OPINIONS and QUERIES
Page 33
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The Editor invites coerespondence on all subjects connected with the use of com
mercial motors. Letters should be written on oniy one side of the paper. The right of abbreviation is reserved and no responsibility for views expressed
is accepted. Queries must be accompanied by a stamped, addressed envelope.
ARE GAS-PRODUCER MAKERS DILATORY?
nNE of your leaders of last week blames the Government for its attitude towards producer gas, but the manufacturers themselves are more to blame.
If you will put on your hat and coat and visit the various manufacturers you will be thoroughly disgusted with the dilatory and unbusinessiike attitude towards both the user and the dealer. These manufacturers have been in touch with the Government all the time and are continually pleading that the Government will not assist them. I speak authoritatively when I say that the majority of operators is not interested in the Government's attitude.
Over 12 months ago we had orders for producer-gas vehicles, and the manufacturers concerned even then told us that there was no market.
It is curious that so much thought should be given to the Government's attitude. Never, as long as I can remember, has anything been done to help the motor industry.. Our industry has forged ahead as the result of youthful executives, ambition and unadulterated determination. The coal industry has perished, and it is this industry that could have fought the growing power of the oil magnates.
Already we have orders from corporations .and commercial-vehicle operators. The writer has interviewed the directorates of some of the largest companies in the North of England and all are having producer-gas conversions or new producer-gas vehicles.
As a result of the previously mentioned dilatoriness, etc., of the producer-gas plant manufacturers, we have commenced manufacture ourselves, and we are actually delivering vehicles within the next 10 days.
I suggest that we completely ignore the Government and if any paralysing move be made by the Government we are big enough, and the industry is powerful
enough, to smash this. KEN TURNER, M.I.M.E.
Wigan. For Standish Truck Co.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SKILLED REPAIR MEN.
ALTHOUGH a great deal of publicity has been given to the hardships suffered by many classes of the community through interference with their means for livelihood on account of the emergency through which we are now passing, we do not remember having seen any particular reference to the troubles of those employed in the motor garage and repair industry.
There must be in their ranks a large number of very capable mechanics with a tremendous amount of accumulated experience, both in actual vehicle-repair work and the machine work that goes therewith. It seems to the writer that some scheme should be put into operation with a view to obtaining work for these men in manufacturing plants where there exists a definite shortage of skilled labour.
We ourselves can give employment to a, fairly large number of skilled centre-lathe turners, not perhaps actually on centre lathes but on turret and capstan machines. It is admitted that a centre-lathe turner 'requires a certain amount of practice before he becomes an adept and skilled worker on machines of the type mentioned, but we, in commonwith most manufac inters, would be prepared to face up to this difficulty We write this letter. in the hope that with your largtcirculation you may be able to give it publicity, to dr. mutual benefit of unstaffed manufacturers and workless skilled men. JOHN I. THORNYCROFT AND CO., LTD.
Caversham, Reading. Marine Motor Works.
[Some months ago the National Service Committee of the Retail Motor Industry, Motor Trade Association Offices Lombard House, Great Charles Street, Birmingham, sur. veyed the human and material resources of 15,000 garages and produced a report of considerable value. This was, of course, with the idea of placing these -resources at the service of the Government, but, no doubt, it could help in the supply of suitable men for a purpose such as that outlined in the above letter, particularly where the men are required for work of national importance,—En.]
ENGINES TO USE WITH GAS PRODUCERS.
A T present we are engaged upon research work on .C. theproduction of fuels suitable for gas producers. In connection with these experiments, we require a suitable internal-combustion engine.
The minimum compression ratio to give satisfactory results with producer gas is about si to I. We think that you may have information in your files which would enable you to suggest the names of some engines fitted to commercial vehicles which are capable of being
modified to give such a ratio. RESEARCH MANAGER. Hengoed.
[There is not usually any great difficulty in machining down the face of a cylinder head to give a higher com pression. To our knowledge, some Fordson, Bedford, A.E.C. and Dennis engines have been successfully modified for this work. In some cases, it has been found advantageous to use a light-alloy head. We consider it advisable, however, for you to consult the makers of these power units—ED]
RATES FOR SERVICE WITH THE WAR OFFICE.
WE have an agreement with the War Office to supply vv 2, 3 and 4-tonners. The W.O. would provide petrol, oil, tyres, food and accommodation for drivers and do any repairs necessary. The service would be for 24 hours per day when required. What wages and
charges would you consider fair? G.B.F. London, N.20.
[The following rates have been agreed with the War Office for the hire of lorries under conditions precisely similar to thos'i set out in your inquiry:-2-tonners, £$ us. 3d. per day of 24 hours; 8-tOnners, £4 5s. 6c1.; 4-tonners, £4 19s. 6d.: drivers to be paid a minimum of 15s. per full day, and vehicles to be at the disposal of the authorities for the 24 hours, the military authorities being responsible for providing reliefs.—ED.]