Answers to Queries.
Page 20
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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 ig desired, a stamped addressed .envelope should be enclosed : if a request for privacy is net specially made, any query and answer may be published-. Some replies; owing to pressure on our space. are held .several weeks. Numerous requests reach us for lists of. motorcab and commercial-vehicle ournerS ; these we never supPly. Our advertise
ment columns are open to-those-mho desire tomake announcements to owners for the purposes of trade,
Book on Construction of Motorbus Bodies.
[4320] (Leicester).—We know of no book which deals with the construction of motorbus bodies. With few exceptions, the large users of motorbuses make the bodywork for their own vehicles ; there has therefore been no incentive for anyone to write a book on the subject.
Can He Leave His Present Employers?
03.2 t] (Thetferd).—We should say that, unless you are a badged man, you are at liberty to give up your present situation to take on similar work. If, however, you hold a Government badge, you must obtain permission {rem a special appeal tribunal before leaving -Your present employers.
Piston Ring Manufacturers.
[4322] (Export Merchants).—The address of the Standard Piston Ring and Engineering Co., Ltd:, is Premier Works, Don Road, Sheffield.. Other names which may be of use to you are the British Chuck and Piston 'Ring Co., Ltd., Holbrook° Lane, Coventry, and G. T. Riches and Co., Ltd., 39, Store Street, London, W.C.
Buying a Small Road Tractor.
[4323] (Sheffield).—Your best protection is to buy a tractor from a reputed maker. The -following are representative firms :—
Wm. Foster and Co., Ltd., Wellington Foundry, Lincoln ; Aveling and Porter,_ Ltd., Rochester ; W. Tasker and Sons, Ltd.; Waterloo Ironworks, Andover, Hants ; Ransome, Sims and Jefferies, Ipswich; Richard Garrett and Sons, Ltd., Leiston ; John Fowler and Co., Ltd. Leeds ; Chas: Burrell and Sons, Ltd., Thetford ; Roloey and Co., Ltd., Globe , Works, Lincoln ; Ruston, Proctor and Co., Ltd., Lincoln.
We have been forced by depletion of staff to 'discontinue inspections to help users who wish to purchase second-hand plant.
Only one trailer can be hauled at a time under the Motor Car Acts, as if two are hauled the engine is regarded as a heavy locomotive, and has to be operated under the Traction Engine Acts. A second-hand • tractor of the kind should be obtainable for about £375, and in good condition. Values have gone up very considerably, for quick delivery, since the outbreak of War. Can We Use Coal-gas for a Stationary Engine?
[4324] (Boiler Scalers).—You should certainly have . no difficulty in using cOal-gas for the engine to which you refer. Coal-gas is commonly used in many motor works for running in ordinary petrol engines. The sketch shown on page 408 or our 12th July issue [vve havp sent you a copy] shows a form of coupling which may suit you, with an extra gauze added to cut down the air when gas is used. If you revert, to petrol at any time; yOu would probably need to remove the second gauze, if your carburetter is a Zenith, and possibly with some other carburetters. You should undoubtedly effect a saving in the ratio of the proved equivalents : 1000 cubic ft. of gas is equal to at least four gallons of petrol.. There must be a positive cut-off valve (cock) on gas-supply pipe.
Thinking of Hiring Out Motor Tractors.
[4325] (Haulage Contractor).—The commercial success of a hiring business, in which you employed three or four tractors and the necessary implements, must depend upon the amount of overhead charges.
As you are established in the motor business, you will no doubt be able to build up a new department without any overload of the indicated kind, and I should therefore say that your prospects are good. Conditions in the agricultural-motor industry are rapidly, changing we believe for the better. Farmers should he prepared to pay reasonable charges for hiring mechanical aids, but. the terms are not yet known for the Government's 1917-1918 programme of hiring. As a matter of fact, farmers are most likely to give their businessto people who will keep the agrimotors at work. Personal attention should make a great deal of difference. It is impossible to say whether the cost of working will allow a reasonable margin of profit without being too high for the farmer to pay when 'peace comes. One cannot -attempt to &Ohre the problem in which there are too many "unknowns."
No English works will have a large output for a considerable time to conic, but you might possibly communicate at once with the Saunderson Tractor and Implement Co., Ltd., Elstow Engineering Works; Bedford, and for an American maker of proved mas chines, for which good delivery should be possible, having regard to the capacity of the works and output to date, you should rommumeate with Whiting (1915), Ltd:,. 334-340, Euston Roa41, N.W., concerning the "Whiting:Bull tractor.