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WHEELS of INDUSTRY "The wheels of wealth will be slowed
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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.
Important Tyre-standardiza tion Conference.
An interesting development in standardization of rims, tyres and tyre valves is to take place during July, when an International Technical Conference will be held in London. Arrangements for the conference are in the hands of the standards department of the Institution of Automobile Engineers, acting as secretariat of a technical committee of the International Standards Association.
The importance of the work can be judged from the fact that the British and American tyre industry, together with a substantial proportion of the European interests concerned, are to take an active part in the conference. The occasion will certainly afford art opportunity for close contact amongst tyre technicians of various countries.
Our Front Cover.
The subject of the striking cover of this week's special issue is a Latil timber-hauling outfit which is operated by Mr. G. Pearce, Alton, Hants. This vehicle has now been in operation for over six months, and it is interesting to note that Mr. Pearce estimates that it has halved his costs in timber hauling. Before this Latil vehicle was taken into service it was necessary to employ a team of horses and a steam traction engine, but now' the tractor and trailer do the work far more satisfactorily and, of course, more quickly. Moreover, it has been possible to use the machine throughout the winter, whereas in the case of the old equipment operations had to be suspended on account of deep mud.
A Bedford Rally at Eastbourne.
On Saturday last, Mansfields, Ltd., held its annual Bedford and Chevrolet Rally and Sports at Frowd's Field, King's Drive, Hampden Park, Eastbourne. Some 50 vehicles were entered for the event, all being inspected by Mr. G. Barnes and the engineering staff of Vauxhall Motors, Ltd. Amongst the sports were tent-pegging from the vehicles, musical chairs, and quite a thrilling event in which each vehicle towed a kind of surf board upon which stood a "jockey."
The proceedings were conducted under the supervision of Mr. A. W. Mansfield, Mr. Clifford Wright (C. C. Wakefield and Co., Ltd.) acting as clerk of the course, and Mr. W. j. Stomp (East London Rubber (3o.) as judge, whilst the presentation of prizes was made by the Editor of this journal.
R.H.A. Meeting in the East Riding.
The annual meeting of the East Riding sub-area of the Road Haulage Association took place in Hull a few days ago, when Capt. Marshall was reelected chairman and presided over an. attendance of more than 40 members. The resignation of Mr. McGregor as honorary secretary of the area had been accepted by the committee with regret,.
D20 and Mr. C. E. Davies. has been appointed to fill the position.
Mr. G. A. Hotter, the national general secretary, attended on _behalf of the council and delivered an address on. the work that has been done during the past 12 months. He also dealt with the amendments that have been-considered by Standing Committee A in the House of Commons on the Road and Rail Traffic Bill. He explained the principles underlying a scheme for legal defence and group insurance that the council is considering, particulars of which will shortly be circulated.
Royal Show Exhibitors: Alphabetical List.
For the convenience of readers interested in next week's Royal Agricultural Show at Derby, the following list of exhibitors-, arranged in alphabetical order, is provided, each name being followed by the stand number :—
Valuable Research Work by the N.P.L.
The annual inspection of the National Physical Laboratory took place on Tuesday last. Visitors were received by Sir F. Gowland Hopkins, president of the Royal Society, chairman of the board, the Right Hon. Lord Rayleigh, F.R.S., chairman of the executive committee, and the director, Sir Joseph E. Petavel, K.B.E., D.Sc., F.R.S.
An outstanding feature of the work of the laboratory, at the present time, is the experimentation relating to aerodynamics. Eleven pieces of apparatus, which have been installed or put to practical use since our previous visit a year ago, were devoted to this purpose. Streamlining is investigated by apparatus which photographs the motion of the air as disclosed by tiny spots of hot air produced by electric sparks.
Research is being carried on to measure the efficiency of high-pitch air screws. The phenomenon known as spinning is being investigated, and a method .of eliminating its dangers is almost discovered.
On the road-transport side, some protracted investigations into the be haviour of engine lubricating oils is being carried out. After the reactions of the oil in the engine cylinders are determined, its behaviour and suitability as a journal lubricant are tested. It is not always .remembered that an oil for a petrol engine has satisfactorily to meet the divergent requirements of these two uses.
'The choice of a lubricant for worm gearing is another problem which is being solved.
The selection of the lenses for trafficsignal lights would not, to the layman, appear to involve much scientific prob ing, yet such is the case to some extent. Closely related to this last investiga tion is another: "The determination of thresholds for coloured lights by spectroscopic methods," the purpose of which is to discover the facility with which the vehicle driver, whose eye has, for a time, been confronted. with day light or the lamps of other vehicles, cart identify and take note of the various coloured-signal lights.
Of broader application, but possessing considerable interest for the commercial motor user, are experiments on the
strength of welded joints and the strength of sheet metals.
A Book About Armstrong.Saurers.
A 68-page handbook on ArmstrongSaucer vehicles has been written by Capt. R. Twelvetrees, A.M.IMech.E., and produced by Armstrong-Saurer Vehicles, Ltd., London and Newcastle. Entitled "The Story of Scotswoodand its Vehicles," the publication includes chapters on production methods (making a feature of the highly scientific machines employed), general performances, fuel-consumption tests and servicing arrangements. The hand:book is beautifully produced.
Trailers Needed for Palestine.
An important concern operating in Palestine wishes to extend its transport facilities by adding trailers. These are to be single-axle machines, with a gross weight of 5 tons, on twin pneumatics, and with a tare weight of approximately 1 ton. Brakes must be fitted. Letters addressed "Palestine Trailers," care of the Editor, will be forwarded.
k The Exit* Battery Convention The 13th annual convention of the Chloride Electrical Storage Co.. Ltd., which opened on Tuesday last at Torquay, closed yesterday. Mr. D. P. Dunne, the managing director of the company, whose portrait is reproduced on this page, acted as chaliman of the convention. Some of the delegates from the Bristol and Cardiff areas arrived by G.W.R. aeroplane. The overseas contingent was particularly strong, and Mr. L. 13illingham (Capetown) read a short paper on "Selling Exide Batteries in South Africa."
"Anglo-Persian" Trading.
The Anglo-Persian Oil Co., Ltd., announces that the profits for 1932, after making full provision for all royalty and taxation due to the Persian Government under the recent settlement, amounted to £2,379,677, contrasting with £2,318,717 for 1931. After providing £1,071,341 for the dividends on the preference capital, £320,829 for extra depreciation, £53,501 for new issue expenses and the allocation of 1200,000 to the debenture reserve fund, the directors have decided to recommend a dividend of 7i per cent. (less tax) on the ordinai j shares. The amount to be carreed forward is £447,259.
Vehicles in Port Areas: Taxation Suggestion.
The Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, having made a further review of the circumstances attaching to the proposals to increase taxation on heavy vehicles in ports, has come to the conclusion that, as it is impossible to press for exemption from higher duties to be given solely to vehicles in Liverpool, the amendment to the Bill, to be proposed in the House of Commons, should he altered so that it will not apply to any particular port, but to all in respect of which the Minister of Transport defines an area as a port area Colonel Shute, M.P., is being asked to put forward this suggested alteration.
Meeting "Stop" Lamp Regulations.
To meet proposed new regulations dealing with "stop " lamps, Flexible Lamps, Ltd., 59, New Oxford Street,' London, W.C.1, is arranging to supply its well-known Rubbolite combined " stop " signal, and rear damp with the signal portion enclosed by an ambercoloured glass.
If users of this make of lamp wish to exchange the existing glasses with white markings, Flexible Lamps, Ltd„ will supply, free of charge, the new glasses on receipt of the old ones and 2d. in stamps.
An Oil Industries Exhibition.
The International Oil Industries Exhibition takes place at the Royal Agricultural Hall, London, N., from July 19-25 next. On the first day it will be open from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. and subsequently from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The exhibition will afford manufacturers of oil-production plant an oppor tueity for demonstrating the advances made in recent years in supplying equipment to meet the needs of improved oilfield and refinery technique and the demand for more economical production methods.
Amongst the exhibitors will be certain concerns well known in the commercial-motor industry. The exhi bition is organized by Kinematograph International Exhibitions, Ltd., 5, Devonshire Street, London, W.1.
Two New Scottish Bodybuilders.
Messrs. W..M'Dougall and Sons, Kinloch Road, Campbeltown, have commenced business as motor bodybuilders, as have Messrs. M'Culloch and Johnstone, at 1, West Netherton Street, Kilmarnock. Personal Pars.
It is with much regret that Yorkshire Coach Owners, Ltd., has consented to withdraw its retainer on the services of Mr. W. R. Hargrave, of Messrs. Arthur Willey and Hargrave, solicitors, Leeds, in order that he may accept an appointment as legal advocate to several large combine bus companies in Yorkshire. Since the inception of the Road Traffic Act Mr. Hargrave has represented Y.C.O. members at the Traffie Commissioners' sittings.
We reproduce on this page a portrait of Mr. Frank Crawter, M.I.E.E., who Is retiring from the Chloride Electrical Storage Co., Ltd., with which he has been for 37 years. He was associated with many of the early experiments in the use of accumulators for propelling road vehicles, tramcars, etc.
Mr. Crawter was placed in charge of the London office of the Chloride concern in 1896 and, during 48 years in the industry, has been closely connected with the development and application of accumulators.
The Western Transport Co., Ltd., will shortly lose its general manager, Mr. A. A. Hawkins, being about to enter upon his retirement. He will be succeeded by Capt. Roberts, of Bangor, who will have as his depot manager, Mr. George Steen.
Mr. Hawkins has been with the Western Transport Co. for over 30 years, and when he came from Greenock as general manager of the Wrexham and District Tramway Co., no buses were in service. The first purchases of these vehicles were made in 1913. Subse quently the company changed its title to the Wrexham and District Transport Co. and then to the Western Transport Co., Ltd. It now forms part of Crosville Motor Services, Ltd., Chester.
On June 25 Mr. F. G. Bristow, C.B.E., the indefatigable general secretary of the Commercial Motor Users Association, completed 21 years' service as honorary secretary to the Standing Joint Committee of Mechanical Road Transport Associations. This committee was established in 1912 by the C.M.U.A. to enable the national organizations representing owners of motor vehicles used for commercial and industrial purposes to.confer upon legislation, taxation and other matters affecting mechanical road transport, and for more than two decades it has given good service to the road-transport industry.
As is well known, Mr. Bristow has a number of other transport interests and has represented the road-transport industry on many Government committees during his honorary secretaryship of the Standing Joint Committee.
The Gearbox of the New Guy.
In a caption to one of the illustrations accompanying our description of the new Guy Arab four-wheeled I oiler for bus work, published in last; week's issue, we stated that the chassis had a three-speed-and-reverse gearbox. As was made clear in the article, there are three indirect forward gears, so that, with the direct gear, four forward speeds are available. New Prices of the Fleet Three-wheeler.
New prices are announced for the latest Fleet three-wheeler, which is the product of Ariel Motors (LS.), Ltd., Sally Oak, Birmingham. The van ,(60 cubic ft. capacity), painted, now sells at fag 10s, and, in a primer coat, at £87 10s., the price of the truck, painted, being £87 10s. and with a tilt £91 10s.
Certain detail improvements have been incorporated in the. latest model. For instance, the driver's position is 4 ins, lower, in order to give a more symmetrical appearance, whilst the body is 10 ins. wider. By reason of the increased width, the driver now has better protection from the weather, and the lower roof enables a single-panel screen to be used.
The Fleet is capable of carrying loads up to 10 cwt. and is propelled by a h.p. four-stroke air-cooled engine.
Tractor-trailers Required for Overseas.
Consideration is being given to the establishment of a tractor-trailer transport service overseas, and a representa
five now in this conntry can give full details of the conditions under which the vehicles will be required to operate. Letters addressed, "Tractor-trailers," rare of the Editor, will be forwarded.
Henley's Profitable Trading.
The report of W. T. Henley's Telegraph Works Co., Ltd., for the year ended March 31, 1933, shows a profit of £300,208, from which directors' fees, debenture interest, depreciation, etc., amounting to £71,989, have tobe deducted. After adding the sum brought forward from 1932, i.e., £557,496, the total is increased to £785,805. After deducting the transfer to the reserve account (£50,000), the interim dividend on ordinary shares (148,750), income tax (113,388), dividend on preference shares to December 31, 1932 (£9,000), etc., there is a balance of 1663,151.
As mentioned in our issue for last week, the directors now recommend the payment of a final dividend of 2s. 6d. per share (less tax) on the ordinary shares, making 4s_ for the year, as well as a cash bonus of 2s. per share (less tax). These account for £146,250 and leave £516,901 to be carried forward.
Concrete Road Construction Experiments.
In the second report of the technical committee appointed by the Minister of Transport in 1929 to advise on the experimental work of the Roads Department, it was stated that a detailed account of experiments undertaken in connection with concrete road construotion was being prepared. This report has now been published by H.M. Stationery Office, under the title "Concrete in Road Construction," the price being 2s. 6d.
It deals with the experimental work on concrete roads carried out by the Ministry, and is divided into four main sections. The first relates to the construction of experimental sections, and the second to field laboratory service and work at the experimental station at Harmondsworth, whilst the third section describes the methods employed in the cutting, examination and chemical analysis of cores from concrete roads, and the fourth summarizes information regarding current practice in road construction.
R.A.C. and N.P.L. Reports on the New "Evidence" is the title given to a booklet recently issued by the Vacuum Oil Co., Ltd., Caxton House, West minster, London, It contains reports of tests of the new Mobiloil, carried out under the official observation of the Royal Automobile Club and the National Physical Laboratory.
The R.A.C. reports, which are published in full, deal with two 10,000-mile tests carried out at Brooklands at average speeds of approximately 58 m.p.h. and 60 m.p.h. They are accompanied by some good official photographs, showing the internal condition of the engines at the end of the tests.
The authorized extracts from the N.P.L. reports include some of the most exhaustive bench tests made on a motor lubricating oil.
The results of these tests supply farther independent evidence of the quality of the new Mobiloil under extreme running conditions. A copy of the booklet will be sent, post free, on application to the company at the above address.