Answers to Queries.
Page 17
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Our readers will be informed by the Editor on any points connected with the construction or use of commercial motors. Where a direct reply is desired, a stamped and addressed envelope should be enclosed : if a request for privacy is not specially made, any query and answer may be published. Some replies, owing to pressure on our space, are hehl several weeks. Namerous requests reach us for lists of motorcab and commercial-vehicle owners ; these we ;Lever supply. Our advertiantent
columns are open to those who desire to make announcements to owners for the purposes of trade.
The White Injector.
[1,929] " [1,929] "
—EMBER " writes :—" Will you please let me have the address of the makers of the White injector'? It is, I believe, used on the Foden."
ANSWER.—Thomas H. White, Injector Works, Pendleton, Manchester.
The Supply Department.
[1,930] "VEHICLE MAKERS '7 write :—" We do not know whether you have such a publication, but if so we shall be iFlad if you will oblige us with a copy of your latest directory embodying the sources of supply of parts used in motor construction."
A sswEa.—We do not publish any list of the kind you mention. We shall be happy to assist you, if there is any special component or supply which you are anxious to secure, as we have a fairly-exhaustive list of this sort in the office for our own use, and we shall be glad to help you in any way in this matter. Of course, many leading firms make their announcements in our advertisement pages.
Depreciation on Chars-a-bancs.
1.1,931j "COUNTRY ROADS" writes :-" Could you give me any idea as to what would he a fair percentage to allow for depreciation, in the case of motor chars-a-bancs used on country roads for four months in the year, and lying idle for the remaining eight months ? These chars-à-banes are kept in perfect order out of revenue."
ANSWER.—When depreciation on a mileage basis comes out at less than 12i per cent, on the purchase price of the chassis without tires, our experience is that one should abandon the mileage basis and charge the figure indicated. We do not consider that laying up the vehicles for eight months in the year justifies an appreciably-lower rate, but, if every care be taken to keep the vehicles in a dry and decent structure during the eight months of idleness, we think you might safely charge only 10 per cent, per annum on the cost price without tires.
Managers Wanted for Provincial Cab Depots.
[1,932] MR. E. ALFRED WEST writes :—'Emboldened by the apparent fact that everybody who wants anything in the motor world comes to you, I approach you with a view of asking you whether you could recommend me or put me in communication with one or two gentlemen who would be likely to be useful to us as local managers for the Provincial Motor Cab Co., Ltd. The qualifications are dual, viz., a combination of mechanical and, commercial knowledge. Referring to your recent article on provincial services, I should like to point out that the Provincial Motor Cab Co., Ltd., is being worked and developed exactly on tha lines referred to by you."
ANswxit.—We regret that, at the moment, we are not able to furnish the names of any gentlemen who are likely to suit your requirements as managers of your depots in the Provinces. We shall hear your letter in mind. It is only fair to point out to you that in quite a number of instances we have become aware of a disinclination on the part of men who could fill such a position to take service with a provincial motoreab company. We are afraid you may have some difficulty in filling the posts with first-class men on this account, but we trust that this paragraph may he of some assistance. Motorbus Opening Wanted.
[1,933] "COUNTRY OWNER" writes :—" I shall be obliged if you would put a few lines under 'Motorbus World' re an opening for some up-to-date buses. The facts are as follow : Where I am now running my buses, which are paying splendidly, the council have this year obtained power to put down electric trams. They intend to commence the work early next year, but I have no wish to have my buses running when the roads are up, especially where they are narrow ; also, by stopping there until the new service is started, I may lose a good service elsewhere. My present run is about three miles out. What I should like is a country district with a run of 40 or 50 miles out and home, and sufficient work for four buses."
ANSWER.—We regret that we are unable to give the information for which you ask with regard to an opening for motorbuses, and we would suggest that probably an announcement in the "sundry advertisements" columns of this journal would serve your purpose.
To Carry 5 cwt. Net.
[1,934] " DEVONIAN " writes : --" Watching your paper for the last twelve months or so, I have been looking for a light delivery van, suitable for carrying a weight of 5 cwt (hut rather bulky) and with sufficient power for South Devon hills. I have recently seen one of the vans which have been placed on the market by the Co. and which in form and build seem to me to he very suitable, particularly as the total weight of the van I saw did not exceed 14 cwt. The objection I have is that a small van such as I require seems to mean a chassis weighing 18-20 cwt., and complete van not less than 25 cwt. This is disproportionate for such a small load. Horses 15 hands high work my present vans, and I do not want larger cubic space in
inotorvan. Can you in your paper give me some particulars of this type of van, and, also, what would you advise for a door-to-door delivery of the lightprovisions trade'? "The seems all right in appearance, but, being so much cheaper than most makes, one wonders if it is reliable. Can you say, please I"
A.NswErt.---The net weight, 5 cwt., which you wish to carry, is in excess of the load capacity of the various models of small tri-cars which are at present on the market. Under these circumstances, and taking into consideration the fact that you wish to use the niachine in a trying country, we do not think we can do better than recommend you to endeavour to increase your service to such an extent that a 10 cwt. load can be satisfactorily tackled. For this purpose we should suggest that you ask the Lacre Motor Car Co., Ltd., of Letchworth, to send particulars of their 10-cwt. model. Alternatively, you might ask the Consolidated Pneumatic Tool Co., Ltd., of 79-80, York Street, Westminster, S.W., to send you particulars of their light American van, although the load capacity of this machine is considerably in excess of that for which you are inquiring.
We are not in a position to be able to recommend to
you the chassis, which you name, for your purpose. We have no information that this machine has been satisfactorily and economically employed for industrial purposes in hard service in this country. There is not, so far, a proved 5-cwt. van for bulky loads on the market. We consider the smallest Lacre to be the nearest approach, although a 10-ewt. model.