Liverpool Cuts Maintenance Costs
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IN his annual report, Mr, W. M. Hall,
general manager of Liverpool Passenger Transport department, says that maintenance costs have been reduced by improvements in the shops. Closer attention to machining tolerances and surface finishing, and keen regard for detail in engine erection and the fitting of better-quality piston rings have combined to improve the figures for oil consumption.
For the four-week period during March, the average figure for the fleet was 875 m.p.g. and the average for the 12 months ended March 31, was 833 m.p.g.
To avoid unnecessary stripping of engines, overhauls are now divided into two categories. Where the crankshaft and main bearings require attention, the engine receives a complete overhaul. If only the top part of the engine requires service, the crankcase Aembly remains untouched.
The brake-facing system has been revised in order to give more efficient braking and brake drums now conform to four standard sizes. Jigs have been made so that brake facings can be profiled exactly to the dimensions of the drum, thus ensuring maximum contact area of the facings.
Experimental research and test work carried out has included: (1) The adoption as standard practice of cleaning and repacking hubs at " C "dock mileage (48,000 miles), without having recourse to frequent topping-up through grease nipples at 8,000-mile intervals.
(2) Much research has been carried out in conjunction with the manufacturers in an indeavour-to find a facing providing efficient braking with an absence of squeal. Good progress has been recorded.
(3) Special instruments are in the course of manufacture in the Edge Lane Works of the department for the purpose of measuring brake-drum temperatures under severe conditions.
MINISTRY WILL PROBE CRUELTY TO CALVES
PEOPLE trafficking in unweaned calves kept them in hide-outs in the West Country and West Wales before having them transported to London, the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Heathcoat Amory, was told in the House of Commons on Monday.
Mr. A. Moyle, demanding Government action to stamp out cruelty to the animals, said that after leaving the hideouts they were carried acrogs the country under deplorable conditions.
Tie Minister promised to look into the matter. lie also agreed to investigate allegations that calves were often carried long distances without being provided with proper drinking facilities.
He doubted, however, whether further regulations could be made to ensure that calves were properly treated.