Answers to Queries.
Page 15
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Our readers will be informed by the Editor on any points connected with the construction or use of commercial motors. Where IX direct reply is desired, a stamped and addressed envelope should be enclosed : if a request for privacy u not specially made, any query and answer may be published, Horse-Bus Costs.
t,39i] " AGENT " writes :—" Can you oblige me with the comparative costs per mile of horse-buses and motorbuses? "
ANSWER.—The yard and maintenance expenses of a London 26-seated horse-drawn bus come approximately to 5d. per mile (on the basis of an average of 63 miles per day), and the administration charges add another 3d., making a total of 8d. This compares with a maxinnun of sod, for a 34-seated motorbus, for which the running costs are now very much down.
Concerning Acts and Regulations.
11,392] " C.J.H.K." writes again :—" Thank you very much for your reply. As you say, there are a great many Acts, etc., governing the use of motor vehicles on the
road. The main thing I wish to know, however, is about the question of speed with reference to weights, tires, and types of vehicles. Vehicles of various weights (laden, I take it) have various speed limits, according also to the type of tire they run on. Steel-shod vehicles have a lower limit than rubber-tired vehicles of the same weight I believe? Could you give me these various limits?
"Another point upon which I should like some light is, what are the various licenses which have to be taken out for a commercial vehicle, and for its driver? Are they annual, or will they, once taken out, suffice for all time? For public-service vehicles, are not special licenses needed?"
ANSWER.—As regards speeds, with ordinary steel-tired vehicles, a speed of five miles an hour is allowed, so long as the unladen weight of the vehicle does not exceed five tons, with a maximum gross weight of 12 tons, and a maximum axle-weight of eight tons; if the unladen weight is less than three tons, and if the maximum axle
weight is less than six tons, a steel-tired vehicle may travel at eight miles an hour. If tires of a soft or elastic material are fitted, the speeds named may be increased to 8 and 12 miles an .hour, respectively, where the axleweight is above or below six tons. Manufacturers will see that you have the proper width of tire fitted. The term " axle-weight" includes the load on the vehicle.
You have to make a single payment of Li for registration of any commercial motor vehicle for goods purposes, and each driver has to pay an annual license of 5s. For public-service vehicles, hackney-carriage licenses are also demanded, and in London police licenses in addition. The cost, for stage carriages (omnibuses), is : reg-is_ tration fee, Li; mortar tax (Inland Revenue), £2 25. (if unladen weight is between one and two tons), or £3 3s.; wheel tax (Inland Revenue), is.; Police license, £2; driver's license, 5s.; and conductor's license, 5s. A Motor Caravan Wanted.
[1,393] " N.A." again writes to us :—" I am much obliged by your answer. My idea was to have made a superstructure some 14 by 7 by 7 feet, with sleeping and living accommodation for three persons, for the purpose of touring in all kinds of places. If the body is made fairly light, say, a frame of wood and double Willesden canvas, the total weight should not be more than two tons. A high speed of travel would not be conducive to safety of crockery, etc., but, on the other hand, important points are constancy of action, and the use of some fuel, or explosive, easy to get in out-of-the-way places. As to wheels, I should think either well-sprung iron-shod wheels, or solid-rubber-tired ones, would fit the bill,"
ANSWER.—We consider you would do best to employ something on the lines of a 3o-cwt. or two-ton chassis. It would be wise to keep the body as light as possible, and, providing you are content for your sleeping and living accommodation in the vehicle to be on a par with that provided by canvas tents, the coachwork should not be an extensive portion of the equipment. We suggest one or other of the well-tried two-cylinder types of industrial chassis on the market— see our advertisement pages.
An average speed of between six and eight miles an hour on give-and-take country roads should be sufficient. So far as your stipulation goes as to the employment of a fuel which shall be easily obtained in all parts of the country, we do net think you need have any fear in this direction, as ordinary petrol can be procured practically everywhere. In addition to this, it is always poss. ible to carry a reserve in tins, or in a special auxiliary tank which the makers would fit at little extra expense.
You should not attempt to run on steel tires, as the discomfort to passengers is considerable. Ordinary solidrubber tires and good easy road-springs should fill the bill.
Tractors Used as Traction Engines.
[1,3941 "MIDLAND" writes :—" I should be exceedingly obliged if you. would kindly let me know what is the cost to get a tractor licensed as a traction engine, so that we can draw two trailers, With every good wish for the continued success of your very useful and greatly appreciated paper."
ANSWER.—You would have to pay Lio per annum for the County Borough of —, and L5 per annum for any other county borough or county into which you regularly
went, or 25. 6d. a day alternatively. Every county borough and county has the right to charge, over and above the first payment of Zto per annum to one corresponding authority, these amounts. If you elect to pay the daily fees, some counties require owners to notify the surveyor in advance, and to enclose so many half-crowns.