RETRIEVING WRECKED VEHICLES.
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Modern Methods Demonstrated by the H.F. Salvage Corps.
LAST week modern methods of salvage were demonstrated before an interested audience on a partly made arterial road near Wembley. The demonstration was held in connection with the development of a new organization • which has been initiated by Harvey Frost and Co. (1924), Ltd., to be known as the 1-1.F. Salvage Corps. The idea is that garages possessing thorough breakdown equipment can have their names placed upon an official register compiled by Harvey Frost, Ltd., this "register being available for use by the police and road authorities.
Harvey Frost, Ltd., are, of course, marketing breakdown equipment of all kinds, but do not intend to discriminate between firms using their products and firms using other appliances when compiling the register. There will, however, be an indication in the register as to whether or not a garage possesses a crane in addition to other appliances. A sign has been brought out for use by firms on the register embodying a yellow cross with the legend, " H.F. Salvage Corps."
In the event of a smash occurring, the police or the representative of an organization such as the Automobile Association, can refer to the register in order to find the nearest garage with suitable breakdown equipment.
As regards the need for a crane, Messrs. Harvey Frost point out that there is a widespread impression that this device is only required in the country, where vehicles are apt to run into ditches if they leave the road. They conaider, however, that a crane is equally an essential for breakdown work in a town. Apart from the fact
that vehicles occasionallY precipitate themselves through the area railings of basement houses, it should be •'remembered that in almost every ease of serious disablement a crane is required if the work is to be carried through with expedition.
Furthermore, as it is not unknown for transmission or axle seizure to occur and render the rear wheels immovable, it is considered that a trolley should be included in the equipment, which can be used to support the rear axle, with the wheels clear of the ground, while the vehicle is being towed away.
For the purposes of the demonstration an ancient Renault taxi was turned on to its side and, just ahead, an A.E.C. 30-seater char-a-bancs was run partly off the road and the front nearside wheel removed, letting the stub axle fall on to the soft ground. A salvage lori;y belonging to the Eghana Motor CO. (members of the corps) was then driven to the scene of action. Incidentally, it must be explained that the char-a-bones was supposed to have first collided with the taxi and then run off the road, not only losing a front wheel but also so damaging its rear axle as to be immovable.
The salvage lorry was backed up to the rear of the char-a-banes and drains were taken from the crane on the former to the back axle of the latter. Four men on the crane then commenced to wind and, after considerable trouble, raised the rear axle sufficiently for a two-wheeled Weaver trolley to be run underneath. This trolley runs on solid rubber tyres and has a long telescopic pole, which can be raised and fastened to • the vehicle after the trolley has been placed beneath the axle.
In lifting the char-d-bancs the load on the crane amounted, to about 4 tons, so that two large jack-screws at the rear end of the salvage lorry had to be screwed down to prevent it from tipping up; even with these in operation the front wheels were lifted clear of the ground.
The rear axle having been lifted on to the trolley, the lorry was moved to the front, where it made short work of lifting the char-d-bancs. The whole lob was then towed away with the front end swinging on the crane and the rear axle resting on the trolley with the rear wheels clear. Subsequently, the taxi was righted without difficulty. .
A large salvage lorry belonging to the L.G.O. Co. was also in attendance, although it did not take part in the demonstration. This is a very workmanlike vehicle, fitted with a powerful 'winch and other appliances. We were shown the great baulks of timber which are used to raise a bus which has fallen on its side : no light task.
In addition to supplying a sign for hanging outside a garage, and a window sign, Harvey Frost and Co. will supply imprints for use on the business stationery of firms on the .register.
We understand that various road authorities, police and motoring .organizations have been advised of the H.F. salvage scheme and have approved of the formation of the corps and register.