Passing Comments
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1. OTOR vehicle users in other countries are .. \ receiving even more attention from politicians than they are at home. In the past few months something like 5,000 Bills concerned with the operation of motor vehicles have been brought forward in various States in America. A good proportion of them has ultimately been dropped, but their number indicates the attitude of the authorities towards road travel and transport, which, however, have so clearly shown their advantages that they must progress. CHATTING with Mr. Brudenell, of Tecalemit, Ltd., at the opening of the new Armstrong-Saurer service depot at Brentford, we were interested to learn that when the new Tecaletnit high-pressure lubricating machine is used for the first time on the front wheel stub-axles of a 10-ton Armstrong-Saurer the vehicle actually shudders and lifts slightly as the grease forces itself around the bearings. This indicates what 4,000 lb. per sq.-in. pressure can achieve when it is being exerted over a fairly considerable area.
THE confidence of air-transport operators in com mercial aviation is shown by the attractive fares charged on many routes. For instance, on the Bristol-Cardiff ferry of Messrs. Norman Edgar, the reduced single fare of 9s. is lower than the firstclass railway rate (9s. 7d.), whilst, of course, the journey time is much shorter. We are pleased to note that the firm are profiting by their enterprise in reducing charges.
SHEET metals are used to a very considerable extent in the industry. For this reason the specification concerning a standard method of test for such materials up to 14 s.w.g. in thickness, recently issued by the British Standards Institution, will be of much interest. Definitions of the various properties associated with tensile testing are given, also notes on the accuracy with which specimens should be prepared.
ALL traders, as well as hauliers, and those who carry their, own goods, should read the new publication entitled "Roads, Railways and Restrictions," issued by the British Road Federation, 186, Palace Chambers, Westminster, London, S.W.1, at 3d. per copy. It is a brochure of 18 pages, which summarizes the relation between roads and railways, and the results of the Salter Report. Many of the points put forward should be of value in debates upon the present controversy. ONE of the power units in the research depart ment of Armstrong Siddeley Motors is particularly interesting because the valve timing can be varied while the engine is running. The three factors governing the lift, the period of opening and the moment of opening and closing are all controlled independently, although only one cam is used for each valve.
THE damage caused to manufacturers' reputations
by the discovery of defects in motor vehicles only after they have been in the hands of users for some time is shown in a recent article in our American contemporary Automotive Industries. The writer estimates that a fault continues adversely to affect sales for two or three times the length of time taken by the manufacturers to correct it after its existence has become public knowledge.
IN this country the established coach and bus ser vices must be prepared for a fight with the oilengined rail coach, running on short-distance branch lines. The latest ran coach to undergo tests adopts several road-vehicle features ; for example, the coachwork follows closely that of the up-to-date single-deck bus. An oil engine, as used for lorries, is installed and the live axle drive is similar to that of many passenger chassis. With a power-to-weight ratio of .3 b.h.p. per cwt., and the relatively low rolling resistance, its performance should be good.