Phcenix Carrier.
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As our readers are aware, the Postmaster-General has declared that the motor road services established by the Department are of so satisfactory a nature as to induce a large extension in the near future. The collection and distribution between the London district offices forms an important link in the scheme, and the illustration we give shows the very latest type of vehicle to be employed. Although it is built on cycle lines, there is no resemblance otherwise CO the passenger three-wheeled trim() now so popular. The one under notice has been specially designed for commercial work, and was only placed on the road after the severest practical tests. The engine employed is a air-cooled, having a belt-driven fan beside the cylinder to assist the cooling. The engine drives on to a counter-shaft by chain, and from thence by chain to the rear wheel sprocket. The power is taken through a patent Phcenix epicyclic gear contained within an extension of the hub. By means of a band upon the gear casing, the drive can be applied gradually from zero to maximum. The steering handle-bar is left free of a mass of complicated levers, there being only the exhaust valve lifter for starting. The ignition and thiottle levers are placed on the right-hand side of the lubricating oil tank, this being fixed just below the steering bar. The machine is practically controlled by two pedals, which can be locked in any position by ratchets on their lower faces. The left pedal controls a movement of the epicyclic gear and also the throttle on carburetter; the right pedal controls three band brakes (one on each wheel). As showing that the power of the engine is well delivered at the driving wheel, the test up Highgate Hill was confirmatory. A heavy man was seated in the basket, and the machine went up without a falter. This is one of the steepest hills in the north of London, and is avoided whenever possible by wheeled traffic. The vehicle will be used between the northern postoffice and north-west district post-office in the early part of the day, and in the afternoon will find employment in running between the post-offices at Battersea, Wandsworth, and Putney in south-west London. Including run to and from the garage, this will total to close upon so miles per day, which has to be covered to a schedule necessitating absolute regularity for every yard. The vehicle is manufactured by Phcenix Motors, Ltd., Blundell Street, Caledonian Road, London, N., who are in a position to give prompt delivery of similar machines. The whole is so light as to bring the running expenses to a very low figure, whilst the initial cost brings it within reach of the smallest tradesman.