WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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The wheels of wealth will be slowed by all difficulties of transport al whatever points arising, as a carriage is by the roughness of the roads over which it rzins."—John Beattie Crozier,
Next Year's Show.
In our issue dated October 19th we indicated that some misapprehension appeared to exist concerning the date of the next Commercial Vehicle ExSaibition to be held at Olympia,. We are now in a position to state that the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has fixed the date for the Show to be held from November 17th to 26th, inclusive, next year.
Chassis Manufacture in Australia.
The Australian Minister for Trade and Customs recently asked the Tariff Board to make a general inquiry into the motor:vehicle industry in Australia, and it is expected that the inquiry will be begun almost immediately. The Minister said that there was a development in the manufacture of various parts in Australia, but that entire chassis and internal-combustion engines were still being imported. The question of the manufacture of chassis would. therefore, constitute the most important phase of the board's inquiry.
A Ban on Steel Tyres.
Berks County Council has passed the following resolution :—" This council views with alarm the serious damage which is being done to road surfaces by road vehicles fitted with steel tyres, and urges upon the Government the desirability of introducing, in the near future, legislation making it compulsory for the.wheeIs of all vehicles (other than those used for agricultural purposes on the land) and trailers or wagons drawn by such vehicles to be fitted with rubber tyres or pads."
Our Tables of Specifications.
It is always most difficult, even when the greatest care is exercised, to avoid a few errors when compiling a set of tables such as appeared in our 1927 Outlook Number. Will readers who are preserving those tables kindly make the following few additions and corrections? Ransoms trolleybus : The final drive of this chassis is by worm. &refflex (Sheffiex Motor Co., Tinsley, Sheffield) : there are two models of this make—a 30-40-cwt. and a 40-50-cwt. Dither model may be had on solid, semipneumatic, or giant pneumatic tyres. The price of the former chassis ranges from £345 to £390, and of the latter from £385 to £430, according to the tyre equipment. Fiat: Model 505F is designed for loads of 25 cwt.; the final drive is by spiral bevel. . Model 5021' (for 15-cwt. loads) and model 603 (for 40-ewt. leads) have overhead-worm drive. Prices have just been reduced
to: 15-cwt. chassis, £195; 25-cwt. chassis, £275; 40-cwt. chassis, £465. The heavy commercial models are now listed as S.P.A.. chassis.. Two intended S.P.A. chassis productions are a 3-tonner and
• 5-touner. Associated Daimler: The price of model 506 4-5-ton chassis is £885 and not £880. The 54-passenger chassis is known as model 801. not 810.
Requires an Administrative Post. We know of a man (who, incidentally, is well known in the industry) who is open for an appointment in a managerial, administrative or sales-control capacity. He has a sound technical knowledge, and has had considerable experience in the commercial-motor industry. Letters addressed " S.E.," care of the Editor, will be forwarded to him.
Burton Pleased with Guy Buses. Guy Motors, Ltd., Fallings Park, Wolverhampton, informs us that as a result of the successful operation of motorbuse the Burton-on-Trent Corporation has placed a repeat order with them for a further four 25-seater single-deckers. This is the fourth repeat order plated by the corporation for Guy buses.
Edinburgh Wants 20 Buses.
The Edinburgh Corporation is inviting tenders for the supply of 20 motorbuses, and a specification and tender form, together with general conditions relating to the contract, can be obtained from the tramways manager, at 2, St., James's Square, Edinburgh. Tenders havo to be delivered not later than Saturday, December 11th.
Manchester's Express Buses.
The tramways committee of the Manchester Corporation has agreed to the recommendation of the general manager that, in connection with the establishment of an express bus service along Wilmslow Road between St. Peter's Square and Didsbury, previously proposed by the committee, the proposal be extended,, andthat a service of express buses be gradually introduced to run on all main tramway routes in the city.
Self-Sealing Rubber Co.'s Report..
We have just received a copy of the thirty-first annual renort of the SelfSealing Ribber Co., Ltd., which shows that for the year ended September 30th last the 'company made a -profit of £5,729, after making full provision for depreciation and other items. After deducting the debit balance of £1,608, .which was shown in the previous year, a sum of 14,121 is available. A dividend of 12 per cent. (free of tax) is to be paid, and -this will account for £3,000 and leave £1,121 to be carried forward.
Saving Needless Bus Halts.
The London General Omnibus Co., Ltd., draws our attention to the fact that there is a tendency on the part of the public to call on moterbuses to stop immediately they have crossed a busy road junction. It is obvious that this practice must impede the general flow of traffic, and the company says that the public could assist in the matter if it proceeds to the recognized stopping places. The vast majority of the Ministry of Transport "stopping places" are fixed at a point which is before the crossing is reached, in order that the hold-up shall be minimized.
The World Transport Congress.
The Third World Motor Transport Congress will take place in New York on January 10th and 11th next under the auspices of the National Automobile Chamber of Commerce, these dates having been arranged so that it coincides with the holding of the automobile show in the city. A number of subjects of interest to road users in general will be discussed, whilst delegates will also pay a visit to the show as well to the works of certain prominent motor-vehicle manufacturers.
Timber Haulage by Fordsons.
There is considerable "life " in the picture which we reproduce on this page showing two Pordson industrial tractors used for timber haulage by Wickham and Norris, Ltd., the wellknown timber merchants, of Bristol. The trailers which are used for carrying the timber are of a special type designed for this purpose. They are the product of the Eagle Engineering Co., Ltd., of Warwick, for which company the Efficiency Motor Co., Ltd., Clifton, Bristol, is the local agent. The tractors were supplied by this company to the users.
Preserving Rural England.
An organization has been formed under the title of "The Council for the Preservation of Rural England," and it consists of representatives of various influential societies and organizations which are interested in such work. The object is to arrange for concerted action in order to secure Vie protection of rural scenery and of the amenities of country towns and villages. The Royal. Automobile Club has been invited to nominate two representatives to sit upon the council, and for this purpose it has appointed Major Granville Kenyon and Mr. C. F. Buck-master, the chairman and vice-chairman of the Royal Automobile Club .Touring Committee.
The vast majority of those who use motor-coaches far touring or short trips during the summer months will, we feel sure, welcome the formation of the council and strive to give . it every support.
No British Industrial Vehicles in Switzerland.
From the latest Swiss revenue statistics it appears that there are at the present time 8,381 'industrial vehicles in use in Switzerland, of which number 3,985 were made in the country by the well-known concern § of Saurer, Berm. and Arbenz. There are 1,595 Saurers and 891 Berlins in .use.
German lorries figure largely amongst the imported vehicles. There are 1,407
vehicles of German origin on the roads, 1,052 Italian 906 French and 795 American. The imposing number of Italian vehicles is largely due to the vigorous export policy of the Fiat Co., whose productions represent 712 out of the total.
With regard to American commercial vehicles, all but 170 of these are Fords. There appear to be no British-made vehicles at all in Switzerland.
Inst. of P.E. Meeting.
A general meeting of the Institution of Production Engineers will be held on November 26th, at 1.30 p.m., in the council room of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, 83, Pall Mall, London, S.W.1. At this meeting Mr. H. C. Armitage, of the Austin Motor Co., Ltd., will read a paper, on "The Application of Manufacturing Methods to Non-repetition Work."
Personal Pars.
• We learn that Mr. F. Cooper has joined the staff of the International Harvester Co. of Great Britain, Ltd., as their representative on the industrial tractor side for the Midlan4 counties.
Mr. Herbert I. C. Rich, head of the motor trading and hiring concern of Rich and Sons (Ltd.), Brecon and Crickbowel', has assumed office as mayor of Brecon. Mr. Rich thus maintains a family tradition, for in 1871 his grandfather and in 1905 his father held a similar office.
We understand that Sir Alan Cobham has just joined the board of directors of Warwick Wright, Ltd., the wellknown automobile specialists of New Bond Street, London, W. It is interesting to recall that Colonel Warwick Wright, D.S.O., the principal of the company, is himself one of the pioneers of aviation in this country, and flew in 1909 the Howard-Wright biplane built for him by his brother, whilst he served with distinction during the war in the Royal Air Force.
The U.S.A. Postal Motor Fleet.
According to a recent report there are now 6,982 motor vehicles, Government owned and under contract, in use throughout the United States for mail carrying for the U.S. Post Office Department.
Firestone Enterprise.
Mr. F. A. Uppertou, secretary and sales manager of the Firestone Tyre and Rubber Co. (1922), Ltd., is sailing on November. 27th for the United States,. He will spend a few months at the Firestone factories at Akron prior to undertaking special export duties in a foreign market. r German Trade Improving.
• According to information received from a German source the recently held motor exhibition in Berlin proved of greater interest than the exhibition of the previous year. It is stated that traders generally hre looking forward to better business during the coming year than they did at the close of the Previous show. Although, owing to the difficult economical situation in Germany generally, orders are being cautiously placed, the number of contracts which has already been signed, or, itis expected, will be signed shortly, is considerably larger than last year. The impression gained from representatives of those firms which exhibited is that the motor industry is reaching the end of a period of much difficulty.
Tractors in Porto Rico.
It is estimated that between 700 and 800 tractors am used in Porto Rico, practically all of which are of American make. Light wheel tractors predominate, but there is a fairly large number of Navy machines in use, as well as some track-laying types. Those engaged in the sugar industry are by far the most important buyers, approximately 95 per cent, of all tractors being operated by proprietors of sugar mills and planters. Only a.few tractors have been bought by the owners of coffee and tobacco plantations. Tractors enter Porto Rico duty free from all countries. although all machines have to paY the local 7 per cent, excise tax.
500,000 Miles by a Guy Fleet.
Although a large proportion of the output of Guy Motors, Ltd., Fallings Park, Wolverhampton, consists of various types of passenger vehicle for municipal authorities in this country, it should not be overlooked that the greatest number of vehicles built in the company's works is constructed for goods carrying in various trades. During the last year, 30 per cent, of the company's output was for passenger vehicles, the remainder being goads vehicles of 1 to 5-ton capacity, including many six-wheelers.
One of the company's vehicles which is used for goods carrying is shown in an accompanying illustration. It consists of a 25-30-cwt. van in the service of a company of manufacturing chemists, of Atherton, near Manchester. A feature of the vehicle is its useful publicity value, for not only have the c22
side Navels been turned to good account for advertising certain medicines, but an enlarged model of a medicine bottle is carried on the 'top of the van.
Guy vehicles in the service of this company have now covered about 500,000 miles, and we are told that the saving in running costs is most satisfactory. The company now has 12 vehicles of Guy manufacture in their
service. The vehicles have been ordered through the maker's agent, 'Tom Garner, Ltd.
Annual Meeting of B.E.S.A.
• At the annual general meeting of the Britith Engineering Standards Association, which was held recently, Sir Archibald Denny, the chairman, reported that whilst the general work of the Association was in a most healthy condition the Association had, on March 31st last, to face a deficit of nearly £2,500. He mentioned that, with the help of the ways and means committee, the needs of the Association were being more prominently and sys tematically brought to the notice ef many private companies, public supply authorities and others. The question of international collaboration in standardization work has recently conic under consideration and the situation is being carefully explored.
An Australian Procession.
Some weeks ago an important trade procession was organized in Sydney, New South Wales, in which types of motorcar and motor-lorry manufactured in Great Britain and marketed in Australia took part. The procession formed up at Moore Park and then moved off through the streets of the city. In all 14 different makes of British car were represented by a total of 109 ears, and on the commercialvehicle side 101 vehicles took part, 14 different makes of British lorry being on view. The vehicles were of all types and sizes.
Some idea of the range of Leyland vehicles which participated can be obtained from a picture which appears on this page. This has •been received from the manager of the Sydney depot of Leyland Motors, Ltd., who states that the following vehicles of this make participated in the event: A single
deck Lion bus, a: 2-ton tipping lorry owned by the Sydney City Council, two 3-ton pantechnicons, a 3-ton van used for the conveyance of carcases, a 4-ton van, a 5-ton platform lorry and a tipJing wagon of the same capacity and three 1,000-gallon-tank wagons.
Testing a New Bridge.
Por the purpose of testing the new bridge which has been constructed by the Liverpool Corporation, at Mossley Hill, two steam tractors, each weighing 18 tons, and drawing a couple of trailers loaded to a combined weight of 50 tons —making in all 86 tons—crossed and recrossed the bridge. The deflection gauges used to register the " give " during these operations recorded the degree of deflection at one sixty-fourth of an inch, in the centre of the bridge.
A Mossley Appeal.
kt a meeting of the tramways committee of the Oldham Corporation the vice-chairman presented a report on the proceedings at an inquiry at Mossley, before an inspector of the Ministry of Transport, with reference to the North Western Road Car Co.'s appeal against the Mossley Town Council's refusal to grant them licences. After considerable
discussion the conference was adjourned to enable proposals to be formulated by the parties concerned with a view to an amicalik arrangement being made for a joint firorking agreement. The general manager received instructions to arrange for a further conference with the several authorities affected, with a view to considering and formulating satisfactory proposals.
Schools and Traffic Danger.
The 1925-6 report of the education committee of the London County Council states that traffic danger is becoming an increasing source of anxiety. Eighty-two "school" warning signs were erected during 1925, but it is obvious that these cannot be provided indiscriminately without slowing down the flow of essential traffic or, by stale repetition, rendering the warning nugatory.
In the Metropolitan Police area, 9,029 children under sixteen were killed or injured in 1925, or, roughly speaking, at the rate of one every twenty minutes they were outside the shelter of home or school. Traffic accidents to teachers are now also figurint more conspicuously among the causes leading to teachers' absences; 88 teachers were absent as the result of street accidents in 1925, as compared with 25 in the previous year. " Safety first" s constantly referred to in school lessons but the work of the schools, in their efforts to inculcate a traffic sense in the rising generation, can be helped by other agencies, notably parents.
A Petrol Tractor Wanted.
We have received a request for information regarding a small petrol tractor which conforms with the following specification; Engine, 5 to 6 hp. or less ; speed, 8 to 10 m.p.h.; wheels, solid-rubber-tyred; reverse gear as well as forward; overall length, not more
than 6 ft ; fitted with tie bar ; suitable for hauling bricks in trucks in brickyard. We shall be glad to know of any concern which can supply such a tractor, so that we may pass its name to the inquirer.
Commercial Motor Manufacture in Belgium.
A new company has lately been formed at Marcinelle, Belgium, with a capital of 1i millioe francs and the title La Soci4te Beige d'Entreprises Automobiles, to manufacture motor vehicles of all kinds. We note that M. Charles Blum, of Paris, is a member of the board of the new concern.
Palmer Tyre Report.
The report of the directors of the Palmer Tyre, Ltd., for the year ended August 31st last shows a profit of £8,765, to which has been added a sum of £1,536 brought forwara from the previous year. This gives an available balance of 110,301, out of which sum a dividend (free of income tax) at,, the rate of 10 per cent, per annum is to be paid. This will absorb £6,000, leaving £4,301 to be carried forward.
Popular Municipal Models.
Those municipal authorities which require medium-weight chassis to meet certain of their transport requirements have found that the 30-cwt. chassis made by Dennis Bros., Ltd., of Guildford, is suitable for their needs. It is marketed at an attractive figure (i.e., 1:350) and experience has proved that its maintenenoe and running costs are quite reasonable. So far as the latter item is concerned, a mileage of 20 to the gallon of fuel consumed is guaranteed when the vehicle is tarrying a full load.
The company has recently supplied a chassis of this type, fitted with handoperated tipping body, to the Borough of Guildford. The body is constructed of steel and has a high tipping angle. It tapers outwards towards the rear, and this feature, in conjunction with doors which give an unobstructed rear opening, ensures a ready discharge of the load. The vehicle is shown in an accompanying illustration.
In the other picture which appears
on this page a tipping wagon supplied by Karrier Motors, Ltd., of Huddersfield, to the health department of the Nottingham Corporation is shown. This is an example of the maker's CL-type chassis, to which a tipping body for refuse transport is fitted. The body, has a capacity of 160 Cu. ft., and is 12 ft. long, 7 ft. wide ' and has a maximum depth of 3 ft. Six spring roller covets are fitted across the top of the body in order to prevent refuse from being scattered into the' air while the vehicle is travelling to the destructor.
The CL-type Karrier chassis has a wheelbase of 13 ft., and is designed to carry loads of 50 cwt. The tipping gear is of the hydraulic type.
Municipal Delegates for World Transport Congress.
English municipal authorities are being invited by the American Consul, on behalf of the National Automobile Chamber of Commerce, to appoint delegates to attend the Third World Motor Transport Congress to be held in New "York City in January next.
More Concrete Roads.
It is general knowledge that the use of concrete for road construction in this country has made considerable progress during recent years, and a booklet issued by the British Portland Cement Association, Ltd., ' Dartmouth Street, London, S.W.1, clearly supports this contention. It deals fully with many aspects of the subject, and explains the reason for the strength, durability and safety of roads constructed of this material, as well as giving reasons for the properties of resistance to variations in climate and low cost of upkeep. Comment is made on the fact that there are at the present time
40,000 miles of concrete roads in America. It is also mentioned that there are to-day in the United Kingdom 1,824 roads constructed of concrete. The booklet can be obtained by any of our readers on application at the address given above.
A Useful Floor Crane,
Harvey, Frost and Co. (1924), Ltd., 148-150, Great Portland Street, London, W.1, has just placed on the market a new 30-cwt. floor crane of the type which is shown in an accompanying illustration. It is built from rolledsteel sections and special attention has been given to the method of moving the crane. A cam action lifts the crane off its feet when the handle is lowered, so that it may be easily run on four wheels to any position where its service is required. The small wheels to which the handle is attached are pivoted, and these enable the crane to be steered quiteeasily.
The winch is operated by worm gearing and is fitted with a steel cable instead of a chain, so that adjustment within fine limits is secured when an article is being lowered into position. The winch handle is placed within easy reach of the suspension hook, and the operator can work the winch with one band, and, at the same time, manipulate the load with the other. The crane has a good base clearance and sufficient overhang to enable all classes of goods to be dealt with.
Transport users should find such an appliance of considerable value when
bulky and weighty goods have to be loaded or unloaded, whilst it should also prove of value in motor shops or engineering works.
A High-angle Tipping Trailer. Carrimore Six-Wheelers, Ltd., High Road, North Finchley, London, N.12,
tells us that it believes the trailer, which is shown in the accompanying illustration, is the first of its type to be constructed in this country. It has been built, as one of our pictures shows, for use in conjunction with a Fordson tractor and is arranged for tipping. The operation of tipping is carried out by means of the Hi-Lift gear which is hydraulically operated.
It will be noted that this form of gear provides for a very high angle of tip by raising the body to a considerable height, this being carried out so that the load can be tipped direct into a railway wagon. The particular Carrimore outfit illustrated has been supplied to the municipal authorities of the Borough of St. Pancras.
The Work of the C.M.U.A.
The council of the West Midlands Division of the Commercial Motor Users' Association has decided to issue a quarterly bulletin, and the first, which has just come into our possession, directs the attention of transport users and others to the activity of the organisation.
Local Proceedings. .
Kent County Council has decided to purchase two steam wagons.
Leeds Corporation has decided to extend bus services on various routes.
Essex County Council is to consider the question of the purchase of a new steam wagon.
Oldham Corporation is to establish a motorbus service to the Abbey Hill district.
Durham County Council is buying an International Junior tractor at a cost of £242.
Stretford Urban District Council is to obtain estimates for the provision of a fire tender.
Paignton Urban District Council has purchased a Morris motor lorry at a cost of £285.
Wak3field Corporation has authorized the purchase of a motor tractor at a cost of about £400.
Essex County Council has decided to purchase two motor lorries at a cost of about f240 each.
Glossop Corporation is seeking sanction for a loan for the purchase of a 6-ton Foden steam wagon.
Durham County Council has authorized the purchase of a motor ambulance at a cost of about £600.
The London County Council is to provide a petrol pump at Stamford Hill depot at a cost of about £200.
Hastings Corporation is negotiating with the tramways company regarding methods of transport for the future.
Leeds Watch Committee has approved a new type of omnibus to be constructed by Messrs. Hartley Bros. and Rhodes.
Willesden Urban District Council has authorized the purchase of a 30-cwt. Morris tipping wagon at a cost not exceeding 1350.
Stockton Corporation has obtained power to run services of buses to Tees Transporter Bridge, to Haverton Hill, to West Hartlepool and to Yarm.
South Shields Corporation has obtained the consent of the Durham County Council to the establishment of a bus service to Cleadon Village.
The Ministry of Transport has held an inquiry into the appeal of Fleet Cars, Ltd., against the refusal of the Paignton Urban District Council to grant a licence for a motorbus on the Paignton-Brixham route.
An Address Wanted.
We have f e eived a communication from a correspondent in Lytham St. Annes containing a request for a copy of our tables of operating costs. The writer, however, has omitted to send his address. Upon receipt of this we will send the pamphlet desired.