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Passing Comments
Page 42
Page 43
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Pat on Back for Press
THE exhibits at this year's Commercial Motor
Show reveal that there has been much burning of midnight oil in the offices and workshops of the major manufacturers. Simple though it may seem to offer a new model which weighs considerably less than an old one of similar capacity, it is by no means as easy as all that. However, everyone will agree that it has been worth the effort, for lighter and bigger vehicles mean ever more economical running, part of the secret of the success of road transport throughout its history. Somehow or other, and despite every difficulty, road transport proves itself to be capable of .meeting whatever demand is made of it.
Some of these demands are made by Chancellors of the Exchequer, but quite a number is voiced by the Technical Press. For example, lighter public service vehicles have been called for by "The Commercial Motor" on many occasions in the past few years, and it is gratifying to see that the call has not been unheard. Now, if public feeling is being properly assessed, there is a call for more silent coaches and buses and, especially, for easier entry and exit arrangements. Grumbles are still being heard about the height of steps in some current models, also about the narrowness of doors. Perhaps some of the new models at the Show will prove to meet these requirements, too, when they go into service_
Microscopic Liner Wear
N/IANY appreciative comments from vehicle users I" which bear a striking witness to the value of its Cromard cylinder liners have been received by the Laystall Engineering Co., Ltd., 53, Great Suffolk Street, London, E.C.1. A Liverpool operator fitted these units in a Gardner 6LW engine and reported an average wear Of only 0.0015 in. per cylinder after 135,000 miles. Several others, running sUch models as Bedford and Thames, stated that practically no wear was perceptible when the engines were stripped for overhaul.
Story with Two Morals
ONE of this year's visitors to Britain travelled by train from London to a South coast resort on several occasions. One day he decided that he was tired of seeing the backs of suburban houses and thought he would like to go by road. Friends said that it would be impossible because he had not booked, but at the Victoria coach station one Wednesday morning he was immediately welcomed aboard a coach.
The journey was most pleasant, and although it took 40 minutes longer than the train, the time was not wasted, for be declared that he had never had any idea of the beauty of the countryside. On the following Tuesday he made the return journey, early in the morning, and again had no difficulty in obtaining a coach seat. Two morals immediately spring to mind. First, mid-week travel is still easy, quite unlike week-end travel. Secondly, still more could be made of the
value of coach travel as a means for seeing Britain. Few visitors are in such a tearing hurry that they cannot devote a little extra time to travelling by road, and all appreciate the leisurely pace ef coach travel with its attendant pleasures of a snack or coffee at a wayside stopping place, provided that the facilities are properly arranged.
Appreciation of Toll Roads
TOLL roads are being generally accepted by vehicle operators in the U.S.A., and experts suggest that they are particularly successful where traffic is heavy and permanent enough to provide sufficient revenue to sustain maintenance, operating costs, interest on bonds and amortization of the capital in 25-35 years. The pre-war toll mileage was 347, but since 1945 an additional 1,479 miles have been built, are under construction or are scheduled for this year. Projects of this nature are being discussed in a number of States.