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NOW that the warmer weather has come it is important for operators to check whether their drivers have reset the engine idling speeds as regulated by the throttle stop. This was brought to our notice when making a tour of a motor-coach park at a well-known seaside resort immediately prior to the hour at which ell vehicles had to move off. We found that about 75 per cent, of the engines were running much faster than they need have done, thus causing much wastage of petrol. In the cold weather the idling speed will be correct when the throttle butterfly is open a certain fraction of an inch, hut when the temperature is 20 per cent. higher and the adjustment is not altered the engine will run at a rate far in excess of requirements.
1 COLLEAGUE of ours on our associated journal
The Motor expresses his extreme gratitude to two drivers of commercial vehicles who came to his assistance one night recently when he had engine trouble. This occurred on the Cambridge road, near Bishop's Stortford, and although late the drivers in question rendered assistance for about an hour and even went to the trouble of going to the nearest village for the spares required. This is the spirit that creates a much better feeling between the motorist and the commercial driver.
B18 QUITE a flutter of ex' citement was prc.valent in the county town of l3edfordsh•ire a short time ago when an old ploughing engine, which had seen 51 years of constant service, came back to the scene of its birth, there to find a resting place after an industrious and -successful career. The machine was built in 1877 by Messrs. J. and F. Howard. It was bought by a Mr. Robert Stephenson,.6f Burwell, near Cambridge, from which place the famous engine recently travelled back to Bedford under its own power. As such mechanical features as differential gears did not exist in the days when, the engine was built, whenever a bend in the road or a corner was reached a pin had to be taken out to free on of the driving wheels.
It isinteresting to note that the engine, despite its age, difficulties of obtaining water, etc., undertook the whole journey in four days Without a mishap or involuntary stop. The engine has been purchased by its maker so that it shall not ultimately find its way into • some museum abroad. Americans, please note!
RECENTLY we had the pleasure of attending a very enjoyable function instituted by the-Pyrene Co., Ltd., the occasion being the entertaining of the Professional Fire Brigades' Association. The proceedings Commenced with a reception at the Café Royal, when we met Mr. W. B. Phillips, the genial and efficient managing director of the Pyrene Co. Then followed a dinner, concert and cabaret.
IT is interesting to observe the satisfactory results which are now being obtained from the employment of cellulose finish on commercial motor Vehicles, not only in this country but elsewhere. For instance, one American concern has 75 coaches which have been sprayed with such lacquer, and one vehicle which ran for over two years, covering 58,000 miles, required only cleaning and polishing at a cost of 30s. This was not an exceptional case and it is expected that .1-tt least fottr .years of service will be obtained from this class of finish. It will thus be seen that it compares very favourably with the older methods of painting. ,.