Passing Comments
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They Keep the Wheels Turning
AS at March 22, London Transport had 92.8 per cent. of its total operating stock of 8,239 vehicles available— for service. There were 163 machines " stored " and 428 were under or awaiting repair. This availability figure of the Board has shown an upward trend since 1951, when the figure was 89.07 'per cent. At the end of 1952,7,570 vehicles of a total of 8,213 were in operation, the percentage figure being 92.08.
This is an .excellent record, although it is doubtful whether. the travelling public of the Metropolis ever gives a thought to the remarkable reliability of its passenger transport system.
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American Tribute to J. Cobb
SPEED records would seem to have little to do with
the vehicles with which this journal is concerned, yet the results of pioneer work in this connection are undoubtedly eventually reflected in the design of the media our readers employ.
One of the men who won high honours in the world of speed and who regrettably lost his life on a jet-propelled boat, was John Cobb. His great work has now been recognized by the addition of his name to those in the Gulf Marine Racing Hall of Fame, established by the Gulf Oil Corporation of America 11 years ago.
At a luncheon given by Gulf Oil (Great Britain)
Ltd., in London last week, Mr. F. C. W. Paton, a vice-president of the American corporation, in charge of foreign marketing, presented Mrs. J. Cobb with a certificate of membership showing her husband's posthumous election to this Hall. It was a fine gesture, all the more appreciated because it is the first occasion upon which the name of an Englishman has been added.
Promising Material for Bodywork
SOME years ago a representative of this journal
inspected a prototype of the Bartrev press for the continuous production of" board." made from waste wood, bonded with thermo-setting resin. He was then impressed by the results obtained and the possibilities of the new process.
Research into this matter has been carried out since 1939 by technicians led by Mr. W. J. Fisehbein, managing director of the Vere Enkineering Co. Ltd., 3 Vere Street, London, WA. Now the first full-sized commercial plant is in operation at Marks Tey, Colchester. This has an annual capacity of 16,000 tons of board, or between 25-40 m. sq. ft. according to the thickness produced. The press weighs 200 tons and costs about £200,000, and the price of the board will be between 4d. and 9d. per sq. ft.
, Features of the press are the controlled feed to lay the carpet of raw material, H.F. heaters, two endless chains faced • with stainless-steel bands, hydraulic pressure to bring these together and compress the carpet, and an automatic adjustable saw. By the process green wood becomes seasoned board in 20 min., and the maximum width is 4 ft, whilst the thickness can be in.
The board can be used unlaced, or finished with paper, fabric, wood veneers or metals. It can be used for a wide variety of purposes, including external and internal panelling for motor vehicle bodies. The strength and finish are striking.
Useful Tyre Code
A LL those who have the interest of their tyres at 1-1 heart should read the latest edition of " TheTyreway Code," produced by Henley's Tyre and Rubber Co. Ltd., Milton Court, Westcott, Dorking, Surrey, and supplied free. It deals wilh the importance of inflation, causes of excessive wear and failure, advice on driving and tyre treatment, and fitting, and removal. It ends appropriately with police dos and don'ts, issued by Mr. Henry Dalton, Assistant Commissioner-in-Charge of Traffic, Metropolitan Police.