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WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.

21st November 1922
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Organizing the Coach Owners.

The Passenger Vehicle Committee of the Commercial Motor -Users Association has, for some time, moved actively in the matter of securing the co-operation of all the small mato,. coach owners• of the country. The Association includes in its membership the whole of the owners of large fleets and the stalwarts with strong and sound views, and, wisely, they are anxious that no coach owner should be outside of its ranks. The Association has the best possible chance of performing useful service for the coach-owning community, because it has behind it the great body of fleet owners, the direct users, the big haulage and passenger-carrying infi

nitely and thus its finances are more sound than would be the case of an organization the membership of which was open solely to coach owners.

The C.M.U.A. is obtaining every possible recruit to its ranks, and by the end of January it is expected that there will be few owners of any importance who will not have joined. In the month of February a conference of coach owners will be called at a venue in the Midlands —probably Nottingham. It has been found that the men whom it is most desirable to attract to such a gathering are not prepared to attend until the new season is approaching, otherwise an endeavour would have been made to organize a meeting of coach owners directly the 1922 season closed.

Popularity of Paris Omnibuses.

Although passengers in the Paris omnibuses have to pay higher fares this year than they did last year, the number of persons utilizing this method of transport has, nevertheless, increased. In July, August and -September; 1921, the omnibuses covered a distance of 8,605,952 kilometres, carrying 57,724,183 passengers; during the same three months this year, 9,921,997 kilometres were covered, and 66,222,486 passengers were carried.

The Scottish Show.

We are informed that his Royal Highness the Duke of York has promised to visit Glasgow at the end of January, and has agreed to open the Motor Show in the Kelvin Hall on the afternoon of Friday, January 26th, and to be the guest of the Royal Scottish Automobile Club at their annual dinner the following evening.

Petrol Imports.

The figures for the importation of motor spirit show that, during the month of October last, 20,165,829 gallons were imported, as compared with 17,743,294 gallons imported during the month of September, the increase on the month, therefore, being 2,422,535 gallons, but, as compared with October, 1921, the figure • for the month is less by 883,802 gallons, For the 10 months ending October 31st, the total of imports of motor spirit were 266,928,211 gallons, which is no less than 50,000,000 • B20 gallons over the quantity for the 10 anontles ending October 31st, 1921. Despite this big increase in the imported quantity, the value of the,. spirit imported during 1922 is nearly £3,500,000 less than that for the much larger quantity imported during the first 10 months of 1921.

The 1923 Shows.

The management committee ot the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has put forward for consideration a proposal that., in addition to the Commercial Motor Vehicle Exhibition to be held at Olympia, London, in October, 1923, only one Exhibition shall be approved in Ireland and Scotland respectively.

Orton and Co., Ltd., who are the sole concessionnaires for the Derby light van, which was recently described by us, have opened a city office at 3, Macclesfield Street, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W.C., where their sales malinger will be pleased to meet agents.

October Imports and Expcnts.

The falling-off in the importation of commercial motor vehicles continues, for during the month of October, the figures for which have just been issued by the Board of Trade, only 29 vehicles, of a value of £9,294, were imported,, as compared with 67 vehicles, of a value of £16,956, in October, 1921, and 450 vehicles, of a value of £183,564, in October, 1920. Taking the 10 months to the end of October, only 716 vehicles have been imported, their total value being £14,736, as against three times that number of vehicles in the 10 months to October 31st, 1921, and as compared with no fewer than 8,994 vehicles of -ct value of well over £3,000,000 for the like period in 1920.

The exports, on the other hand, are showing a very slight improvement, for during the month of October 61 vehicles, of a value of £69,514,were sent overseas, as compared with 23 vehicles in October, 1921, the value of them being £37,564. The figure, however, is still short of the 130 vehicles, of a value of £122,760, sent out in October, 1920. The total figures for the 10 months to October 31st, as compared with similar periods in the previous two years, are not, on the whole, so good, 473 vehicles, of a value -of £378,460, having been exported, as compared with 614 in the same period in -1921, their value being £538,988, and 803 vehicles in the same period in 1920, their value being £734,174.

I. of T. Graduate Meetings. the second meeting for graduates and students of the current session of the Institute of Transport will be held in the lecture theatre of the Institution of Electrical Engineers, 'Victoria Embankment, London, W.C.2, at 5.30 p.m. to-day (Tuesday). Mr. W. H.. Gaunt, O.B.E. (member) will deliver a lecture on " The Distribution Organization of a Large Departmental Store." The chair will be taken by Mr. H. E. Blain, 0.B.E., hon. secretary of the Institute.

At the third 'meeting of the Metropolitan Graduate and Student Society of the institute of Transport to be held on December 12th (at 6 p.m.) at the Institution of Electrical Engineers, Mr. H. G. Coe will read a paper on "Some Types of Motor body Work." An interesting paper to be read on January 9th should be that by Mr. F. IV. Stingentore, on "Advertising in Transportation."

London Fire-engine . Competition.

The L.C.C. reports that the final round of the fifth annual motor pump competition was recently held at the chief station. The competition was won, in 1 min. 50 secs., by the team from the Edgware Road fire-station, the second place being taken by the teamfrom the Waterloo Road statio‘q, and the third place by the team from the Burdett Road station. The challenge cup, presented by Lieut.-Col. Eric Ball, was handed to the winning team.

Great North Road Reconstruction.

The Great North Road, from Cloisterworth to South Witham cross-roads (between Geantham and Stamford) will be closedsior eight or ten weeks during reconstruction. Tho Automobile Association, therefore, advises road users going south to turn right just north of Colsterworth and left at Woolsthorpe and continue via North and South Witham, joining the Great North Road again at the t:iouthlikhani cross-roads. When going north, this route should be reversed. The A.A. has posted patrols on special point duty to direct all traffic by this alternative route, which has also been

indicated by A.A. signs. Special care should be exercised when using the alternative road.

The Marine and Small Craft Exhibition.

Those of our readers who are interested in marine motor craft will find the special Show number of The Motor Boat a particularly useful issue. In addition to special articles, it embodies a detailed and fully illustrated description of . the exhibits at the Marine and Small Craft Exhibition at the Agricultural Hall (November 14th to 24th), and is on sale at Stand 9, Row B, or obtainable from newsagents at its usual price-4d.

A New Tyre Pump:

A new engine-driven tyre pump will shortly make its appearance on the market from the works of Fredk. Braby and Co., Ltd., Eclipse Works, Glasgow. The Eclipse tyre pump, as it is termed, will overcome the arduous task of pumping up tyres by hand or foot, which very often occupies valuable time.

The pump consists of a twin-cylinder, 1/-in. bore by 2-in, stroke, of the reciprocating type, and is controlled by ztpatented movement. The mechanism is entirely enclosed in a circular easing, which can be supplied with or without feet. The pumps are retailed complete with a length of strong rubber hose and with push-on connection, pressure gauge and driving wheel to suit standard makes of vehicles. The pumps are arranged to be fitted at the side of the engine, and can be bolted direct to the chassis or secured by means of a steel strap. The standard method of driving is by means of leather link belt and extra pulley either on the fan shaft or On the fen shaft drive, and, as the pump • will rim equally well in each direction, it can be fitted on one side or the other of the engine. The price of the Eclipse engine driven pump complete ia £5 10s., which, considering the construction of the pump, is not dear. •

An Improved Power Tyre Pres.

The chief feature of the latest model of hydraulic tyre press which is being marketed by flohings and Guest, Ltd., Thimble Mill Lane, Birmingham, is the adoption of silent chain drive instead of the belt drive for the power pumps. The pump is driven by an electric motor which is situated on the top of the press whilst the power pumps are fixed at the side. The transmission is by silent chain from the motor to the countershaft, and by roller chain from the countershaft to the pump. This ensures a very silent and smooth-running machine, and eliminates the disability of belt slip which previously existed.

A standard NO. 13 or No. 14 tyre press can be fitted with the motor-driven pumps, and the whole makes a very selfcontained and compact unit which takes up little floor space.

Moreover, in garages and shops where the operation of taking off and fitting on of tyres is often carried out, the power pumps effect a great saving of time and labour. A valve is fitted for connecting up with towns' hydraulic pressere, but, if required, hand pumps can also be fitted. The heavy flywheel and the pump are protected with guards. The press is also fitted with a runway so that wheels can easily be lifted on and off the table.

A Barimar Appointment.

Barimar, Ltd., have just appointed Mr. Robert Cocks as manager of their branch service depot at 19, Westbourne Crescent, Cardiff, Mr. Cocks, who has resided in Cardiff for many years and is well known in South Wales motoring circles, possesses an intimate knowledge of transport requirements, which makes him peculiarly qualified to deal with welding, scored cylinder, radiator and lamp repairs—the Barimar specialities.

Transport Costs in South Africa,

Frank Dutton, A.M.. I. e E., superintendent of motor transport and signals, Union of South Africa Railways, in a receet issue of the monthly stall magazine discusses at some length the subject of transport costs in South. Africa —animal, road motor, and rail compared. The article contains a number of very useful diagram.s. Mr. Dutton says that as regards mechanical road transport services for heavy goods, the cost depends on many factors, the principal being the condition of the road traversed.

The cost in this coentry (he adds) will probably not fall much below Scl. per ten-mile, a figure that is euiteimpossible for produce or primary prod-sets to pay. It is quite likely that a fee oases may exist where the roads, are good and the/ gradients easy eacktraffic is available iri both directions all the-year round. Ire such cases steam tractors with trailers, or steam wagons, could operate omit lowen figure, but erepecience indicates fairly Clearly that the scope of roue trensport lies in the smaller vehicle, like the. Gar-. ner bus-van, carrying passengers, mails. parcels cream, eggs, and eleemore valuable Lek less bulky ,products of the-farm. These handy little vehicles can satisfactorily operate over roads quite impossible to their big brothers, the motor lorries, and there are many districts where each a service could be instituted and would prove a great boon to the farming community.

The art of transportation lies in supplying transport in keeping with thd work that has to be done and South African conditions call for at least four classes of transport, of which the wonderful ox and the motor " hesvan" core!. stitute two important and even essentia. units. In diagram No. 4a curve shows the cost per ton-mile by means of the

Reaclrail or loco.-tractor system This system, by combining the advantages of the rail with those of the road motor, obviously fills the gap between 'animal" transporleand the standard railway. It shows that the costs are very close approximations to the average, revenue earned, which is, after all, the great desideratum that for many years railway engineers have been seeking, but which, until the advent of the loco, traetor, had eluded their grasp.

London Petrol Stores.

The quarterly report of the London County Council gives the following particulars of licences granted for the storage of petroleum spirit or carbide of calemu, and of infringements and accidents :—

GI Licences granted—

(a) Petroleum spirit ... 396 (b) Petroleum spirit and carbide of calcium ... ... 32 (c) Carbide of calcium ... ... 30 (ii) Written cautions in respect of infringements 79 (iii) Legal proceedings ... 5 (iv) Fires at licensed premises .... 5 (v) Petroleum spirit fires ... ... 60 (yi) Petroleum oil lamp accidents ... 3 (vii) Oil stove accidents ... ... 3 (viii) Oil fires (both fatal) 2 (ix) Explosions (one fatal) ... 2

Subject to the appropriate standard conditions and to certain other conditions deemed necessary, the council has granted 17 licences (included in the figures given in the foregoing paragraph), each involving the storage of 6,000, or more, gallons of th&. petroleum spirit.

Vulcan Staff Chew Toffee.

There was a pleasing incident at the works of the Vulcan Motor a,nd Engineering Co. Ltd., at Crossens a few days ago, following the delivery of the 30-cwt. van, which is shown in our illustratiOn, to Messrs. Edmonson, toffee manufac

turers of Liverpool. Messrs. Ednionson were so delighted with the yan that they sent to the Vulcan works 900 4-1b. tins of Red Seal toffee, which were distributed amongst the staff and the workpeople.

More Motors for Birkenhead?

Although it is not possible to indicate the scope of the scheme of mechanical haulage which has been prepared by the borough surveyor of Birkenhead and is now being considered by one of the corporation committees, from inquiries made by our representative it Seems that the idea of a fleet of municipal vehicles, housed under one roof, is receiving attention. Mr. Brownridge (the borough engineer) reported on the matter some time ago, but, owing to financia'l reasons, consideration of the scheme was deferred. It has now come before the cone

mittee again, estimates are being revised and a decision will probably be made before the end of the year. It is not intended altogether to displace horse traction, but where motor units—steam, petrol and electric—can be employed to greater advantage their claims will be advanced before the coin mictee. Of course, the corporation has a number of mechanically -propelled units in service at the present time, and these vehicles are giving good service.

Another of the matters connected with the new haulage scheme now receiving attention is that concerned with the collection and disposal of house refuse.

Mr. Brownridge expressed the opinion that there was a big market for the selfpropelled vehicle in the municipal work, but that the range of bodywork: was not always suitable for particular requirements.

Preston Corporation Cleansing Committee, which has had statements as to the cost of electric vehicles compared with horsed vehicles, has adjourned for six months the question of the adoption of mechanical transport in the department.

A New Plug for Fords.

Users of Ford vehicles will be particularly interested in the latest type of sparking plug which has been produced by the Robinhood Engineering Works, Ltd., Putney Vale, London, S.W. 15. It is generally agreed that the Ford engine

differs in its requirements from any other type and offers peculiar difficulties in the matter of sparking plugs.

Although this is the cheapest K.L.G. plug which has yet been offered, its retail price being only 4s., it possesses several outstanding features. In its design the actual sparking points are of sueli a length that they are carried right into the combustion chamber in order to ensure easy sparking and slow running. The insulating surface, which is exposed in the combustion chamber, is in the form of a tube, similar to that commonly used in porcelain plugs, but as it is formed in a mica sheet, the common risk of cracking is 'eliminated, and the plug is rendered exceptionally free from sooting or oiling-up. The entire insulating surface is outside the body of the plug, and can therefore, he cleaned with ease, and witimut the need for dismantling the

Engine Power Absorbed by Tyres.

The United States Bureau of Standards recently compiled some interesting figures to show the percentage of power of automobile engines which is absorbed by the tyre under various conditions. Among other things the bureau found out that an average 4-in. fabric tyre, under conditions of normal load and air pressure, will absorb approximately .90 h.p., due to rolling resistance, at a speed of 25 miles per hour, but that under the same conditions the power loss in a 4-in, cord tyre is approximately .60 h.p.

Incidentally, the Bureau of Standards also found that of the registered power loss, from 80 to 85 per tient. is in the carcass of the tyre, the tread contributing from 10 to 16 per cent. and the tube probably less than 5 per cent.

A secent one-day census of road traffio in Surrey cost £539.

Plymouth Bus Results.

The accounts of the .Tramways Committee of the Plymouth Corporation, which have recently been issued, show that, a lose of £748 was incurred on the municipal motorbus undertaking for the half-year ended September 27th, representing .975d, per bus-mile. The actual mileage covered by the buses for the period was 184,179, which compares with 195$7 miles for the corresponding period of the previous year. The total expenditure over the six months was

£14,752 in 1922 and £17,103 in 1921, representing 19.223d. and 20.975d. per bus-mile respectively. The chief items under the heading of expenditure were as follow, the figures in parentheses dealinrwithi the corresponding items a year earlier :—Power, £4,191 (£6,007); traffic, £4,560 (£5,740); repairs, maintenaneb and renewals, £2,499 (.£1,461); repayment of loans and interest, £2,8215 (£3,241).

So far as income is concerned, traffic . receipts amounted to £12,506, or 16.296d. per bus-mile for the six months in 1922 and £16210. or 19.880d, per bus-mile, for the corresponding period of 1921. Add to the 1922 figure £1,498 derived from hiring out motor lorries, and the amount of income is increased to £14,004. The yet loss for the six months was. therefore, £748, as compared with £893 a year earlier.

A Tool with Three Uses.

A very interesting little tool is being sold by W. H. M. Burgess, 36-40, Glasshouse Street, London, W. 1, for the benefit of Ford users. It has three distinct uses, and can be employed for testing the depth of petrol in the tank, ascertaining the oil level, and for getting to know the condition of the sparking plugs. Other lines which are marketed by this agent and distributor include Gooding's patent petrol-can carrier and opener, and Alsoleo aluminium solder, which can be used without the need for flux.

Facilitating Engine Starting.

It will probably interest some of our readers to learn that the Cabo patent air heater, which is sold by the Dominion Manufacturing and Repairing Co., 73, Cheapside, Liverpool, is now made with a slide shutter. This allows the shutting off of the air, and so facilitates

starting when the engine is cold. It may be mentioned that the Cale beater is not an warm-air also been Warmer. ordinary hot-air pipe, but a reservoir. The device has used successfuly as a foot.

British Enterprise in Spain,

The Sociedad General de Antohuses de Madrid', who own a fleet of buses in Madrid built by Tilling-Stevens Motors, Ltd.,' and in association with Vickers' .interests, have in use at the present time 28 vehicles of this make. If the experimental services which ore being run continue to prove successful, it is anticipated that by the end of next year as many as 107 buses will be on the road. British interests, it may be worthy of note, are strongly associated with the project.

Change of Address.

We are notified that the London office of G. D. Peters and Co,, Ltd., has been transferred to more convenient premises at Caxton House, Tothill Street, London, S.W. The Consolidated Brake and Engineering Co., Ltd., of -15, Deans Yard,

Westminster, London, and the British Air Brake Co., Ltd., of 64, Victoria Street, London. SW., companies of which they are toe sole proprietors, are also transferring their offices within the accommodation thus provided.

The Australian Trade.

According to advices just received from .Australia the rent Melbourne and Adelaide Royal Agricultural Shows provided motor traders with an opportunity of staging excellent disp,.ays of the latest makes of commertial vehicles, tractors and cars. More than 40 different makes were exhibited at the Melbourne Show.

Twenty-seven types of. commercial motor vehicles and eight 'separate makes of tractors are now on offer in the New liouth Wales market.

The announcement from London that petrol prices in Great Britain have been reduced has attra,cted attention in Australia. A prominent oil company points out that prices in Australia have receded by 25 per cent, since the .highest point was reached in 1920, Petrol ,is novibeing distributed to retailers direct on the basis of 2s, 4id, per gallon net.

The Pictures on this Page.

The two pictures on this page show re. cent deliveries which have been executed by Harrier Motors„ Ltd., of Huddersfield, and Commercial Cars, Ltd., of Luton

The Karrier machine is a 5-tonner, an is now in the service of Bisdbury, Wit. kinson and Co., Ltd., of New Malden. Special interest attaches to the vehicle its view of the -nature cit the loads which. it its called upontti carry in the omirse of its daily service. It is fitted with

.specially designed an body built throughout in the Kaeriei works, and the chassis is the standard K.5 typo with a 50 lep. engine. An interesting feature is that, in addition to the 12-volt lighting

set, it is provided with .self-starter.

The other vehicle—a 4-ten Commer Car —is one of two similar machines supplied to Maynarcis, Ltd., the wholesale confectioners. The chassis is the company's well-known R.C. type, and the body with which it has beexe fitted has solid mahogany sides, is drop tailboard and closeboarded tilt. A sliding door in the driver's -cab allows 'ac.cess to the front end of the body: The vehicle is most strikingly and tastefully painted. One al the new vehiclesis to be used by the company in London, and the other at thei Nevecastle-en-Tyne depot.

A Useful Hauling Drum.

Those users who ha've't:o handle heavy loads; and others engaged in salvage work., shOuld-he •interested in a device which is being sold by Mann Egerton and CO., Ltd., of Norwich, and is shown in the •aceompanying illuStration. It is called the M.E. hauling • drum winch gearing, and -consiete of a. east-iron cylindrical drum with an integral ratchet wheel: The drum is mounted in two heavy cast-iron bratikets. which, in turn, carry a strong katchep paw: in order to prevent the road running the drum backwards during hauling operations. Two steel handles of good length are supplied—one for use at each side— and they are detachable from the spindle of the drum at will. Two steeljlexible cables are secured to the dram, each being 25 ft. long and furnished with strong steel hooks. The breakage strain of each cable is said to be 3,364 lb. The price of the device is £8 15:a, and in view of the labour and time saving eeonarnies which it effects this must be considered quite reasonable.

Maxwell Prices Down.

Maxwell Motors, Ltd., 212-214, Great Portland Street, London, W. 1, announce a substantial reduction in the price of the Maxwell 30-cwt. coartinereiar chassis: At its new price, £198, fitted with solid

tyres on all wheels, the Maxwell chassis represents a good inveetment. The chaseis is also being offered with pneumatic tyres on the front wheels and solids on the rear wheels at £206, and with cord tyres all round, £213.

Simms Magneto. ,Service.

A booklet has just,been issued by Simms Motor Units (MI), Ltd., Percy Buildings, Greese S-ee, London, W. 1, which

gives an idea of the world-wide ignition and lighting service behind the Simms magneto. It is claimed that this make of magneto was the:first ta be made in this country. It was introduced in 18951896. and the measure of success which it has achieved amongst commercial vehicle users can he gauged from the fact that the company claim that. a large number of vehicles of this description are fitted with the Simms component.

Mention of the Simms magneto would not. be complete without reference to the Simms-Vernier magneto coupling, a device which eliminates the trouble in setting the magneto in correct relation to the engine and in securing alignment.

The company have extensive facilities fair turning out repairs to magnetos of all makes, and for the convenience of users they have established branches in the principal industrial centres of the country.

Local Proceedings.

• Walsall Corporation . propeses, to seek sanction to borrow £2,750 towards the coat of a motorbus garage..

Wallasey Town Council has agreed to purchase a motor wagon of 30-cwt. capacity for its works department.

Leeds Corporation Gas Committee has authorized the purchase of two motorvans at a total cost not exceeding £960.

Southend Corporation has promised favourableconsideration to a proposal of the W,esteliff Motor Services, Ltd., to establish a bus service to Prittlewell.

Wallasey Watch Committee has refused to give permission to C. A. Rymer, Ltd., to run a motorbus service between Seacombo and West Kirby, via Lea,sowe.

Willesqen Council's General Purposes Committee suggests that for the future 110 application be entertained for the storage of more than 250 gallons of petrol

in tins.

The L.C.C. has decided not to accept any of the five tenders received for the supply of -seven motor fire-engines; but to invite fresh tenders from selected concerns, Leeds Corporation Tramways Committee has arranged to purchase three motorcars for use by committees and for departmental work, at a cost not exceeding £1,000 each.

As Blackpool Corporation is contemplating the institution of municipal bus services, the Watch Committee has refused to sanction, alterations in a bus service now.run by Mr. Wm. Smith.

Sidmonth Urban District Council has received a communication from the Minis'try of Health stating that it has DO power to confirm local regulations with regard to motor traffic in the town, and that application should be made to the county council.


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