Answers to Queries.
Page 15
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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 enclosed : if a request for privacy is iiLt 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 Oen to those who desire to make announcements to owners for the Purposes of trade.
Drivers Screens for the Winter.
[2060] "BODY BUILDERS" write :--" We notice in your issue dated the 4th July last, on page 408 there is shown the Aveling screen on one of Thornycroft's commercial vehicles. We shall be glad if you will let us know where we can get particulars of this screen."
ANSWER.—You can obtain particulars of the windscreen from Mr. T. C. Aveling. 91, New Canal Street, Birmingham.
One Lamp or Two at the Front ?
[2061] "TRANSPORT " writes :—" The local police are pressing me to place two lights at the front of my wagon. Is this compulsory ?
ANSWER.—Whilst the Motor Car Use and Construe tion Order only requires one lamp to be fitted on the extreme off side, many local lighting by-laws require two lamps at the front, and include all motorcars in their application. We should advise you to fit two lamps.
Another Insurance Query.
[2062] " SOUTH WALES" writes :—" Do you issue from your office a policy covering car and owner (who drives) 3 I take THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR every week, and I would like to hear from you on this subject. 1 do town work, and go four or five miles out. I have a car, present value about £150. 1 should Like particulars of best policy, and cheapest.
ANSWER.—You cannot do better re insurance in your district than to apply to the Cardiff office of the Car and General Insurance Corporation, Ltd. The address of this office is : 1, Bank Buildings, St. Mary Street, Cardiff.
10-cwt. Vans and 25-cwt. Lorries.
[2063] " WORKS " write :—" We should be pleased if you can give us any information regarding a suitable van, say, to carry up to 10 cwt., not a very expensive make. Also, a light lorry to carry 20 to 25 cwt.. If there are any good makers you can recommend, we shall be. pleased to hear from you."
ANSWER.—Various makes of 10-cwt. and 25-cwt. vans are advertised in the current issue of this journal, and we think we cannot do better than to refer you to those pages, seeing that they contain the announcements of established manufacturers of repute.
Concerning Governing.
[2064] " OWNERS " write :—" We have a motorvan which is somewhat speedy, and we are on the lookout for a governor which could be attached to the engine in order to limit the speed. We should be glad if you could give us the name of a reliable maker of such a governor, and any additional particulars which you may have before you."
ANSWER.—The makers of your van themselves would be very likely to give you assistance with advice. We dealt with the question of governors in a special article in our issue of the 15th October, 1908, and you may care to refer back to that. It is out of print here, but you may have access to a file of THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR in the local library, or elsewhere. In any event, any of your representatives could see the article at the Automobile Club library, or at this office. A Would-be Mail Contractor.
2065] "NIBBLING" writes :—" I am desirous of contracting for the collection of letters tor the rest Office in this town. The town is very hilly, and, of course, the petrol consumption and wear of tires are heavy. Could you give me any information of the usual charges for this work 1 The type of chassis I should use would be an 18 li.p. . The carriage capacity should provide for a load of 13 cwt."
ANSWER. -If the Post Office can give you a mileage of not less than 50 a day, you ought to make it pay at aid. a mile. We do not think you will get the contract if you quote more, but there is not a very big profit in it at that figure.
Queries about Serpollet Steamers. [2066] " Pastry MILES .FROM. LONDON" writes :--" 1 am a regular reader of THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR, and 1 should be glad if you could give me a. little advice. I may say I am a carrier. I have only a small business, which I do myself with the help of a lad running between .and with passengers and luggage, a distance of 11 miles each way. I have thought I should like to try a motor, and I also have an idea 1 should like a steam vehicle best. if I could happen on something reliable, second-hand, and cheap. "I don't want to lose my business if I can help it. What I wanted to ask you is in regard to the Serpollet steam buses which the Metropolitan Steam Co. are offering for sale. They are offering them at £45 upwards, chassis alone, according to tires. Could you please tell me if they are at all reliable, or what is the trouble they have with them? I have been told they often stop on the road. I don't want to get stranded on the road. I would rather keep on as I am . for a time. Do you think I should be able to manage one all right after learning to drive? Of course, T know there is sure to be something go wrong sometimes, but you don't want continual trouble. The buses I mean are 30-40 h.p., and they say they have had less than 12 months wear. I don't know exactly what the running costs would be, but I thought they would not be so expensive as a petrol vehicle for repairs."
ANSWER.—You do not state the load which you wish to carry. The Serpollet -steam buses are rather "tricky" for a man to manage unless he has had a lot of experience with steam vehicles, and you should not be tempted by the apparent bargain price of 45. We think you should bear that in mind. You might, as a carrier, put yourself in communication with Scout Motors, Ltd., of Salisbury, Wilts, and ask for particulars of their carrier's lorry. You may be able to arrange to buy one from them on deferred terms. They have petrol engines, and are good for the job.
[2067] " BROKERS " write :—" We should be very glad if you would kindly let us know whether the firm in the name of Gardner and Serpollet are still in existence, and if so what their address is, please?"
ANSWER.—The firm about which you are inquiring is no longer in existence. M. Serpollet died several years ago, and the French factory, we believe, was taken over by the Darracq interests. Numbers of the Serpollet models in this country are now being offered for sale by the Metropolitan Steam Omnibus Co., Ltd., which has had a number of these machines running for several years bast. and is now running L.G.O.C. B-type pefrol models in their place.