Goods Transport.
Page 12
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The Borough Engineer of Kensington has quoted to his council figures relating to the cost of running a steam wagon for a period of 18 months. He claims to have effected a. saving of 2114 in favour of the motor.
The Piston was the Trouble.
On Wednesday of last week a heavy petrol lorry. when proceeding along Acre Lane, Brixton, dashed into a tramcar. From a local paper we understand that the "engine of the lorry was dismantled, the axle-bar was broken, the wheels bent, the piston (sic) put out of commission; in fact, the mechanism as generally wrecked. The lorry remained in this deplorable state until engineers brought new parts, and, guarded by two constables, fitted them before an interested audience, completing the task at 8 p.m."
Illustrated on Page 67.
One of our representatives took occasion during last week, to call at the offices of the Inter-Transport Co., Ltd., which are situated at Pinner's Hall, Austin Friars, E.C. Mr. J. B. Conly supplied him with a few particulars which are of interest.. The company has been formed for the purpose of running a regular daily service of wagons between depots which are (or are to be) situated in the large towns. At present, the Inter-Transport Co., Ltd., has eight Boma five-tonners in use, and these frequently haul trailers. We understand that 30 similar vehicles are to be delivered before December next.
It, is not the intention of the company to undertake promiscuous collection and delivery, the scheme of operation being the establishment of depots in the larger towns, to which the trader can deliver goods, and from which the goods will be collected, placed on the wagons, and, delivered straight to the depots in other towns.
We understand that, in the centres already approached the traders as a whole are welcoming this scheme, and are affording it quite reasonable support. The railway companies have, in many cases, been a source of annoyance and loss to business men, for years past, and, with tile advent of a regular and reliable point-to-point service, many big firms are stare to take advantage of the motors.
The Inter-Transport Co., Ltd., proposes to erect its own repair shops and garages, wherever a large fleet of vehicles can he maintained in demand. The scheme is already in operation between London, Maidstone, Guildford, High Wycombe, Tonbridge, etc.
The next large centres to be opened up are Manchester and Glasgow, and these will be followed in the course of time by other provincial towns, and intertransport services will be initiated.
rhe Phanomobile 15-cwt. Van.
A member of the staff of this journal was afforded an opportunity recently, to take a short run on one of the latest-type 10-12 h.p. light van manufactured by Phanomobiles, Ltd., of 328, Upper Street, Islington, N. Several improvements have been effected in the design of this machine, the most-noticeable departure being the location of the cylinders. These are now erected in the side-by-side position, and are placed parallel with the driver's seat. This is a radical departure from the wellknown V-type engine placed endwise, which has been such a prominent feature of this maker's models until now. It has been decided, however, that the side-by-side position of the cylinders is more suitable for the heavier model parcekar. There is no intention, we understand, of changing the Vtype disposition of the cylinders in the lighter models, as for many years the design has given the greatest satisfaction in service. The control of the new model is simple, two forward speeds and a reverse being fitted. Ample provision is made for lubrication, and the open design of the engine and its accessories, enables the driver to observe the more important working parts from his seat.
The vehicle is well sprung, and it is fitted with large foot and handoperated brakes of ample power. The body is designed to take a 15ewt. load.
The particular machine observed by our representative was an Indian order. We are told by this maker that an increasing Phano mobile trade is being done in that country. In the congested London traffic the easy handling of the machine was a noticeable feature, and on the one or two fairly-steep hills which were surmounted, the great power of the engine was proved beyond doubt. Altogether this new model would seem, to justify the claims made on its behalf by the maker.