More Co-operation in Trailer Field
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ANSWER I NG questions put by members of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (Automobile Division), in London, last week, Mr. A. Marenbon, a director of R. A. Dyson and Co., Ltd., said that greater co-operation between tractor and trailer makers was essential to achieve the necessary improvement in braking.
To prevent snaking, the trailer brakes should operate in advance of the tractor. brakes, although it would be unwise for the delay period to be too long.
Correct load distribution on a semi-trailer outfit might. depend upon road speed. Mr. .Ma.renbon considered, however, that normally the distribution could be 45 per cent. on the tractor and 55 per cent. on the trailer.
The discussion followed the reading of Mr. Marenbon's paper, " Trailers and Semitrailers," which was summarized in last week's issue of "The Commercial Motor."
It was stated that written replies would be given to questions on turntable flexibility, the standardization of couplings and the proving of trailers for roadworthiness.
ENGINEER TO CONDUCT CHATHAM INQUIRY? iTHE Engineers' Guild has asked the 1 Minister of Transport to appoint a professional engineer, experienced in highway and traffic matters, to conduct the public inquiry into the accident at Chatham, on December 4, in which a column of marine cadets was struck by a double-deck bus.
The Guild considers that the usual arrangements for investigating road accidents are inadequate. "It has been the practice, for many years, to appoint an engineer to conduct inquiries into railway accidents," the Guild says in a letter to the Minister. "The technical considerations involved in highway transport are as complex and no less important than those pertaining to rail transport. "It is submitted that only a professional engineer, experienced in these matters, is competent to appreciate fully the relevant facts revealed through the giving of evidence."
T.R.T.A. SETS UP IN POTTERIES
PiA SUB-AREA of the Traders' Road Transport Association was set up in the Potteries, fast week. The chairman is Mr. W. H. Palmer (C. H. Elkes and Sons, Ltd„ Uttoxeter), and the vicechairman Mr. L. Brewer (John Joule and Son, Ltd., Stone). Mr. H. Harvey (Normier Tyre Co., Ltd.) is honorary secretary.
Mr. Brewer presided at the inaugural meeting, at which Mr. Palmer and Mr. L. Patrick spoke.
THEY STAY WITH B.M.M.O.
FiVE employees of the Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Co., Ltd., recently received awards for 40 years' service. Ninetyfour qualified for the 25-year award.
Mr. J. S. Wills, chairman, who made the presentations, said that 857 employees had qualified for the 25-year award, and their combined service amounted to well over 24,000 years. Seventy-one employees had completed 40 years or more, and nine of them had each exceeded half a century in the company's employment.
NO NEW LONDON SERVICE THE Northern Licensing Authority has refused an application by Messrs. Gardiner Bros., Sacriston, Co. Durham, to operate week-end services from north-west Durham to London. He said that there was a need for such a service, but it should be provided by a concern already running to London.
Messrs. Gardiner's case was supported by several local councils, and was opposed by the Railway Executive, United Automobile Services, Ltd., Northern General Transport Co., Ltd., and Venture Transport, Ltd.