• Home
• Used vehicles
• Product news
• Dealer news
• Compliance
• Buying advice
• Archive

WHEELS of INDUSTRY "The wheels of wealth will be slowed

by all difficulties of transport, at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by the roughness of the roads over which it runs."--John Beattie Crozier.

GOODS-VEHICLE RECORDS: B.R.F. REPRESENTATIONS.

As a result of representations made to the Minister of Transport by the British Road Federation in respect of the Regulations in connection with the keeping of records for goods vehicles, the Federation has been informed by the Minister that the Regulations regarding the keeping of records will be made as soon as practicable, but it is not proposed to bring them into operation until October 1.

Mersey Tunnel Tolls: Important Reductions.

Following representations by the motor users' associations of Liverpool, the Mersey Tunnel Joint Committee has recommended several important reductions in the scale of tolls. There will be no additional tolls between midnight and 5 a.m. The following reductions have been agreed: Motor tractors, not exceeding 2 tons, from 2s. 6d. to Is.; 2-4 tons,. from 3s. 6d. to 2s.; exceeding 4 tons, from 5s. to 3s.; steam tractors, from 5s. to 3s.

Monthly accounts will be allowed to firms guaranteeing a minimum traffic of £20 per month. Books of prepaid tickets (minimum 20s.) will be issued.

The following are the tolls which motor users will be called upon to pay (trailer figures in parentheses): Goods vehicles (unladen) not exceeding 12 cwt., Is.; 12 cwt.-1 ton, ls. 6d. (2s.); exceeding 1 ton, 2s. 6d. (2s.). Motor tractors (unladen) not exceeding 2 tons, Is.; 2-4 tons, 2s.; exceeding 4 tons, 3s, Steam vehicles, 2s. 6d. (2s. fid.); roller, 5s.; tractor, 3s. Hackney vehicles for 8-14 persons, 2s. 6d.; exceeding 14 persons, 5s.; ambulance, 2s.; furniture van, 3s.; furniture van and trailer, 5s.; hearse, 39. 6d.; showman's special vehicle, 2s. 6d.; tank wagon, 3s. 6d.

Keen Competition in Milk Transport.

Certain conditions with regard to the transport of milk to Manchester came under review at the June meeting of the East Lancashire Committee of the Road Haulage Association, in Manchester. It was pointed out that, at one time, farmers paid the cost of the transport of milk, but now it appeared to be realized by the big concerns which handled milk in the city that they could pay the cost of transport and make a deduction from the farmer's account. As there was a fair amount of competition amongst haulage contractors for the work, prices were cut finely and the haulier had no redress. An investigation was promised.

It was reported that the membership D20

of the East Lancashire Section of the Association had increased to 245. An appeal was made to members to do their best to increase the figure to 400 within the next few months. .

A statement dn licensing conditions was made by Mr. Hindley, the acting secretary. It was becoming evident, he said, that it was a waste of time to apply for licences for discretionarytonnage vehicles in the hope of work being found for them. In cases where a member required additional vehicles, he should obtain support from customers. If it could be proved that the work was promised and there were no other outstanding features, such as rate-cutting, permission could generally be obtained from the Licensing Authority.

A Petrol-pump Fitting Required.

An inquirer wishes to learn of a petrol pump which, in addition to the recording mechanism, is equipped with a paper roll so that the driver can sign for the quantity supplied.

Big Extensions to Hepworth and Grandage Works.

Work on extensions to the premises of Hepworth and Grandage, Ltd., St. John's Works, Bradford, has begun. A new pattern shop, which will be about 530 sq. yds. in extent will, it is anticipated, be completed within the next four or five weeks. A new piston 'shop, about 2,700 sq. yds. in area, will be ready, it is expected, towards the end of November. The new buildings

increase ncrease the area of the works by about one-third.

Road-accident Returns.

The Ministry of Transport returns of persons killed or injured in road accidents during the week ended June 16, 1934, show that, in England, 97 persons were killed and 4,648 injured, whilst 23 died as a result of previous accidents. The figures for Scotland were 11 killed and 440 injured, whilst in Wales 5 were killed and 192 injured.

VACUUM OIL COMPANY CAPITAL REDUCTION APPLICATION.

The Vacuum Oil Co., Ltd., has applied to the Court for consent to a reduction of £1,000,000 in its capital. This amount was expended in the construction of a fleet of tank steamers, some of which have been sold to a company wholly engaged in the transport of petroleum products, so that the capital is now considerably in excess of present requirements, and the reduction will enable the surplus to be returned to the shareholders.

Import and Export Returns for May.

The Board of Trade returns for May, 1934, show that the value of imports of Commercial vehicles, cars, chassis and accessories was £400,340, as compared with £199,685 in May, 1933, and £282,938 in May, 1932. A fairly general rise in each category is responsible for the marked increase, The figures relating to the exports of complete commercial vehicles were not up to the 1932 figures, although they show a slight improvement on those for May, 1933. This year's figure is 229 vehicles, with a value of 251,218, as against 228 (244,127) in May, 1933, and 521 (282,121) in May, 1932.

The exports of commercial chassis were slightly down on the 1933 figure, being 745 for the month, as against 780 a year earlier, and 401 in May, 1932, their values being £111,121, £123,479 and £77,552 respectively. The value of commerCial chassis exported to Australia showed an increase from £22,718 in May, 1933, to £50,287 a year later. The drop in the total figure was due to a falling off in exports to India and foreign countries.

Dunlop Factory for the I.F.S.?

It is reported that negotiations are proceeding for the establishment by the Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd., of a factory in the Irish Free State. It is proposed that the new factory, which would manufacture tyres and tubes for the Irish market, should be established in Cork.

New Maker of Friction Fabrics.

Mr. Hubert H. P. Trist advises us that he has severed his connection with Hubert H. P. Trist and Co., and has incorporated a new concern under the name of Tristbestos Brake Linings, Ltd., Brislington, Bristol. The company's new factory is nearing completion and has been planned on modern lines for the production of friction fabrics. Incidentally, it can be mentioned that the directors of the new company have had over 20 years' experience and are fully conversant with friction fabrics for modern conditions.

INDIA'S IMPORTS: U.S. LEADS.

The increased demand for commercial vehicles in India continued during February last, the trade, however, being mainly in American and Canadian low-priced products, only 16 of a total of 810 vehicles being credited to England.

During the 11 months ended February 4,776 vans, lorries and chassis, valued at £436,108, were imported, as against 2,409 and £279,680 respectively a year earlier. The United States is credited with 3,134 units (£232,840), or an average of about £75 per machine, Canada with 1,091 (£109,199), Great Britain 519 (£90,250)—the average in this case being over £170—and other countries 32 (£8,819).

A New Hall Boring Bar.

There will shortly be placed upon the market by Morris and Ingram, 26, Finsbury Square, London, E.C:2, a new Hall fly-cutter boring bar with a

liar speed of 300 np,m and a feed of .004-in, per revolution. It will cover two ranges from 22. ins. to 4T9a

and from 2.2 ins. to 4.2 ins. It will bore cylinders to a depth of .111 ins., 'and the trade price is expected to be in the neighbourhood of £72. It has a self-contained vacuum unit which removes the-borings and dust. This unit is driven by the same electric motor as the main bar.

A Safety Switch to Prevent Fire After Accident.

• A safety switch for breaking the main circuit of the electric installation on commercial vehicles and cars, in the event of a collision or overturning, has recently been introduced by the Wilkinson 'Sword Co., Ltd., Oakley Works, Southfields Road, London, W.4.

Designated theGraviner, it is simple in action and is designed for mounting on the engine side of the dashboard or bulkhead. It occupies little space, being only 31 ins, square by 4 ins. deep.

The device is operated by a pendulum, normally vertical, but free to swing longitudinally. (in respect of the vehicle) or transversely. Such motion, through a system Of cams, levers and catches, operates electrical contacts which break the battery circuit, earth the magneto, etc. The movement of the pendulum is restrained by a spring, of pre-determined strength ; thus, under the influence of the forces to which it is subjected during ordinary driving, no action takes place.

A Four-cylindered Air-cooled Engine.

A new founcylindered air-cooled engine for light commercial vehicles has been introduced by the Wisconsin Motor Corporation, Milwaukee, U.S.A. The engine has a bore and stroke of 2t ins. and 3i • ins. respectively, and develops 10 b.h.p. at 1,360 r.p.m. The cylinders and heads are enclosed in a cowl through which a current of air is drawn by a fan-type flywheel.

S. Smith and Sons' New Issue.

The well-known accessory maker, S. Smith and Sons (Motor Accessories), Ltd., has resolved to authorize the directors to issue 100,000 unissued ordinary £1 shares as 7 per cent. non cumulative preferred ordinary shares. Of the unissued ordinary shares, 28,000 of each are to be divided into 20 shares of is. each. The resulting 560,000 shares of Is. each will be issued as defeirecl ordinary shares at the price of 3s. each, whilst the preferred ordinary shares will be priced at 80s. each.

Converting a Business into a Private Company: The tenth edition of an informative and practical little book entitled " Converting a Business into a Private Company," by Mr. Herbert W. Jordan, has recently been issued by Jordan and Sons, Ltd., 116-118, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.2, at the price of is. 6d. It explains clearly and briefly, in language easily read and understood, the • process of " conversion " and explains the precise advantages that a business carried on as a company possesses over private ownership.

New Shefflex Company.

We are advised that the business of Shefflex Motors, Ltd., Tinsley, Sheffield, has been taken over by a new company trading under the name of Messrs. Shefflex. The continuity of the supply of Shefflex chassis and spares for them is, therefore, assured. PERSONAL PARS.

Mr. H. D. Stevens, who joined Crossley Motors, Ltd„ a few months ago, has now been appointed municipal sales manager, and his activities will embrace the whole of the country.

We learn that Mr. C. H. Chichester Smith has resigned from Morris Industries Exports, Ltd., and Mr. H. C. R. Muliens, late assistant sales manager, has been appointed general sales Manager, whilst Mr. F. G. Surman, late assistant manager, has been appointed shipping manager.

A Simple and Effective Tipping Gear.

On the grounds of economy and simplicity in operation and maintenance, manually operated tipping gear is preferred by some hauliers. The Robson ball-bearing tipping gear fulfils these conditions. It is easily attached to the chassis and is motmted on a steel channel frame.

The gear, which is of the worm-andnut type, incorporates a vertical screw shaft operated through fully enclosed gears running on ball bearings. The mounting plate attached to the body is split to allow for angularity, and is mounted on pins contained in bearings on the nut casing. The nut itself is of phosphor bronze. The winding shaft is mounted on ball bearings and is equipped with a simple locking device.

This gear, which may be operated from each side, is made in single and double-screw types and various sizes are available. It is manufactured by Stanley T. Robson, Ltd., 275-283, Coventry Road, Birmingham.

Important Orders for Morris. Commercials, The Post Office Stores Department, London, has recently placed repeat orders with Morris Commercial Cars, Ltd., for another 150 Morris-Commercial vehicles, which will bring its total of vehicles of this make to nearly 2,500. The new order is for 15-cwt. and 1-ton models, Another important order received by the company is for 50 taxicabs, which have been ordered by Messrs. Watson, London. A JAPANESE VAN FOR THE BRITISH MARKET.

We understand that Mitsubishi Shoji Kaisha, Ltd., Cory Buildings, 117, Fenchurch Street, London, E.C.3, intends to introduce to this country what it is believed will be the first Japanese commercial vehicle to appear on the British market It is a three-wheeled delivery van, named the Mazda, and has a capacity of 9 cwt.

The motive unit is a 485.6 c.c. sidevalve air-cooled engine, which transmits power by chain through a threespeed gearbox, having a kick-starter, to a reduction and differential gear, whence the drive is conveyed by live axles to the rear wheels. The machine is of the type with one steering wheel at the front and the box body at the rear.

The fore part of the machine incorporates motorcycle principles, whilst, from the steering head, girder-section members extend to the rear springs. We understand that, subject to variations in the rate of exchange, the machine will sell in this country at approximately £99.

Containers for Meat Transport.

Some 300 tons of meat enter London daily through the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Co.'s City depot at Broad Street Station, where, instead of being brought into London in ordinary railway vans, the whole of the meat will be conveyed in specially designed containers, in which provision is made to keep the contents at an even temperature.

To enable the containers to be transferred from railway wagons on the high level to road motors 30 ft. below, three 10-ton overhead electric cranes working on a gantry 200 ft. long and spanning six sets of railways lines and a road, are being installed at the Broad Street depot.

Haulage Concern Alleged to Have Been Wound Up.

A submission that a licence could not be granted if, as was suggested, the concern had ceased to exist was made to the Yorkshire Licensing Authority (Mr. J. Farndale), at Leeds, on Tuesday. An application for a licmce to carry iron, leather, provisions and general goods was made by Mr. Edward L. Winter, on behalf of Winter Brothers (Leeds), Ltd., a concern of demolition and haulage contractors, Leeds.

The submission quoted was made on behalf of the London and NorthEastern Railway Co., but Mr. Winter, who said he was managing director of Winter Brothers (Leeds), Ltd., denied that the company had been wound up, and that it had been succeeded by a concern known as the Regent Scrap Metal Co. His undertaking had, he said, disposed of four vehicles, and now had only one—a second-hand vehicle bought for £10 two years ago.

Counsel for the railway company said that an opportunity should be given of making inquiries at Somerset House to ascertain whether it could D22

be proved that Winter Brothers (Leeds), Ltd., had ceased to exist. He was instructed definitely that the company had been Wound up, and that the business was now carried on by the Regent Scrap Metal Co.; -Ltd.

The Licensing Authority adjourned the application until July 25.

Arlington's Good Progress in Wales.

Good business in Leyland Cubs and special-purpose vehicles is reported by the South Wales branch of the Arlington Motor Co., Ltd., 2, Westgate Street, Cardiff. Among recent orders is one for four Cubs from Messrs. F. Ley and Sons, Swansea.

Specializing in Quarterly Insurance.

Invincible Policies, Ltd., which specializes in quarterly motor insurance without extra cost, has removed its Manchester branch from 27, Brazennose Street to larger and more con venient premises at lb, Cooper Street, where motor users can obtain immediate insurance cover and help in all insurance matters.

Northern Ireland Vulcan Distributor.

Mr. A. Stringer, 156, Antrim Road, Belfast, has, we understand, been appointed sole distributor of Vulcan vehicles in Northern Ireland.

Fleet Three-wheelers for Dunlops.

The Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd., has just purchased 11 Fleet commercial three-wheelers, each carrying 10 cwt. and taxed at £4 per annum. They are intended for speeding up local delivery services and were supplied by Godfreys, Ltd.

Big Developments in Wales.

The Commercial Motor understands that two concerns are to erect oil-fromcoal plant at Cardiff, and that two oilengine makers are shortly to open service depots for oilers in Cardiff and Swansea and, later, manufacturing will possibly be commenced at Cardiff. AN INTERESTING TWO-PURPOSE SHOWROOM VAN.

We reproduce on this page a picture of a Commer travelling showroom, having the maker's Centurion 2i-ton chassis as its basis. The vehicle was sold through the maker's Bristol distributor, Cathedral Garage, Ltd., whilst the bodywork was carried out by Messrs. Osborne and Hase11. The body was designed for the dual purposes of displaying gowns, etc., and for use as a caravan. Its approximate interior dimensions are as follow:— Length (behind the driver's partition), 16 ft. 4 ins.; width, 6 ft. 6 ins.; height, 6 ft.

The panelling is carried out in handbeaten aluminium with rounded corners and roof, being outswept at the rear. The interior of the body is reached by way of two doors at the rear. The driver's compartment is equipped with two lounge-type

moquette-covered seats, whilst it has a Sunsaloon mechanically operated sliding head. The roof is fitted with six ventilators, and the interior is illuminated by eight oblong dual-bulb moderntype lamps. Chromium-plated brackets and rails are mounted at each side and across the rear of the body.

100,000 Tractors in Under Four Years.

The Stalingrad plant is the oldest of the Soviet tractor works, and, although it is not yet four years old, it produced its 100,000th tractor on April 11 last. In July, 1930, the output was only five units, but by January, 1931, production had increased to 602 machines for the month, whilst in December of that year the output figure had risen to 2,725.

The total output in 1933 was 40,000 machines, and in the first quarter of the current year 9,266 tractors were produced. The works are at present carrying out the trial production of mediumpowered oil-engined track-laying tractors, the manufacture of which on a large scale is proposed. PRIVATE CAR ADAPTED TO CARRY GOODS.

A decision concerning the adaptation of private cars for the carriage of goods was given, last Friday, by the stipendiary magistrate at Glasgow Central Police Court. A farmer was accused of having used a motorcar for the conveyance of goods without paying thei.appropriate licence duty.

It appears that the car was used to transport cans of milk, the rear seat having been removed and replaced by a platform. The Paisley registration authority considered that the car had not been adapted. The stipendiary, however, held that the vehicle had been modified for the carriage of goods, but he decided not to impose a penalty. He dismissed the case and suggested that the authorities might endeavour to obtain a ruling on the point from the Ministry of Transport.

Personalities in the Motor Trade.

Motor Commerce, Ltd., 53, Short's Gardens, London, W.C.2, has just issued at one guinea a biography of well-known members of the motor trade and prominent motorists, edited by Mr. Percy Peters, FL M.T., and Mr. H. Thornton Rutter, A.M.I.C.E. It contains 167 pages and should be a very useful addition to the reference library.

M.C.W. Bodies in Demand.

Recent orders which have been received by Metropolitan-Cammell-Weymann Motor Bodies, Ltd., Vickers House, Westminster, London, S.W.1, include the following;-20 single-deck bodies for the transport department of Chesterfield Corporation, six doubledeck bodies for the Cheltenham District Traction Co., four double-deck bodies for the Mansfield and District TractionCo., and four single-deck bodies for the Daimler Co., Ltd.

Mr. Stirk's Pertinent Comments.

At the East Midland Traffic Court, at Leicester, a few days ago, Mr. J. H. Stirk, the Commissioner, had before him an applicant who said he made journeys to Bournemouth, but travelled back light, the distance being 170 miles. The Commissidner asked the applicant how much he obtained for the journey and how much it cost per mile to run his vehicle; the answers to these questions were as 10s. and 7d. respectively.

The Commissioner pertinently observed that, at 6d. per mile, it would cost £.8 10s., without the applicant's personal expenses, and adjourned the application, adding "you had better learn a little simple arithmetic before you come again." .

With a view to extending the scope of the Road Transport Rates Tribunal, the voluntary rate-stabilization body formed by 'hauliers in the West Riding of Yorkshire, a deputation from the Tribunal met members of the Liverpool Cart and Motor Owners Association, at Liverpool, on June 21. Mr. William Edwards, M.Inst.T., who was a mem, her of the Salter Commission, presided. The deputation from the Tribunal cornprised Mr. H. Goodwin, secretary of Blythe and Berwick (1928),. Ltd., and Mr. Henry Burrill, of William Burrill, Ltd.

The purpose of the deputation's visit to Liverpool was to endeavour to effect. closer co-ordination between Liverpool hauliers and those in the West Riding. Our Yorkshire correspondent learns that the deputation was satisfied with the result of the meeting, and it is confidently anticipated that the object will be achieved in the near future.

Singer Van Colour Schemes.

We are asked by Singer and Co., Ltd., Coventry, to point out, in connection with our recent road-test report of the Singer 5-cwt. van, that the price of £120 for the complete vehicle includes the choice of three colours. Incidentally, the acceleration graph illustrating the report was described as showing the performance of another make, but we hope that this }mistake was too obvious to have misled our readers.

A Useful Gasket Guide.

J. Payen, Ltd.; Church Wharf, Chiswick, London, W.4, has recently issued the 1934 edition of its gasket guide. It is a most comprehensive publication, running to 160 pages. It is divided into four sections, in one of which gaskets for different uses on commercial vehicles and tractors are dealt with. The booklet contains many illustrations, showing the formation of gaskets of different types, and prices are included, and a copy can be obtained from the address we have given.