TOUR contributor, S.T.R., in his article "The Economics of Lightweight
Page 39
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Bodywork," published in your issue dated August 8, cites some extreme examples in his eulogy of the use of aluminium alloys for the construction of vehicle bodies. Although I do not dispute his general thesis, it is my belief that the weights he mentions for bodies of orthodox construction call for some comment.
Considering his example of a large hoxyan body, 22 ft. 6 ins. by 7 ft. 6 ins., with a height of 6 ft. 6 ins., I believe that a van of this type, without a cab and with a height of 8 ft. (which would be in proportion to the length he gives), could be constructed with hardwood framing and aluminium panels to weigh not more than 1 ton 12 cwt. The figure given by S.T.R. is 2 tons 10 cwt. Incidentally, £250 is a very low figure for a body of this size.
Now, as to a lorry body 9 ft. 6 ins. by 6 ft. 6 ins. by 3 ft., a strong one of wood construction, if well designed, should not weigh more than 12 cwt., which indicates a saving of 10 cwt. over the figure given by your contributor.
Later in the article he suggests that 26 vehicles using the same chassis but with aluminium alloy bodies, could replace 30 having bodies of orthodox construction. He does not state the type of body to which he refers, except that each can carry 6 tons 10 cwt. In my view, whether the bodies be of the flat-platform type, have hinged sides, or are boxvans, their construction in aluminium alloy would not save more than 5 cwt. per unit Another point concerns the loading of the smaller vehicle. I cannot understand why such a type with a normal body should be regarded as being built to carry only 2 tons 16 cwt., whereas the lightweight vehicle is said to be able to carry 4 tons. Assuming the maximum load to be 6 tons 10 cwt., the heavier vehicle should carry 3 tons 6 cwt.
It is obvious that amendment of the figures as suggested would substantially affect the final savings in cash as calculated by S.T.R.H. Sim PSON.
Nottingham.
FREE RIDES WHICH RAISED INSURANCE
FO4a considerable period we have insured all our vehicles for unlimited passenger risk. This is because during the war it was a common practice for drivers to pick up Service personnel who were hitch-hiking. At that time we did not like to prohibit our men from helping members of the Services in this way, but now we wish to relieve ourselves of this heavy burden.
Will you kindly inform us whether we can get away from this responsibility to non-fare-paying passengers by putting a notice in the cab of each vehicle? ibis to be to the effect that unauthorized people are prohibited from riding on the vehicle.
If this would cover the matter, will you please let us have a form of notice that would, in your opinion, clear us of the responsibility? H.D. Birmingham.
[The question of the liability of an employer for the action of his employees in giving lifts is not entirely straightforward, but we consider that your position would be reasonably safe if you took the following steps:—(A) Displayed prominently in the cab a suitable notice pointing out that drivers have been instructed that passengers must not be carried, and if, notwithstanding this, persons other than the crew be carried on the vehicle, this will be entirely at their own risk. (B) Display in all depots a similar notice addressed to drivers.. (C) Give written instructions to the same effect to each driver and obtain a signature of acknowledgment from him. A stronger notice for display in the cab would be to the effect that the driver has no authority to carry passengers, and that any unauthorized person riding upon the vehicle will be regarded as a trespasser; also, not only will the company refuse to accept responsibility for any loss or injury to such a Passenger, but that the driver will be liable to instant dismissal. Again, such notice, suitably worded, should be displayed in the garage. The Road Haulage Association has taken this matter up most carefully in the interest of its members, and for them it is issuing suitable notices for vehicle cabs and garages. If you be a member of that body you will be able to obtain them at a reasonable charge; if a non-member, we suggest that you might apply to the Association at 146, New Bond Street, London, WI, and it might he prepared to assist you.—ED.]
BURNING SUMP OIL IN COKE STOVES
CAN any of your readers give me details of practical experience in the burning of waste oil (sump drainings) in coke stoves for garage heating?
I believe that details of some system for achieving this have appeared in the past, but I cannot find any trace of them_ W. DUCHESNE. WiM borne.
PUTTING THE CASE FOR AN EXTRA VEHICLE
" AVING been a regular reader of "The Commercial Motor" for many years and obtained quite a lot of useful information from it, I would like further advice. I am engaged in local carrying and am endeavouring to obtain a licence for an additional vehicle. I find that I can safely say that I have enough evidence to justify the application, but I would like to know how to put it forward.
My hours of work are long—from 7.15 a.m. until 8 p.m., and sometimes much later. Often I have to hire another vehicle. I may add that I have a lawyer acting for me L.H Glasgow.
[As you have a lawyer acting for you and, presumably, he knows something of the problems involved, we are afraid that we cannot be of much more help to you. We would, however, point out that the main object is to prove the need for your extra vehicle, and for that, letters from possible customers are virtually useless, as the Licensing Authorities are insistent that witnesses must attend in person so that they can be questioned. You may also be required to show that other operators in the neighbourhood cannot undertake the work which you propose doing. The fact that you have had to hire to meet your transport needs is a good point and should be emphasized. You should be careful, however, to 'refrain from throwing too much emphasis upon your long hours of work. Driving time is limited by law, and you might get into trouble if it be found that either you or another driver is working much in excess of the legal hours.—ED.]