WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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The wheel of wealth will be slowed by all difficulties of transport at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by the roughness of the roads over which it runs."—John Beattie Crozier.
Wanted, that Alcohol Committee.
Where Li the promised Alcohol Committee, and what Department of the Government has been opposing its formate:MT There is so much useful work that can be done by such a committee that it is sincerely to be hoped there will be no further delay in its appointment. The first thing for it to do would be to suggest ways and means of getting' the alcohol, so that it will, no doubt, be a scientific committee. The sources of alcohol, we understand, must not be sugar or grain, so that practically only leaves, as large sources of raw material, peat and wood pulp.
The Industrial Reconstruction Council.
A conference of Works Committees will be held under the auspices of the Industrial Reconstruction Council on Tuesday, 10th September, at 6 p.m.2 in the hall of the Institute of Journalists, 2 and 4, Tudor Street, E.C. 4. The subject will be introduced by Mr. Robert Wilson of the Ministry of Labour, after which the discussion will be open. No tickets are necessary.
Special "Specials."
A circumstance of the London police strike interested us immensely. Controlling the traffic at the HolbornKingsway crossing were two special constables, one of whom we recognized at once as a prominent member of the motor industry and a man of much wealth. Their control was excellent : they changed the course of the flow of traffic much more often than the regular police do, so that the flow was brisker altogether. The faith of the public in the special constables was shown by the fact that in the few moments we stood watching, nearly a dozen questions were put to them for direction and so forth.
Return Loads Successful in Lancashire.
The experiment of the system of the return load in motor haulage which was inaugurated a little more than twelve months ago by the Manchester and Liverpool Chambers of Commerce has proved eminently successful. The owners of motor lorries running between Manchester and Liverpool and the manufacturing centres of East Lancashire have been able to reap material benefit. For the first six months the tonnage dealt with amounted to 2225, but from January to August of this year it has increased to 11,632, and may thus be said to have become self-supporting.
The A.A. and Motor Schools.
The demand for motorcar drivers, of both sexes, particularly for service with Naval and Military organizations has led many to obtain instruction ' from motor schools. The Automobile Association has, however, received information iinficating that in certain cases the obligations undertaken when arranging for tuition have not been carried out. It must be understood that motor driving is the primary qualification necessary for 1324 those desirous of obtaining employment as drivers of Government vehicles, and in many cases the actual time given to this is quite inadequate to obtain the proficiency necessary to drive a car successfully. It is most essential that reliable advice be obtained when selecting a motor school, and to assist members and others interested in the prevalent demand for drivers, the Association will, in the interests of motoring, afford such advice at its head office in London (Fanum House, Whitcomb Street, London, W.C. 2) and at the branch offices in Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Norwich, Exeter, Plymouth, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow and Dublin. Where students have cause to be dissatisfied with the tuition received, the Automobile Association is prepared to consider the facts and, should it be necessary, take strong action for the protection of the public.
Liverpool Farmers and Harvesting by Tractor.
The motor tractor is playing a large and important part in the harvesting operations round about Liverpool. A day or two ago a group of local farmers were overheard discussing the possibilities and value of ploughing by mechanical means. One of them claimed that by using a tractor he had been able to cut a field of 45 acres of oats in two days—a task which could only have been accomplished formerly by three teams of three horses.
It is with deep regret that we have to record the death last week in action of Lieut. Arthur Whiting, R.N.V.R., who for many years was a director of Whiting, Ltd.
Mr. A. Mason, assistant works manager of the Sunbeam Motor Car Co., Ltd., who has been with the company at. Welverhampton for the past 8-1 years, has joined Guy Motors, Ltd., as manager of the buying department.
The British Scientific Prodnctions Exhibition, a section of which deals with gas traction, at Xing's College, London, closes on Saturday next, 7th September. We understand that it is not possible for the period of opening to be extended.
A Murphy 3 ft. " Safe " cylinder recently underwent a test in London under the supervision of the Gas Traction Committee. It withstood a hydraulic pressure of 3500 lb. to the sq. in., without showing any permanent set, and we believe the Government Department concerned was very satisfied with the results of the test
The Ready Divisible Wheel Rim Syndicate, Ltd., has secured world rights for its invention, which dispenses with the need for spare wheels, detachable wheels, detachable rims, dual rims and the like being used. It is claimed that with this patent rim a tyre can be removed, replaced or changed with ease and quickness and without the use of special tools.
Transport Reconstruction.
In a report on reconstruction problems, the Ministry of Reconstruction refers as follows to the question of " Transport " : —The next phase in the problem is that of transport. The future of railways is in itself a large problem, but it is bound up with a number of others 2 amongst which the development of efficient transport. systems in rural areas is of the most important. The war has thrown a new light on the possibilities of light railways. Our canal system has been too long neglected and is capable of renovation. Civil aerial transport will be a factor to be reckoned a ith after the war, and the subject has also been investigated by a special committee. Another contribution to the same problem will be made by the committee to consider the disposal of war stores. The end of the war will find an immense amount of material of all kinds in the hands of the Govern. ment, including tens of thousands of motor vehicle. The recommendation of this committee will have a material bearing on the transport question. Lastly, there is the question of roads. The highways of the country have been allowed to fall into disrepair during the war and it is estimated that some sixty millions will be required to renew them.
A Double Conversion.
The Morecambe Mineral Water Co. have in their service a Ford with a Baico Make-a-truck attachment which has also undergone another conversion by the addition of a gas container made by Quality Gas Containers, Ltd., Oldham. The company obtained the Ford second-hand and the double conversion was carried out by Messrs. T. E. Hollings', and Co., of Heysham Road, -Morecambe. The vehicle is now carrying good loads a distance of 18 miles on one charge of 300 ft. of gas.
Gas Supply for Vehicles.
Under the new gas rationing echeme a gas-driven motor vehicle could not be supplied with gas from the ordinary house or hotel supply, but. would have to be taken to a garage or supply station for the purpose. It is intended later to control the supply at such establishments, distinguishing between essential requirements and others. In a limited number of cases the local fuel overseer may. recommend a special consent to a reasonable supply for. essential vehicles.
For some time now the Swiss authorities have imposed further restrictions on the use of petrol, benzole, and other fuels in order to retain a certain quantity for the use of agricultural motors.
Andrew Barton Bros., of Beeston, notify us that they have been successful in placing a model flexible gas holder with automatic shutter for cutting off gas when hokier is fully inflated and a top fin to prevent billowing in a head wind on view in the Gas Traction section of the British Scientific Productions Exhibition. A sample of reproofing material which has bear in use for over twelve months is also shown.
Ford Output.
We hear from an American source that in accordance with Government wishes the production of the Ford Motor Co., from the beginning of August, has been 400 commercial lorries and 350 passenger cars a day.
It is estimated that at the close of business on 31st July, when the fiscal year ended, the year's production amounted to, in round figures, 676,940 ears. The estimate is based upon the fact that during the first 10 months and 24 days of the 1918 fiscal year the output of vehicles was 651,191. Since then production has been steadily decreasing. With an average daily production of 1000 during June and 750 during July the remainder of the fiscal year would total about 25,750 vehicles. added to the above figures would aggregate 676,940 cars. How many Ford cars could have been easily disposed of can be estimated also from the fact that on 10th June the company had on its books unfilled orders callmg for 89,242 touring cars, 9824 runabouts. 3013 coupes, 1675 sedans, 5234 vans and 1619 chassis. Subsequent reports state that the company is 110,000 cars behind. •
Restrictive Local Taxes in the. States.
In the States there is a move towards a reform, which, from experience of the limitations on the powers of local authorities in this country, seems to be eminently reasonable. Every state has its own laws, regulations and scales of fees, so that to drive freely from state to state is almost an impossibility unless one has prepared one's self well beforehand, for the town constable is alert, particularly in such states as Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland, and on the least and unimportant provocation these " by-heck " (as the Yankees describe repressive officialdom) minions of the law obstruct the passage of motor lorries and materially hinder their delivery by "tad. Keen endeavours are being made by motor lorry manufacturers in the States to alleviate the congestion on the American railways and the extraordinary demand for railway •trucks by the expedient of effecting deliveries of lorries .by road— yet this method is being hampered by ball petty tyranny and the grasping demands of small officials, and excessive delays in the deliveries aro being caused. The adoption of the custom of European countries of issuing a single licence to cover a whole country is being urged, whilat there are hot protests from all quarters against the levying of excessive taxes in connection with the mere transit of a vehicle over the roads of the various states. It is urged that the present practice is provincial and narrow-minded and above all utterly absurd, and certainly it strikes a Britisher in that way also, for transport must be helped, facilitated, encouraged and developed to the very utmost as part of the very life-blood of a nation.
Agricultural Machinery Repairs.
In a letter recently received from (lie Director of the Manufacturing Section of the Ministry of Munitions, Agricultural Machinery Department, by Barimar, Ltd. scientific welding engineers, of 10, Poland Street, London, W. the director indicates that if owners oetraetors will apply to the Department, giving a list of tractors they possess, they may obtain running permits, with defi
nite priority classifications for upkeep and maintenance, so that, whenever repairs are required, any instructions 'given, bearing details of classification, will entirely eliminate delays and correspondence inseparable from the obtaining of special permits. As this must inevitably be a very great advantage, those who own or operate tractors and other heavy agricultural machinery will do well to communicate at once with the Controller at 8, Northumberland Avenue, London, W.C. 2.
Motoring Pioneer Joins Insurance Company.
Mr. E. Harry Lancaster, one of the -pioneers of motoring, has joined the United Motor and General Insurance Co., Ltd., as .consulting engineer and claims manager, and henceforth is to be found at the offices of the company, 214, Great Portland Street, London, W. 1. That, Mr. Lancaster has thrown his long experierfee in motor engineering into this promising concern will be good news to garages and manufacturers.We congratulate the United Motor and General Insurance Co., Ltd., on securing so valuable an official.
Glasgow Health Committee has asked a sub-committee to report on a proposal to purchase an Argyll chassis for the ambulance at Shieldhall Hospital.
Djinn Engines.
It will no doubt interest our readers to know that the Commercial and Marine Engine Co., Ltd. Oak Works, Church Road, Hanwell, London, W., the manufacturers of the well-known Drayson engines, have purchased the Djinn engine business from Brazil, Straker and Co., Ltd., of Bristol, and that in future these engines will be solely manufactured by this West London company_ The purchase included all goodwill, and executed orders, all parts, patterns, jigs, drawings, tools and blue prints,
etc. Mr. F. G. Harrisson, the rate manager of this department at Brazil, Straker and Co.'s, and other members of the original staff have joined the new makers, The engines are being slightly motif fled, and redesigned in certain details, but in no way will the chief characteristics of the engine, it being one of the most modern marine designs, be interfered with, and there is ro doubt that with the co-operation of Mr. NV. F.
Drayson and his staff there will not be much left to be desired in any future Djinn engines which are manufactured. These engines are made in sizes from 2 h.p. to 200 h.p., comprising about 30 different types.. At the present time, the chief sizes being manufactured are 40-100 h.p.
Big Fire at Canning's.
Messrs. W. Canning and Co., electroplaters, engineers and manufacturing chemists, whose Snow Hill Engineering Works, Birmingham, were totally destroyed by fire on 23rd August, having found it impossible to rebuild the engineering works without delay, have purchased extensive premises and machinery, as a going concern, at Salop Street, Highgate, Birmingham, formerly in the occupation of Piston Rings. Ltd. The telephone numbers are 638 and 2424 Midland, and work has already been resumed'. The estimated damage of the
fire was over £20,000. ,
Lieut. Victor Beveridge has been given an appontment on the staff at G.H.Q., his job being to write a history of the motor transport in the war. His duties take him to every point of the Front. With the rank of corporal he drove transport and service vehicles for many months in the early part of the war.
A Ford Loco-tractor.
In addition to the present-day multifarious productions emanating from the works of Henry Ford and Co., in America a tractor locomotive has recently been invented which is now being exhaustively experimented with at the tractor plant of the company at Dearborn. -The illustration we reproduce herewith will give a general idea of the construction of this rail locomotive. It will be seen that it is an ordinary petrol tractor which is fitted with large flanged wheels which are connected with a driving rod. The tractor is claimed to be powerful enough to draw 11 loaded trucks—but, of course, this is wholly dependent on the size of the trucks, we presume. It is stated that the machine is at present only in an experimental stage, but it is anticipated, should the tests prove satisfactory, that it is likely to be produced on a large scale. Does Ford ever do anything on a small scale?
It is quite likely that such a machine as the Ford Loco-tractor would have a wide field of application. Its value would undoubtedly be apparent in the works of large manufacturing concerns, on rice plantations and the like, and in copper and coal mines. It is suggested that in tropical countries the Locotractor might. be emplqyed for hauling passenger trains. Henry Ford is experimenting with it at his tractor plant in drawing sand to fill in a small lake which borders the property.
Canada's Prosperity.
The way in which the motor vehicle has sprung into use in Canada is astounding. This country now holds third place in the number of automobiles in use throughout the world. '2In 1917 there were 199,302 cars registered in Canada, an increase of 47,705 over 1916, while the number of new cars registered in that year was nearly 76,000. The increase for 1918 is expected to be on a proportionate scale. One Canadian in every 40 owns a car, and, roughly speaking, there is one automobile for every eight families.
• Considering that in 1903 there were only 200 automobiles in Ontario, and that in 1917 84,353 automobile licences were taken out the increase is amazing. It is a notable fact that an ever-increasing proportion of the farming population is embracing the application of motor vehicles, a fact which amongst other things, may possibly point to good B26 country roads soon being the rule rather than the exception, as is undoubtedly the case at the present time.
Manchester Wants Electric.
The Electricity Committee of the Manchester Corporation is prepared to receive tenders for the supply and delivery of a 3i-ton electric tipping wagon. Specifiration and form of tender may be bad on application to Mr. F. E. Hughes, Secretary, Electricity. Department, Town Hall, Manchester. Further particulars and information can be obtained on i.pplication of Mr. S. Pearce, Chief Engi neer and Manager, Dickinson Street.
Manchester. Tenders, duly endorsed and addressed to the Chairman of the Electricity Comniitteo, must be delivered at the Town Hall not later than 10 a.m. on Friday, 13th September.
Two columns of Bavarian ambulance cars, MiLuchen I and II, composed of 15 ambulances, 2 lorries, and 4 passenger cars, were recently transferred to civil work after three years service on the Eastern and Western Fronts. During that time they transported no fewer than 22,056 sick and wounded Germans.
Road Cleaning by Motor.
The illustration reproduced herewith shows the latest five-ton Straker-Squire chassis equipped with the compan3Cs design of power road-washing apparatus and rubber squeegee. It embodies improvements which form the collective experience of -several years work in an erdeavour to do away with dust-raising revolving road brushes, and substituting the cheaper and more efficient product of Jupiter Pluvius. The mechanical points brought out in this machine are, in the first place, to cover a wider spread of road both by water and squeegee, and this has been executed by the designer by arranging three power spray water nozzles instead of two, as in earlier patterns, thus making it possible to cover 40 miles of roadwax during a night's washing, and a similar or even larger mileage during the day on flushing work. Our readers can readily form a conclusion as to performance when it is stated that with all three nozzles working, two miles of washing are accomplished on a 1100-gallon filling of the water tank. Needless to say, that in changeable weather, such as is the average in England, there is no necessity for using the whole cf the three nozzles, and in wet weather they can be partially closed, thus halving the quantity of water used. This, of course, reacts in such a way that in perfectly dry weather the quantity of water would slightly fall below the average of two miles to one filling.
On macadam roads where the power spray is impossible, and only gravity sprinkling admissible, the filling of the tank would practically last double the time. These few indications will make it possible for anyone to compare the enormous saving this last product of the Straker-Squire works represents, as against the old methods of road brushing with everlasting refills of brooms.
in our reference in last issue to the Handy grinding attachment marketed by Federated Exporters, Ltd., a printer's error gave the revolutions at from 1200 to 1500 per minute. It should have read 12,000 to 15,000.
Owners Cause Delay in Organizing Road Transport.
Although the return in connection' with the registration of goods-carrying vehicles should have been received by the various area secretaries on 31st July, many people in Nottingham and the North-Midland area have only just complied with the requirements of the regu lation. This lethargy has hampered considerably those engaged in the work of organizing the road transport in the district indicated, and is surprising in view of the publicity which has been given to the Order.
Owners of vehicles were still applying for forma a few days ago, but, in spite of the delay occasioned, the Road Transport Board hope to have the permits in the hands of the owners by the date specified., i.e., 30th September.
Steam Wagon Lubrication.
The lubrication of a steam wagon is a most vital point. The fundamental principle is to make the machine go more easily, at less cost, and with less wear and trouble, i.e., to increase the mechanical efficiency and utilize the ma-ximum available power of the engine. Unfortunately, this feature has never been properly studied in the design of steam wagons, and the use of the driver's oil feeder is too often necessary, with the result that the greater part of that oil is splashed about the • vehicle and driver, giving both a very untidy appearance. Good oil should be used, especially for the cylinders and valves, and the oiling should be done in a aystematic manner. For the cylinders use a good thick, mineral on, such as "Sl" grade, or Vacuum "Heels 13," which will not carbonize or become gummy. The motion work requires a thinner oil, for the lubricators are mostly of the wick syphon type, Vacuum "HR Special" being a good brand for this purpose. If the engine is enclosed, with splash lubrication, a thicker oil should be used, by mixing an equal quantity of cylinder oil with it; this will also be found suitable for enclosed differential gears.
For the axles, grease will be found to Five very good results, unless an oil pad is used, when a thinner oil, such as that used for the motion wor.1, Will be necessary. Most lubricators of a steam wagon require attention and refilling daily, especially the cylinder oil pump, which is now u,niversally fitted. This pump should never be allowed to run dry, or it will be difficult to set it in operation again; it should be watched occasionally to see that it is working properly. If the pump is not working satisfactorily,
take out and clean the small check valve on top of the cylinder and the small valve at the bottom of the sight-food glass. Never pour oil into the pump unless the wire gauze strainer is in posi
tion. In cold weather the oil in the pump should be warmed up before commencing to run the engine; a steam pipe for this purpose is usually fitted Helpful information such as the above cannot fail to be of considerable assistance to steam wagon drivers. The advice given aims at securing added efficiency of running. Hints and tips of this nature will be found in abundance in the pages of the "Steam Wagon Manual," published "by Temple Press Ltd., 7-15, Rosebery Avenue, E.C. 1, price Zs. net, or post free 2s. 20.
Local Proceedings.
Hy the T.C. is to purchase two petrol wagons for house ret use collection.
Two hundred and fifty pounds has been raised in Romford for a motor ambulance.
Knaresborough R.D.O. is shortly id
consider the purchase of a traction engine and three wagons.
Rotherham Watch Committee have under consideration the purchase of a motor fire-engiue.
King's Lynn T.C. is considering the advisability of employing motor vehicles for municipal work. 6 The Sheffield Tramways Department is to purchase an electric vehicle chassis for use as a tower wagon.
The Maidstone T.C. has received saaction to borrow £1200 for the purchase of a 31-ton electric tipping wagon.
The Baths Committee of the Birmingham Corporation proposes to purchase two motor vehicles at a cost of £350.
Salford T.C. has accepted the tender of Mann's Steam Cart and Wagon Co., Ltd., for a 5-ton steam wagon at 21045.
It is stated that electric vehicles garaged by the Christchurch CityCouncil, New Zealand, have their electrical equipment kept in repair and batteries charged for £35 per annum. In one factory, where 49 h.p. is used, the average monthly cost is from 28 10s. to £8 15s., against 232 per month for steam for 58 h.p.
The Todmorden Corporation have decided to apply to the Ministry of Munitions for a priority certificate for the purchase of three motorbuses, a deputation being appointed to interview officials of the Ministry if such a course is necessary. It is stated that through the commandeering of buses by the War Office and the further curtailment of the service by the shortage of petrol the receipts have declined, and it is left that the only way to revive the prosperity of the undertaking is to increase the ser
vice. •