Answers to Queries.
Page 20
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Useful Charts and Tables.
" POTTERIES " write :—" Some time ago you advertised sheets of data re springs, etc. We are anxious to have copies of these, and shalt be glad to have artictiJars and your price of same."
ANSWER.—We think you refer to our series of charts and tables, by Mr. C. W. Watson, A.M.I.Mech.E., a member of the editorial staff of this journal. Sheet No. 1 of these charts dealt with plate springs, and sheet No. 2 dealt with helical springs. The charts are not sold individually, but the series of eight sheets in wall-hanger form can be supplied post free for 3s.
Why We Answer Queries.
r1.746.] " MaKeris rite :—•' With reference to in
., (plums which appear in your paper front time to time from different parts and sources, we would be glad to know if same are inserted with a view to manufacturers replying cO of the Editor. If they are inserted with this intention, we purpose, whenever able, to reply fully to same.'
ANSWER.—The object of the insertion of answers to queries in this journal is to inform subscribers and other readers in regard to matters about which they ask questions, but it is quite open to manufacturers, although such practice is not common, to communicate with us, for the purpose of the forwarding of their communications, whenever they think fit.
Motor-contracting Data.
[1,747] " FINANCIAL DIRECTOR " write:—'' We have been offered a maintenance contract in connectien with parcels delivery. Could you tell us where we (mild get particulars as to the cost of running various heavy ears? "
A NHIVER.---You ought to have a took at our -.111oter Hiring Special Number of the 13th October. 1908. We have not a copy left, but you can see it in the library of the Royal Automobile Club. or at the office of the Commercial Motor Users Association. We think it will give you most of the information you want. The only material alteration is this: the cost of runniug five-ton petrol lorries has improv-ed by any-thing between 311 and 35 per cent.
Carrying a Van on a Motor Wagon.
[1.7-181 " 1.1venruptrax " writes :—" Do you think it legal to draw a three-ton van on to the platform of a standard Foden motor wagon, with the wheels left on the van, and to pull a three-ton trailer? The height from the ground to the highest part would he about 14 ft."
ANswEn.—Unless any by-law of the Liverpool City Council limits the height of your load to something under the 14 ft. named, we see no legal difficulty. We understand that the maxim 11111 Width of a road vehicle in Liver pail is 7.1ft., and that the load may overhang a foot beyond that gauge on each side. Certainly, loads which reach 14 ft. in height from the ground are not uncommon there. So far as regards any other possible legal difficulty, you merely want to safeguard yourself against an excess of eight tons upon the back axle of the wagon, and in this matter we also feel sure you will be quite safe. Hence, it appears to us that you have merely to take the necessary precautions to secure the three-ton van on the platform of the motor wagon in such a manner that its lashings or scotaings cannot .come adrift.. A trailer may also be hauled.
Our Lists of Owners.
L1,7493" TRADERS " Write :--" We shall be obliged if you will kindly inform us how we can obtain a list of motorbus and motorcab companies with their garages in the United Kingdom. We inny say that we regularly take THE. COMMERCIAL MOTOR and ' The Motor.' Thanking you in antivipation of your kind assistance."
ANSWER.—We have lists of the kind -in our possession. You will appreciate, however, that we are obliged to regard these as any trading house regards its list of customers. We doubt if you will be able to obtain lists from any quarters, and even a long search at Somerset House is an impracticable and unsatisfactory way of tackling the subject. You may be desiring to get publicity for your
--and other preparations, and we certainly concur in the view that you ought to find a demand amongst owners and drivers of motorcabs, motorbuses, motorvans, motor fire-engines, etc. Would it not be to your interest that our business representative paid a call upon your advertising manager ?
The Motor Shop.
1.730] " TRAVELLING DRAPER " Writes :—" I have been thinking of purchasing a light delivery van. T am a travelling draper and have some very had roads to pass over. My stock in trade and self as driver would not exceed 741 cwt. I would like protection for self, as well as goods. At present, I have a pony and cart, but I believe with a, motor I could earn from £50 to 73 more peryear. I would be prepared to invest £200 or so for a dividend earner. Ally information and advice would be appreciated.''
ANSWER.—We have no hesitation in advising you that. you could increase your business very considerably by the employment of a suitable motor vehicle in the place of your existing pony and trap; the improvement would result principally on the score of the increased mileage that would be possible. You, no doubt, are quite alive to tile advertising possibilities of a motor vehicle in your busihess ; also, you cure yourself the best judge as to the amount of the increased turnover that you would be able to handle, mS we have no facilities for estimating the capacity ef particular business connections. The total load which you propose to carry is approximately that of a fully-loaded taxicab. ond, as we note that you have some very-bad roads to pass over, you will need to be sure that you procure a chassis with ample engine power. You do not say am-thing about speed, or what sort of tires you propose —solid or pneumotie. You will be unable to obtain a new machine that will give you satisfaction under the conditions you name for the sum mentioned, but it is possible that you may pick up El useful setkond-hand vehicle that will suit your purpose. If. however, you decide upon this latter course, we cannot tin) strongly advise you to spend no money until you have definitely secured a report from a thoroughry-reliahle expert source as to the condition and value of the machine. You might do worse than advertise your requirements, stating the sem you ore Prepared to expend. in the " Sundry Advertisements " columns of this journal. Also, we recommend you to study the article. on pages 353 to 357 of this issue.