Answers to Queries.
Page 19
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Our readers will be informed by the Editor on any points connected with the construction or use of commercial motors. Where a direct reply is desired, a stamped and addressed envelope should be enclw eel : if a request for privacy $5 not 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 owners ; these we never supply. Our advertisement
columns are open to thou who desire to make aiviouncements to owners for the purposes of trade.
Wants List of Makers.
[2002] " ANXIOUS" writes :—" Will you please send me price and particulars of the list of vans sold in England ? I have seen one such, but do not know where to write to."
ANswaa.—A representative list of makers is contained in the advertisement pages of Lila Coanaratetae MOTOR. No separate list has been issued.
Should He Pay Licence?
[200;1] " DETERMINED" writes :—" I should be glad if you could inform me as to whether there is any reduction in the licence (for possessing a motorcar) if taken out in July for the remainder of the year ; or would the whole year's rate have to be paid? "
ANSWER.—In reply to your inquiry, the full licence ice must be paid if the car is kept or used before the .1st of October. After that date half-licence fee is payable.
Inquiry from Africa.
[20041 " AGENT" writes :—H We should be much obliged if you could advise us who are the manufacturers of the Warwick Auto Carrier; we have an inquiry for these vehicles from South Africa, but although we seem to remember seeing them advertised in your paper some time ago, we are unable to lay our hands upon the copy, and cannot find who the manufacturers are."
ANSWER.—We have to inform you that the address you require is John Warrick ancl Co., 34, St. Mary's Butts, Reading. A letter to this address will obtain for you all the information you require.
Electric Vans for the U.S.A.
[2005] "AMERICAN BUYER 0 writes —We should be very grateful to you, if you could kindly put us in communication with some English firm who manufacture electric commercial vehicles, as we find there are several firms in the U.S.A. having considerable success with them, and who are beginning to introduce them into this country ?"
ANSWER--Greenwood and Batley, Ltd., is probably in a position to give you quotations for under-carriages complete with motors, leaving you to fit accumulators and coachwork. You might also write to the Cedes Electric Traction Co., Ltd., 112, Great Portland Street, W, and to Henry Simonis and Co., Pretoria Works. Walthamstow.
Prospective Buyer of Parcelcars.
[2006] "SMALL MAN" writes We have been in
terested in the descriptions of different three-wheeled carriages for light loads which have recently appeared in your paper. "We shall feel obliged if you will give us the benefit of your experience in this line, and send us the addresses of three firms you think are the best."
ANSWER.—We think you could not do better than write to one or more of the following : — Girling Motors, Ltd., Upper Market Street, Woolwich, London, S.E. Alldays and Onions Engineering Co., Ltd., Birmingham. R. S. Currie and Co., 76, Salusbury Road. Kilburn, London, W.
A. W. Wall, Ltd., Roc Motor Works, Hay Mills, Birmingham. Wants a Mail Contract.
[2007] " E1ERR " writes :—" Would you be kind enough to advise me re tender for mail contract. I have, at present, one three-ton and one two-ton lorry, both of which are too large for the job. They want a motor to carry a maximum load of 8 cwt., 14 miles out and return on. night work. This it a 55-minute journey each way. A special Post Office body, and livery for man would be required ; also a reserve motor has to be provided. I take it onc of my present lorries would do for that. I have an idea for a one-tonner with a second driver, and I would use this in the daytime on my ordinary work. Can you please advise me what is a fair price to expect?"
Awswate—You could not do better than communicate with D. Napier and Sons, Ltd., of Acton Vale, W., and ask the Co. to let you have the best terms for one of its 12-cwt. vans. It would be quite a waste to use one of your larger vehicles for the job. You ought to get paid not less than Bd. a mile run, on so low a mileage, for this contract, and perhaps you may be able to get a little more. It would not pay you at that rate unless you could use the van on other jobs as well.
Coat of Steam Haulage.
[20081 " S TEAM E R " writes :—"I purchased a secondhand Sentinel wagon last September, a second-hand Clayton and Shuttleworth tractor last December, and a new Aveling and Porter wagon a month ago. "Taking the three vehicles together, they have run 76 weeks up to the end of June, 1912, at the rate of six days a week, with a total working period of 396 working days, carrying 3353 tons, running 8103 miles, and with an income of 2710, producing 48. 3d. per ton or is. 9d. per mile run approximately.
"I am anxious to know approximately what the running costs should be for the three vehicles, and also what they might be expected to be with a, fleet of say a dozen similar vehicles, running in a country district_ '1 should also like to know the approximate cost per annum for repairs to a new vehicle."
ANSWER.—We think that you should be able to tot up the various outgoings upon fuel, lubricants and stores, parts and repairs, wages, road expenses, etc. You can then add your own estimate of management and supervision charges. There is no question that you have a handsome margin if you average a revenue of Is. 9d. per mile run. We are inclined to think that, inclusive of an allowance at the rate of i7 per cent. per annum on the capital expended to cover interest and depreciation, your running cost should come out at not more than is. per mile all round, after the addition of reasonable charges for supervision and management. If you can keep up the revenue to an average in excess of Is. 4d. per mile run, you are quite safe to purchase new machines, and for these the total cost will approximate very closely to your present experience, or it might be id. per mile less on the whole. You certainly will not find it cheaper than that, but it is impossible to give an exact figure without the opportunity of inspecting your existing plant. A new steam wagon or tractor should cost not more than a £5 note during its first year of running for maintenance, and thereafter you may reckon that the repair and renewal charge will vary between 250 and £70 a year, inclusive of labour and materials.