Answers to Queries.
Page 20
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Buying a l5-cwt. Van.
[2900] (Ironmonger).—We have posted a copy of a recent issue to you, and you will find various advertisers of 15-cwt. vans in it. It will be best for you to apply to them direct for particulars.
Inclusive Running Costs v. Contractors' Casts.
[2901] (Carmen).—Our free sheet (mailed direct) gives the actual costs, for an owner Who provides his own loads. The war has on the average increased the petrol costs by 20 per cent., and the steam costs by 10 per cent. A contractor must see approximately double the revenue that is mentioned per mile run, and even more if the mileages per week are low, or if delays are abnormal.
What if His Son Takes His Discharge from A.S.C., M.T., on Time Expiry?
[2902] (Father).—So far as we can gather, if your son takes his discharge (except for medical -unfitness) irom. the Motor Transport; and if he is under 41 years of age, he will be liable to be called upon to re-enlist. Although, while in the Motor Transport, he is liable by law to be transferred to any other branch of the Service, we think that the probability of his being so transferred is not very great. Of course, if he went out of that branch of the Service, and had to re-enlist, be would probably be put in the infantry.
Were Pioneers or Vanguards First ?
[2903] (Disputants).—The single-deck Pioneers were undoubtedly ahead of the Vanguards, as the original buses on the Cricklowood road were called " Pioneers." If you arc having an argument as to the relative dates for double-deck Pioneers (Scott-Stirling chassis) and Vanguard double-deckers (Milnes-Daimler chassis), the Vanguard was undoubtedly first. The first Vanguard was in service, for the London Motor Omnibus Co., Ltd., on the 27th March, 1905, and the first double-decker Pioneer, for the London Power Omnibus Co., Ltd., on the 7th February, 19n0.
W.D. Lorries: Mudguard Design.
[2904] (Sussex).—It is impossible or us to give you the exact numbers of different types of motor lorries which are being employed by the Government in the many branches of its war service. Practically every type of British lorry, large numbers of American and certain Continental machines are in use. The controls do not vary on any of the Government's own subsidy-pattern types, manufactured to War Office specification by the principal British manufacturers, and there is a general similarity nowadays in the control of motor lorries as a whole. We regret that we do not publish books concerning aeroplane tank-making or mudguard making, and we know of none.
A Motor Lorry Driver Not Put Back.
[2905] (Yorks.).—We are surprised to hear the decision of the local tribunal. We recommend you to apply at the town clerk's office for the name of the tribunal to which you can appeal. Failing a satisfactory reply, we recommend you to write direct to the Secretary,. Central Appeal Committee under Lord Derby's Scheme, Local Government Board Offices, London, S.W. You will require to state all the particulars in your communication. This communication should take the form, for the sake of convenience, of a brief letter stating that you now formally appeal against the decision of the local tribunal in the case of, etc., etc. See Answer No. 2897 (27th January), and quote the reservation which best fits your driver's case.
a52 Settled Motorcar Cases.
[2906] (Owners).—We understand that the book, published by MeSsrs. Butterworthand Co., of 4-6, Bell Yard, W.C., entitled "The Law Relating to Motorcars" an jointly written by Messrs. Mahaffey and Dodson, is the nearest approach to the type of book for which you inquire. The publishers will no doubt be able to send you a syllabus on application.
A Suitable Steel to Stock for General Repairs.
[2907] (Repairer).—To satisfy your needs for a brand of steelsuitable for general use in repair work, for such parts as those named, i.e., axle swivel pins, gudgeon pins, universal joint pins, brake shafts and cams, etc., you cannot do better than purchase a high-grade mild steel with a tensile strength of not less than 30 tons per sq. in. You will be able to case-harden this in the open forge as you suggest.
With regard to the manufacture of differential shafts, rear axles, and many of the other vital parts of a chassis, we do not feel justified in advising you to attempt to utilize the one brand of steel to meet all the different requirements of these parts. In such cases, it would, as a rule, be preferable to take the advice of the maker of the lorry. If the chassis, how-. ever, be an old one, it is quite likely that you will be safe in using a standard mild steel as above.
With regard to your'suggestion that you should purchase nickel steel, you would be well advised to leave this material alone unless you have either facilities for its correct heat treatment, or are able to have it heat-treated in premises adjacent. In the untreated state, it is no better than a good brand of mild steel ; further, it is very likely to give trouble if it is not carefully handled in the forge.
We appreciate your kind remarks, and are glad to have been of service to you on previous occasions.