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AViSIT to the Seventh International Aero Exhibition which is now being held at Olympia, London, gives one the impression that the coach of the air is rapidly taking a place in our daily lives. The accommodation of the Silver Wing machines employed by Imperial Airways, Ltd., on the London-Paris route is not unlike that of a luxurious modern motor coach. The three-engined biplanes carry 20 passengers in a cabin that can be heated in winter, refreshments are served on board by a steward, whilst there is ample luggage space and lavatory accommodation. If only for a lesson in weight economy, coachbuilders and operators would do well to visit the Exhibition.
EVERYBODY praises the London bus driver as being one of the safest men at the wheel. Two of the reasons are that he does not give superfluous signals which only confuse and serve no good purpose, and the fact that he chooses one line of traffic and keeps there so long as it is on the move. If he does draw out it is only after s18 signalling to that effect. Many of the "near squeaks" caused by other drivers are due to dodging from one moving line to another iii the hope of finding an opening. As a rule such manoeuvres do not score anything in the long run; many a bus passes a car for this very reason. • APROPOS of the Shillibeer centenary, people often say that the humour of the old bus drivers and conductors has disappeared, but that is not quite correct, for we get glimpses now and again. We were treated to the following by a conductor who had a rare twinkle in his eye :—" Change here for Tottenham Court Road, Charing Cross Road, Y.M.C.A., Lyons Corner House and the Zoo. Take care lady, don't pull the bus over, whatever you do!"
ONE of the most cheerful and versatile of those men connected with the sales side of the industry is J. Frost, of Dennis Bros., Ltd., who now deals chiefly with the municipal and co-operative sections, of which no one in the trade has a more thorough knowledge.
We had a long chat with him and learnt that instead of being less busy owing to the dividing up of the work, he is more so than ever; even during our conversation he received a telegram confirming the sale of 10 more double-deckers.
THE use of the process of electro-deposition of nickel for the repair of Diesel-engine parts is spreading at a considerable rate, and individual jobs up to six tons in weight or 17 ft. by 6 ft. in size can be dealt with by one of the concerns in the industry. In certain cases makers are also using it for new products to obtain the wearing properties of nickel; for example, valve stems are being machined below size to allow the nickel to bring them up to normal dimensions. This treatment is claimed to be particularly helpful for parts subject to wear and corrosion. The users of commercialmotor vehicles do not appear to take as grea t advantage of the process as they might.
THOSE engaged in the transport of builder's materials • often have need for dumping loads by the tipping method. When vehicles have bodies which permit end tipping only there is often the need for drawing across the road at right angles to discharge the load at the desired point. This causes considerable obstruction when the thoroughfare concerned is a busy one. This is where the three-way tipper scores. In a few years' time it may be that such obstruction will be prohibited, owing to the rapidly growing volume of traffic. The wise transport man to-day is looking ahead and specifying three-way tippers only for this class of work.
ONE cannot but say a word in appreciation of the manner in which the International Aero Exhibition catalogue has been compiled. The definite information which one needs, not only while making a round of the stands hut for ,reference afterwards, is plainly there and easily found. Facts and figures of the specifications, with but few exceptions, are visible at a glance.
Without wishing to criticise in the least the arrangements at the Royal Agricultural Show recently held at 'Harrogate, which were excellent, one may be permitted to smile at some of the catalogue entries, reading after this fashion: "Trailer with pneumatic tyres and tubes, internalexpanding brakes and body," or just "steam wagon." No doubt it is difficult to persuade exhibitors to supply the necessary information.