AN APPRECIATION OF AN EARLY BOOK AM, perhaps, out of
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place in discussing literature instead of purely technical matters, but I wish to draw the attention of anyone in search of a little light reading
to a book which I have unearthed. I refer to "The Book of the Ford Van," first edition, by R. T. Nicholson, which was published by Temple Press Ltd., many years ago.
Younger people would be particularly amused at some of the hints and tips contained in it. For my part,
I was pleased to learn that even in the " good " (or otherwise) old days, the motoring side of the Technical Press was fighting many battles which are repeated in these days.
The writer deals with many transport problems in a human and humorous way. The following are examples: "I regard them (the police) as being vexatious and unnecessary." On costs, he says: "Do not grumble at every expenditure. You get the omelettes: you must
pay for the eggs. If the omelettes are not worth the
price of the eggs, try horseflesh." In connection with repairs: "Do not be tempted to put bran, oatmeal, or other good food into your radiator." Life is too short to waste in straightening split-pins." " No petrol, no pop." He concludes by writing: "Ii you want to know any more, buy a few more books."
This is a language which transport men understand. Can it be that journalism is deteriorating? I wonder where the writer is to-day. I shall turn to his book again. In the meantime, it rests in my humble library alongside Dickens and Pepys. H. SUNDERLAND. Bacup.
[We appreciate these references to the work of our contributor, Mr. R. T. Nicholson. He was a man of exceptional talent and had his own particular style, which combined humour with practical knowledge. He devoted all his journalistic efforts to Ford products, writing, also, "The Book of the Ford" and a long series of articles in this journal, under the title of "Ford Van Pointers." Unfortunately he died some years ago.—ED.] RED OR YELLOW COACHES?
WITH regard to the recent developments in con nee" tion with the proposed issue of a standard petrol ration, and the relative complications thereby involved, we wonder whether we may be forgiven for presuming to raise yet another point which has occurred to us and which does not appear to have been discussed up to date.
From the recent investigations and pronouncements by the Minister of Fuel it must, presumably, be accepted as a fact that hitherto some operators of goods vehicles have in many instances been receiving an allocation of petrol in excess of their actual bona fide requirements.
It is, perhaps, open to question as to whether the proposed cut of 10 per cent. in this direction is likely to –have any appreciable effect in these cases: moreover, the opinion would appear to be quite widely held that goodsvehicle operators have been, and will remain, in the happy position of. being able to obtain sufficient petrol to satisfy their stated requirements.
In the case, however, of coach operators of excursions and tours and private parties, the general position would appear to be that their current allocation of fuel, based as it is on 1947 issues less 1:q, per cent., is definitely inadequate to meet public demands. One has actually heard of operators who have been compelled to cancel tours and refuse further bookings owing to insufficient fuel; in view of the fact that current issues of fuel pay no regard to fleet additions since 1947, one can well believe the truth of such statements.
There are, of course, many concerns which operate both goods vehicles and coaches, doubtlessly in many cases drawing petrol from their own pump for both types of vehicle. One cannot avoid feeling that, with the best intentions in the world, such concerns will find it very difficult indeed (perhaps impossible) to ensure that any excess of fuel issued in respect of their goods vehicles is not utilized for a purpose for which it was not granted, namely, in their own coaches. Such use, obviously, would be quite contrary to the interests of the user whose livelihood is derived solely from coach operation, and although we feel sure that no concern of integrity and repute would take advantage intentionally of such a loophole, it appears evident that the opportunity does in fact exist.
Perhaps the Minister of Fuel would care to consider the suggestion that coach petrol would be better coloured yellow, rather than red, as is now proposed—or might it be that the impending problems of Haifa will be sufficient to prevent our petrol supplies from acquiring any
kind of "new look "? G. R. GRIFFITHS. Birmingham, 16.
HAVE THESE BEEN ARRANGED BY AMERICA?
A S 1 am very interested in commercial vehicles 1 would like to know the answers to the following questions: (1) Have the natent rights to the electric car been secured by America? (2) Is it true that under the Marshall Plan we are to receive motor vehicles from America while exporting the same types from Britain, and if this will not be a waste of dollars?
London, S.E.9. K. LESTER.
[In answer to your queries: (1) 'There are no patent rights to electric vehicles as such, although protection may be obtained for some particular new system or details of it. The electric vehicle is of very old standing—there were even battery-electric taxicabs in London many years ago— and a number of protected designs is being built in Britain. (2) There are certain types of motor vehicle and appliance which we use for special purposes, as, for example_ in connection with open-cast coal, that it is necessary to obtain from America, but we do not think that ordinary commercial and private motor vehicles would be imported in any considerable numbers.—En.]
INTEREST IN A THREE-WHEELED CRANE
BEING a constant reader of your journal, 1 noted some weeks ago a description of a three-wheeled crane called the Neal, and shall be glad to know the full name and address of the maker. JAxirs Nui Castleton.
[This,erane is made in various models by R. I-1. Neal and Co., Ltd., Plant House. Longfield Avenue, Ealing, London, W.5.—Eni