WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
Page 8
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
"The wheels of wealth will be slowed by all diOczeties of transport at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by the roughness of the roads over which it rune."—John Beattie Crosier, More Motor Mail Vans.
Beginning with July, there will be a considerable extension in the motor mail Ivan service of the city of Liverpool and some 65 horse-drawn vans will be superseded. The contract has been obtained by Messrs. J. Blake and Co., who have specialized in motor mail transport for many years ; in fact, they might almost be described as the pioneers. At the present time they are running, on current contracts, a miscellaneous fleet, including Commer Cars, Ward electrics and Ford vans. The local services at Liverpool are maintained both by horsedrawn and motor vehicles, and the fact that it has now been considered desirable to adopt mechanically propelled vehicles entirely is a tribute to the recognized ascendancy of this method of despatch. At one time Messrs. Blake and Co. conveyed the parcel post by motors between Liverpool and Manchester, but since the war these mails have been sent by rail. It may be remembered that some months ago we published an illustrated article tracing the historical development of motor mail transport. _ Dr. Waldo Honoured.
His Majesty the King has sanctioned the appointment of Dr. F. J. Waldo, H.M. coroner to the City of London, as Knight of Grace to the Grand Priory of the Order of the Hospital of St, John of Jerusalem in England, the oldest Order in Europe and founded A.D. 1014. The Order is conferred for marked services, e.g., provision of proper and adequate ambulance services, compulsory first-aid certificates for all police constables (including the Metropolitan force), etc.
Guy 1-tonners for the Gold Coast. The African and Eastern Trade Corporation, who have in the past purchased large numbers of Guy vehicles, have just sent a repeat order to the manufacturers, this being for 12 1-tonners. The vehicles are to be shipped to the Gold Coast for service at Coomassie.
The nearness of the equatorial line fo this part of Africa is sufficient to indicate the adverse atmospheric conditions under which the vehicles will have to work.
The African and Eastern Trade Corporation have, however, sent large numbers of Guy vehicle. to this part of Africa in the past, and the satisfactory service which they have given under conditions which are admittedly difficult is reflected in the repeat order now being executed by the makers. The company already own a large number of vehicles of Guy manufacture.
The New President of the S.M.M. and T.
Sir William Letts, K.B.E., has been cleated president for the ensuing year of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders in succession to Col. X. Sealy Clarke.
Sir William Letts is one of the pioneers of the industry, having been associated with Mr. Harry J. Lawson in the very early days. Later, he was one c20
of the directors of _Charles Jarrett and Letts, Ltd., agents in this country forthe Lorraine-Dietrich tars, and in London for the Crossley car, then made by Crossley Bros., Ltd. There is no doubt that he played a very big part as an agent in the development of this car, and, later, he joined the company—
Crossley Motors, Ltd.—formed to develop the production. He is now managing director of that concern and of Willys-Overland-Crossley, Ltd., and of A. V. Roe and Co., Ltd., which, together, constitute one of the largest British combinations of motor-vehicle and aircraft builders. He was one of the founders of the Automobile Association in. 1905, one of the original signatories of the S.M.M. and T., and he was one of those responsible for the formation of the M.T.A. Re was high sheriff of Carnarvonshire for the year 1922, and proved an exceptionally popular official. He was president of the council of the Motor and Cycle Trades Benevolent Fund in 1923, then raising the record subscription list of over £6,500, and he has served on various committees of the S.M.M. and T. for a long period.
A " C.M." Vacancy.
The scope of The Commercial Motor continues to expand, and there is, in consequence, an opening on the business staff for a gentleman of about 80 years of age. Applicants, who should have a fair knowledge of the commercial motor industry and possess some experience in, or aptitude for, the solicitation of advertisement orders, are asked to write to the Manager, Temple Press Ltd., 7-15, Rosebery Avenue, London, E.C.1.
The Turning Circles of Publicservice Vehicles.
In our precis of the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on the Licensing and Regulation of Public Service Vehicles included in last week's issue of The Commercial Motor, we summarized the constructional requirements in connection with the vehicles, and, on page 582, we abbreviated the requirement in connection with the diameter of the turning circle. It would have been clear had we used the word " minimum " in front of the words " turning circle," but as the requirement laid down in the Report of the Committee is itself not very clear, we had better give the paragraph exactly as it stands in the Report. This is requirement No. 17 in the appendix to Chapter 4, and appears on page 23 of the Report, and it reads as follows : "Turning circle. Each vehicle must be able to turn in calla direction. in a circle not exceeding Wit. in diameter, as determined by the extreme wheel. track. In the case of single-deck vehicles, the diameter of the minimum turning circle must not be less than 52 ft."
Correspondents have rather confused the intention of laying down a minimum turning circle in the case of buses with the requirement of a maximum turning circle in the case of cabs.
Norfolk Bridges Closed. We are informed by the Royal Automobile Club that Ontwell Bridge, which is situated in Norfolk at the point where the Outwell-Littleport road joins the Birmingham-Yarmouth road at Outwelt Church, will be closed for reconstruction for six months. A temporary bridge will be provided for vehicles with axle loads not exceeding 5 tons. Stow Bridge is also closed for the same Purpose, but in this case there is no temporary bridge for vehicular traffic.
Salesman Wanted.
We know of an opening for an outside salesman for high-class commercial vehicle chassis for the London district by a concern importing one of the leading foreign commercial motors. Candidates should have had previous experience in selling, and should be able to show a successful past record. To the right man a staff position with good Prospects can be offered. Applicants should address their letter a to " S.P.F.," care of the Editor of The Commercial Motor.
Messrs. Bromilow and Edwards, the well-known manufacturers of the tipping gear of that name, have opened a service depot on the Trading Estate at Slough.
S.M.M. and T. Officers.
At a meeting of the Council of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, held a few days ago, the following were elected as officers of the Society for the current year President : Sir William M. Letts, K.B.E.; vice-presidents Mr. R. W. Maudslay and Mr. W. Peto; hon. treasurer : Mr. Leslie Walton.
The following were elected members of the finance committee :—Mr. L. Walton (chairman), Mr. H. G. Burford, Cob J. A. Cole, Col. J. Sealy Clarke. Mr. H. M. Hobson, Sir W. M. Letts, K.B.E., Mr. H. Shankland, Mr. J. K. Starley, Mr. H. E. Timson and Mr. G. M. Young.
Conveyance of Motor Fuel by Road.
The Home Office has recently issued a list of new regulations with regard to the conveyance of petroleum spirit by road. The regulations contain a serie,s of general conditions and also 'a specification for tank wagons, which is referred to in one of the clauses under this heading. One of the provisions makes it clear that the quantity of spirit carried in a tank wagon shall not exceed 1,500 gallons unless the load is distributed over three axles, as in the case of the tractor-tank type of vehicle, when 2,500 gallons can be transported. According to the new regulations, the tank of any large-capacity vehicle must be subdivided so that the capacity of each compartment does not exceed 600 gallons.
Death of Mr. E. F. Spurrell.
We very much regret to have to announce the death, after a very short illness, of Mr. E. F. Spurrell, the borough surveyor of Holborn for the last 20 years. He died at -the early age of 56, and his death will not only be a loss to the borough but to a number of technical institutes of which he was a member. He was a man full of good ideas, and was responsible for the introduction of mechanical transport in the cleansing work of the borough, and was always ready to test new ideas, and novel appliances.
He had to carry out very important work in connection with road construction in the borough, and the last 20 years had seeu the undertaking of the con struction a many important new roads. As the borough is traversed by two or three of the Underground railways, there has been an immense amount of excavation work involving the diverting of gas and water services, sewers, and electric light cables, which has meant a great
deal of hard work and close thinking on Mr. Spurrell's part.
We enjoyed Mr. Spurrell's acquaintance for a number of years, and had learned very much to appreciate him and his abilities.
Assembling Fords in Queensland.
According to information secured from Melbourne, the Ford Motor Co. have now completed their preparations for the establishment of assembling works at Brisbane (Queensland). It is stated that about 80 acres of land have been purchased at Eagle Farm, and on this site it is proposed to erect a large onestorey building which will become the assembling and distributing centre for all Ford vehicles and parts sold in Queensland.
Birmingham's Sixth Parade.
The West Midlands division of the Commercial Motor Users Association has arranged to hold its sixth annual parade of motor vehicles at 1.30 p.m. on Saturday, July 18th, in Queen's Drive, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham. Mr. John Howell, the divisional secretary, advises us that Ansells' Brewery, Ltd., have intimated that they will not this year enter any vehicles for the Dunlop 100-guinea trophy in the champion team class, and it is hoped, as a result of this good spirit, that other users may be induced to enter.
This year, in addition to the usual money prizes and certificates, the winning driver in each class will be awarded a special medal, and it is felt that these awards, coupled with the decision of Messrs. Ansells not to compete, will swell the list of entrants both of members and non-members of the Association. Entry forms for the parade can be obtained from the Commercial Motor Users Association (R.A.C. Offices), County Chambers, Corporation Street, Birmingham.
A Fire-brigade Process:on.
The Lancashire Fire Brigades' Friendly Society, which was founded at Blackburn 50 years ago, recently celebrated its jubilee in the town in which the society originated. In 1875, when the society was formed, it comprised only nine brigades, but to-day it is composed of 160 brigades with 2,935 members. The object of the society is to previde assistance for firemen partially or totally disabled whilst engaged in the course of their duties. Over 70 brigaden assembled in the spacious yard of the Blackburn Fire Brigade on the occasion of the 50th anniversary demonstration,' afterwards taking part in a procession through the principal streets of the town. Amongst the vehicles participating was a number of Leyland fire-engines belonging to different brigades.
New Parts Standards.
Three new standard specifications for motor vehicle parts have just been issued by the British Engineering Standards Association. The first deals wfth standard dimensions for wide-type concentric piston rings, the second with dimensions for carburetter flanges (two-bolt type) and the third with the standard method for the calibration of carburetter jets. Copies of these three new booklets can be obtained from the publications department of the Association at 28, Victoria Street, London, S.W.1, each being priced at 1s. net.
A New Paris Bus Regulation.
A new regulation issued a few days ago by the Prefecture of Police in Paris prohibits motor omnibuses from overtaking and passing one another except in certain very special circemstances. Whilst this will, perhaps, spoil a certain amount of speculation between platform passengers as to whether the A.T. will pass the C. bis. before reaching the Place de ht Concorde, etc., it is a very necessary rule. Paris bus drivers are, for the most part, exceedingly skilful, and perform prodigies all day long in the way of avoiding collisions.
A wise clause added to the new regulation states that an omnibus broken down by the roadside may be overtaken and passed! An Active Association.
The north-eastern division of the Commercial Motor Users Association is very active in looking after the interests of road users in its area, and it has recently circulated useful posters amongst its members. One contains a series of warnings to drivers, these including valuable pointers on what to do before leaving the garage, what to do in case of accidents, and information relating to prohibited bridges. The last-named subject is, as many of our readers will be aware, a very serious and ipaportant one to all road users. Another poster is one issued by the National " Safety First" Association, which deals with road signals. Users in north-eastern counties should display such posters in prominent positions in their garages, for they can • hardly fail in their message to drivers.
A Straker-Squire Booklet.
A new booklet which has just been issued by Straker-Squire, Ltd., of Edmonton, London, N.18, consists, in the main, of a comprehensive collection of bold illustrations, which give a good impression of the manufacturing facilities which exist at the company's works. Pictures of the various shops are given which serve to indicate the range of modern machine tools and equipment installed, whilst additional views show sections of other works and administrative departments. A number of pagei is also devoted to illustrations of typical Straker-Squire productions, including buses, trolley-buses, goodscarrying vehicles and special municipal models.
A Yeovil User's Thornycroft.
The Thornycroft lorry which is illustrated on this page has recently been put into service by Messrs. Trask, Sons and Co., mineral water manufacturers, of Yeovil, to fulfill two definite purposes. In the first place it is intended to serve as an express delivery unit, and in the second to act as a valuable publicity medium. A casual glance at the picture might not suggest its value in the latter connection, for the general lines of the vehicle are conventional, but in reality it is most attractively finished. It is finished in a pleasing shade of dark green, the Mudguards, wheels:and under-carriage being painted dark red. The gold lettering stands out in bold relief, and a distinctive note is given by the use of nickel fittings.
The chassis is an example of the maker? subsidy model, and the body was built to the user's specification by Messrs. Vincent and Co., of Yeovil.
Messrs. Trask place great faith in the advertising value of smart vehicles, and express the view that many companies who handle advertised goods do not appreciate the full merit of this factor. They were the first to introduce motors for business uses into Yeovil 15 years ago, and their experience over a I ng period has been all in favour of B 'tiV,h commercial vehicles.
' Fords for Consett.
Having been most favourably impressed by the performances of motor vehicles in municipal service, the Consett Urban District Council is considering the purchase of a Ford 1-ton chassis with the object of fitting it with a specially constructed body for the work of house-refuse removal. The council is alio suggesting the use of a 1-ton Ford lorry for haulage of road materials.
A 106-ton Load By Road.
During a recent week-end a unique load was conveyed from Liverpool to Manchester by road. It consisted of a stator for the new 25,000 kw. generator which is now being installed at the Lister-drive Power Station, Liverpool, and weighed nearly 91 tons. The jour
ney was made during the night hours, when it was surmised that road traffic would be at its quietest.
Messrs. E. Box and Co., of Manchester, had three Fowler road locomotives fitted with rubber tyres in commission for the work, and the stator, loaded on a specially built eight-wheel truck weighing 16 tons, was hauled from Manchester to Liverpool, a distance of about 40 miles, in 15 hours' running time. The total load weighed 106i tons, and it is a compliment to the efficiency of Messrs. Box's transport arrangements that the removal contract was carried out without mishap of any description.
A Caledon Booklet.
Caledon Motor Co., Ltd., 98, Duke Street, Glasgow, have sent us a copy of a booklet they have just produced in connection with their exhibit at the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley. It deals with the range of Caledon models which are designed for carrying loads from 30 cwt. up to 10 tons, the vehicle with the largest carrying capacity being a six-wheeler. A brief Apecification is given of each chassis.. A copy of the booklet can be obtained from the address given above.
Laystall Engine Overhauls.
The Laystall Motor Engineering Works, Ltd., Ewer Street, Southwark, London S.E.1, have just published a little booklet which deals with the activities of their engine overhauling
department. It gives details of the thorough manner in which this class of work is undertaken from the dismantling, cleaning and inspection of all components to the brake horse-power test and the final adjustments when a power unit is.running under load. The booklet contains illustrations of some of the modern equipment used for the work as well as pictures of sections of the various departments.
Vukans on Giant Pneumatics.
A trio of 30-cwt. Vulcan lorries have recently taken their departure from the works of the Vulcan Motor and Engineering Co. (1906), Ltd., at Southport, and have been put into service by Woodhouse rind Co., Ltd., buidlers' • merchants, of Manchester. It will be seen from the picture of the vehicles which is reproduced on this page, that they are shod with giant pneumatic tyres, those which are used being straight-sided Dunlops of 34-in. by 7-in, dimensions. The chassis are fitted with general-purpose lorry bodies, and the cabs are designed to give adequate protection to the drivers in all weathers.
There is certainly a growing tendency to use giant pneumatic tyres on goods-carrying vehicles of all sizes, for it is becoming recognized to an increasing extent that they possess merits which fully compensate for the added initial expenditure.
Four-wheel-drive Vehicles in Quebec.
The Government of the Canadian province of Quebec has lately issued a regulation permitting motor lorrit -I with four-wheel drive to carry a load up to 9,000 lb. per axle when shod with pneumatic tyres and 8,000 lb. when on solids. The new regulation is the result of a • report by the engineers of the Ministry of Roads that such vehicles can carry heavier loads than machines of ordinary construction without damage to the ,roads.
A Lightweight Tractor-tanker.
Scammell Lorries, Ltd., of Watford, have recently delivered the tractortanker illustrated Cu this page to ShellMex., Ltd., and the machine is of particular interest in view of its relatively light weight as against the bulk load
it is able to transport. The vehicle, which is to be used for conveying 10-ton loads of Mexphalte, weighs but 6 tons 1 cwt., including-the weight of the compressor.
The company claim that this is the lightest tank wagon of its capacity ever made, and that to enable the weight to be kept down to the minimum special patented features have been introduced into the design of the tank. This has a light shell stiffened by very deep angle Irons, and it serves as the frame of the carrier. The rearmost springs are mounted in longitudinal pressings attached to the tank at two points, the front attachment of the spring to the tank thus being relieved of all fore and aft stresses, which are taken by the rear bracket.
The air compressor is of special Scannell design and construction, and has three radial cylinders and positively operated pistons and valves. Several compressors of, this type have been in service for a long period, and, we are informed, have given complete satisfaction.
We are told that this is the ninth frameless tank wagon supplied to ShellMer, Ltd., others being used for the hulk conveyance of petrol and fuel oil.
More Knee Space in Taxicabs.
At a meeting of the Oxford Watch Committee the chief constable reported that he had ascertained that the knee space in taxicabs licensed in London,. Birmingham, Bristol and Liverpool was greatec than that on such vehicles in
use in Oxford. The committee has, accordingly, decided that, in future, only vehicles with at least 14 ins, knee space shall be licensed.
Glasgow and Vehicle Speeds.
It is officially intimated that the Corporation of Glasgow has never made any speed regulation, but that, where speed is "excessive and dangerous to the public," prosecutions can be instituted and convictions secured. Owing to the great increase in motor traffic within, the past few months—especially the large influx of motorbuses from outside the city boundaries—special constables have been set apart for the purpose of stopping motor vehicles that appear to be going too fast, and this arrangement, it is stated, is having a very salutory effect on the character of the traffic.
During March, April and May 74 persons were reported to the sheriff for reckless driving and 179 for excessive speed. The magistrates have now authorized the erection of island refuges at busy street junctions in order to compel drivers to keep to the correct side of the road.
There is, it is said, no present intention on the part of the authorities of applying for statutory powers to impose a specific speed limit within the area of the city.
Manchester Traffic Problems. Manchester City Council has decided to appoint a special traffic congestion committee to consider the one-way traffic scheme and other arrangements which might tend to minimise congestion and pedestrian risks. Councillor Woollant said that the question of running trams and motorbuses in the centre of the city was a serious matter and would have to be considered. In his opinion motorbuses should be run in the centre of the , city.
Of Interest to Body Builders. • A new catalogue which has just been issued by Rotax (Motor Accessories). Ltd, of Willesden Junction, London, N.W.10, deals with hoods, windscreens and body fittings and materials. The company are large manufacturers of this class of equipment, and the booklet deals with their activities in this connectioa in a comprehensive way. The catalogue, which is well produced, is available to all those interested, who can obtain a cony of it from the address given above.
Local Proceedings.
Bradford-on-Avon Urban District Council is making inquiries concerning a 40 h.p. motor fire-engine.
From a number of tenders received for road plant the L.C.C. has accepted that of Broom and Wade, Ltd., of High Wycombe, at 12,300.
The finance committee of the Willesden Urban District Council again recommends the prrisien of a motor vehicle for the education department at a cost of about £400.
Following past experience with Guy buses, Hull Corporation has given a repeat order for two buses of this make, consisting of 26-seater bodies on the manufacturer's B2i-type chassis.
• The Aberystwyth Rural District Council is to consider the purchase of a steam or oil roller and a 3-ton lorry. At present the rolling of roads is carried out with hired vehicles, and this system, it is contended, is too costly.
Bombay Corporation is purchasing, for experimental purposes, a motor vehicle with a low-built body for refuse collection, the idea' being to compare working costs with electric vehicles which are being purchased for the work of refuse collection. The commissioner reports that the vehicle will certainly enable a reduction to be made in the number of bullock-carts now in use. The Mexborough Urban District Council has recently taken delivery of a Leyland fire-engine. It is a 40-50 h.p. vehicle, with a pumping capacity of from 500-750 gallons per minute, and has cost £1,500.
. The tramways department of the Bournemouth Corporation has placed an order with Shelvoke and Drewry, Ltd., for two 20-seater saloon buses, which will act not only as promenade runabouts, but be used on a regular service between the Square at Bournemouth and Boscombe Arcade, via the Undercliff Drive, Kaye Oil Feeders in Demand.
Joseph Kaye and Sons, Ltd., Lock Works, Leeds, inform us that they have recently received a large contract from the Admiralty for their improved forcefeed type of serrated steel seamless oil feeders.
S.D. Freighters Popular.
Shelvoke and Drewry, Ltd., of Letchworth, Herts., the makers of the S.D. Freighter, tell us that owing to the great increase in their business they have found is necessary to 'extend their premises and have recently taken over another factory in Letchworth, which is now being used as their testing shop, thus making room in the main factory for the laying down of a grisater number of vehicles.
L.C.C. Buying Ambulances.
The L.C.C. recently received the following tenders for three motor ambulances :—Tilling-Stevens Motors, Ltd.. £2,010; Clement Talbot Motors, Ltd., £2,265; J. I. Thornycroft and Co., Ltd., £2,355; Armstrong-Siddeley Motors, Ltd., £2,820; Crossley Motors, Ltd., £2,977 5s. 6d. The lowest tender—that of Tilling-Stevens Motors, Ltd., amounting to £2,010—has been accepted.
Hackneys in Aberdeen.
The licensing authoritiee in Aberdeen have just dealt with applications for renewals of licences, 59 of which were in respect of motorbuses and 50 for taxicabs. Only two applications were not granted, one of which wad deferred. Some idea of the growth in the number of hackney carriages in use in the town can be gathered from the fact"that last year there were only 55 applications for licences for buses and eight for cabs.
Yellocab Chassis Developments.
We are informed by Mr. E. Harry Lancaster, the English manager of the Yellow Cab Manufacturing Co. (England), Ltd., 172-175, Great Portland Street, WI, that his company are actively engaged on an extensive programme in connection with the Yellocab commercial vehicle. The range of models comprise 15 cwt., 14-ton and 2-ton chassis. We are told that a revision has been effected in the scale of trade discounts for these vehicles.