ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. THE DRIVERS' COLUMN.
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"LS," (Leyiand).—We are pleased to have your note, and shall await the particulars with interest.
" L.M." (Buxton.—We shall be happy to receive the report you offer to furnish, together with photograph.
W. Ilirtwistle (Blackburn).—.Your subscription for three numbers for 12 months has been handed to the business manager.
"Front Axle.''—See Editorial on this subject. Declare the axle weights at 31 tons and eight tons for the front and back axles respectively.
"Laundry Manager."—It is our issue of May 11th that will contain the special section you have heard about. A copy will be posted to you in the ordinary course.
" C.A.R." (Leeds).—We intend to vary our contents from time to time to include matters of the nature you name. Practice and a cool head together make a good driver as a general rule. We certainly value suggestions from our readers very much.
"H.P.R.." (Glasgow).—We are aware that the continued lying of snow has in the past militated against the successful use of lorries with iron-shod wheels in the Highlands. A lot of study has been devoted to this question, and the difficulties may be regarded as overcome. You can apply to us in September next for particulars if your scheme goes through.
S.D.S." (Rock Ferry).—It is necessary to see freight earnings of not less than Do a week, exclusive of any running calculated to be done on Saturdays, on the basis of an average load of four tons each way. You will sometimes get five tons in one direction, and only three tons back. In fine weather a trailer can be hauled with another two tons on its platform, but this should not be added to the plant unless steady use for it is assured. (i) To reduce risk of overloading; (2) one shilling inclusive. (3) 305. to 355.
"Contributor."—The Editor is pleased to consider any matter submitted_ Photographs and drawings are preferable to blocks. Descriptions of interesting journeys tinder load, of new vehicles, or of special features in any system are equally useful if up-to-date and published for the first time. We want nothing that is stale. Technical articles dealing with any particular branch of the constructional or using side of the industry may be sent in. Payment is made for any accepted article.
"W.H." (Leeds).—Twelve shillings a ton is a rate that should be refused for a greater distance than so miles. It will not pay then without return loads. We do not know manufacturers in the northern town you name. You might learn from the Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce there. We have replied in this column several times already as to hire-purchase. It is necessary to be prepared to put down L200 for each wagon. The balance can then be spread over three years. We will send the address of a company which will act as an intermediary between the makers and you, if we are advised that these terms suit you and in exchange for a stamped and directed envelope. We are not aware that any makers will sell on these terms themselves. " W.A.W." writes :—" About three months ago I was driving a Thornycroft 3-ton wagon, and while going up a narrow road one wheel sank in a drain. On looking round, I found that the back axle box had moved along the spring, the fin. stud that holds the strap round the spring having broken. The road wheel had moved right up to, and jammed itseli against, the fly-wheel. The engine would not run out of gear, because the road wheel was acting as a brake. I lifted the wagon with a jack, and got the loan of a 9ft. plank, which I used as a batrerin ram against the road wheel to force the axle box back to its proper position. I had a fin. chain (sling), which I always carry on the wagon, and I put this round the axle box and then round the frame. I then passed a small iron bar through the chain, twitched it up tight, and managed to get away again. When I arrived home I tapped for a iin. stud, and put one in the strap instead of one only gin. Have had no bother since. The wagon has steel wheels with loin. tyres,"
M.P." writes :—" Last evening, while returning from Liverpool with a chain-driven wagon, one of the chains broke when about five miles from home. I immediately threw the broken chain on the wagon and put the locking pin in the differential shaft. I was then able to travel the remainder of the journey with the one remaining chain, and, therefore, to waste no time. As nearly all chain-driven wagons have a locking appliance, I thought this might be of some interest."
" A.K." writes :—" Some three years ago I left Monkwearmouth Station with a 30-ton boiler for the West Bourdon pumping works of the Sunderland and South Shields Water Company. I was the second man on an 8h.p. McLaren engine. Most of the road being paved with partite setts, and the wheels having iron tyres, the grip was bad, but the driver kept tugging and pulling at it with stops and starts. As he could not get away, he thought he would try a short piece of wire rope, about 6ft. long, as a coupling between the engine and the trailer draw-bar. So we men connected it up for him with shackles and pins, but without putting split cotters in the shackle pins to keep them from working out. The jerking threw out one of the pins, and the truck began ro run backwards down the street. The driver of an electric tramcar which was close behind just managed to reverse his motor and to get clear away in time with his load of terrified passengers. This accident happened in a very busy street, and the miracle is that no lives were lost and not a pennyworth of damage was done. Advice to drivers: Never couple up your load without seeing the split cotters are in and opened."
Since our last announcement, an award of five shillings has been made to A. J. Lumsden, T f, East Avenue, Walthamstow, for his letter" Hints for Gland Packing," which appeared on page ri4. The prize of five shillings this week goes to the writer of the first of the above communications, W. A. Woightman, care of Messrs. C. Vaux and Sons, The Brewery, Sunderland. Drivers are reminded of our standing offer of five shillings every week for the most interesting letter, communication, or paragraph. The longest one does not necessarily secure the award, but rather that which describes the overcoming of a difficulty. See particulars opposite.