Sandgate and Chariton have joined forces in the preparation of a drastic set of by-laws aimed at securing better regulation of passenger motor services linking up the respective towns. One important clause makes it clear that no licence will be granted unless proprietors agree to observe a strict, time-table, whilst regulations concerning the type of vehicles to be used and the precautions to be taken against fire are also included.
A Merryweather Fire-engine Proves Its Worth.
On the occasion of the destructive fire which occurred at the warehouse of the English Grain Co., at Burton-on. Trent, the 60 h-p. Merryweather motor fire-engine in the service of Messrs. Bass and Co. proved of the utmost value, and was submitted to the most exhaustive test it has yet had to endure. The engine was originally purchased by the Dowager Lady Barton in September, 1914, for use at Rangemore Hall.
In the recent fire the engine was working uninterruptedly for 18 hours, and during that period pumped 550 gallons per minute through three jets to a height of 60 ft. The men at the hose stated that the pressure was free from pulsation, and their work was thereby considerably facilitated.
Westminster's Fleet.
Westminster City Council's Highways Committee reports that the six new lorries recently authorized by the council have been delivered, and that its fleet now consists of 30 lorries, one Karrier sweeping and refuse-collecting machine and one light Ford van-32 vehicles in all.. Sonic of. the lorries are worked two shifts per day and some one shift, according to the exigencies of the work of the "department and the requirements of other departments of the council. The authorized staff consists of 47 drivers, "which is increased by four drivers during the " watering season."
A Warning to Bus Proprietors.
Stoke-on-Trent Watch Committee has issued a warningto bus proprietors notifying them that complaints have been received in regard to loitering, non-completion of routes and leaving routes without permission, and that these practices are most objectionable. " If the proprietors do not give an efficient service the authorities intimate that their licences will not be renewed.
Canal Bed as a Road.
Greatstrides are being made toward securing first-class road communication by the Monmouthshire County and urban councils. The need for an alternative traffic road from Newport through the western mining valleys has resulted in the convening of a conference representative of the county to further a co-operative scheme for the construction of a road in the bed of the Western Valleys Canal, which it is proposed to take over from the Great Western Rail way Co. The proposed road would run from NeWport to Gremlin, and the surveyor's report shows that between Gremlin and Cefn a 'road 60 ft. wide with a gradient of only 1 in 300 could easily be constructed at a comparatively small cost. A substantial grant from the Ministry is anticipated. .
Reo's Scottish Distributors Remove.
Messrs. Malcolm Brechin and Co. inform us that they have vacated their former showrooms, and have now opened new premises at 357-360, St, Vincent Street, Glasgow, where, the various Reo models in which they are interested will be on view. A stock of spare parts for Reo vehicles. is now carried at the company's service depot at 6, Leatherby Drive, Mount Florida.
Bus Waiting-rooms on the Increase.
Since the opening of the first of their waiting-rooms for bus passengers at the Low Fell tramcar terminus, the Northern General Transport Co., Ltd., have considerably developed the idea of providing convenient shelter for passengers, and at most of the more important centres from which their services, radiate passengers who have a few minutes to wait for their particular bus can spend the time in comfort. The company have now prepared plans for the erection of another waiting-room in Wellington Street, Gateshead, and, apart from giving adequate seating accommodation in a well-lighted and heated hall, an inquiry, bureau and a booking office for summer coach tours will be installed.
No Limit at Penzance.
Penzance Watch Committee has considered a letter from the Ministry of Transport as to the imposition of a speed limit in the borough, and, in view of the statement by the -Ministry, regrets that it can take no further steps in the
matter. .
Buses Wanted for Natal
The Corporation of Durban, Natal, ia seeking tenders for the supply of three 20-seater one-mancontrolled-type per rol-driven buses or three chassis of a similar type on which 20-seater bodies can be mounted. Tenders have to be delivered not later than November 22nd to Messrs. Webster, Steel and Co., 36, Leadenhall Street, London' E.C.3, who are agents for the corporation, and can also supply specifications of the corporation s bus requirements.
Commer Car Postcards.
We have received from Commercial Cars Ltd., of Luton, a series of highgrade pictorial postcards showing the various types of the company's commercial vehicle which are manufactured for different classes of goods and pas senger service. We understand that the company will be pleased to send an assortment of these cards to anyone ivho is contemplating the purchase of a lorry, bus or motor coach. A complete price list, of .the company's chassis is also included with the cards.
D:sallowed Appeals.
The Ministry of Transport has disallowed the appeals of Rileys Dairies, Ltd., and H.C. Motor Works, Ltd., against the refusal of the Hull Watch Committee and the Sculcoates Rural Distric1 Connell respectively to grant them motorbus licences to ply for hire in the city and the rural district.
Leeds Wants Driving Tests.
Leeds Watch Committee has decided to urge the Ministry of Transport to enforce a standard test of efficiency for persons applying for motor driving licep ces.