Passing Comments
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IN response to queries A regarding overall tyre
dimensions, referred to the S.M.M.T. by the Institute of
Road Transport Engineers, and mentioned in a recent leading article in this journal, the Tyre and Wheel Technical Committee of the Society agrees that, particularly in giant tyres, there exist differences in overall diameter due, partly, to the inability of makers to obtain plant and moulds to bring certain sizes up to date. Recent tendencies for sectional dimensions to increase have also reflected on the possibility of uniform dimensions during the period of transition. Additionally, the obligatory reduction in depth of thread to achieve economy in war-time, has resulted in mould dimensions which often differ from previous practice. In general, however, there is insufficient variation to create difficulties in operating any tyres in twin formation. The critical dimension is not overall diameter, but running radius under load, which will vary according to different factors in the relative construction. Synthetic rubber in place of natural also results in a decrease in tyre deflection. It is recommended when mounting twin tyres which vary slightly by reason of wear or construction, to fit the larger in the outer position.
*20
qc:IME of the numerous
"friends who fully appreci
ated Mr. J. H. Stirk, feel that some reference should be
made to his many personal activities outside the scope of his official duties as a Regional Transport Commissioner We realize how much he accomplished in spite of poor health and his additional duties as Acting Transport Commissioner in other Regions. In 1940, he organized a subscription list to purchase a
" Spitfire," nearly £13,000 being raised. Between that date and 1944 his exhortations resulted in war savings of over £1,000,000, whilst, in connection with King George's Fund for Sailors, his appeal for 1,000,000 halfpennies obtained over £2,500. As regards the Officers' Club at Nottingham, formed in 1944, Mr. Stirk persuaded the Lord Mayor to loan to the club, free of charge, the electricity showrooms in the Exchange Buildings, and over 10,000 officers of all nationalities became members. Closing late itt 1945, a cheque for £1,418 was sent to the Officers' Association. Each year, the " Stirk " Trophy, given in 1932, was awarded in connection with a municipal ambulance competition. Latterly, he had been busy organizing the exhibition, for various charities, of the Hermann Goering armoured car.
CHASSIS often stand for
long periods awaiting the completion of bodywork, and during that time batteries may deteriorate unless preventive action be taken. Pointing out that it cannot accept responsibility for damage to batteries caused by neglect in these circumstances, the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., recommends that the leads from a fully charged battery should be disconnected when it is standing idle, or that, preferably, the battery manufacturer's local agent should be asked to store it and charge it periodically.
Bodies
General Interest of E have seen the new New R.H.A. Antianti-nationalization poster.
Nationalization Poster which is now available to all
operators and can be obtained by direct application to the Road Haulage Associalion. This poster, of normal size, is in yellow, red and blue, and has the following wording strikingly printed across an oval background: "Less Nationalization Now Means Better Living Sooner.' The point that strikes us about this production, apart from its artistic quality, which is good, is its universal application. It could reasonably be used by any
person in any trade or industry, or even by the professional or non-trading individual. It has no tie-up with road transport, and beyond a small credit title to the electricity supply companies, could be taken as applying to any individual in the United Kingdom, as, indeed, it does. We therefore add our recommendation to that of Mr. Roger W. Sewill and supplement it by suggesting that everyone should use it.
The Good Old Days— A S guests of Brush CoachI-tow a Bet was f-i• work, Ltd., at Lough Won borough on October 22, we sat down to an excellent lunch. The occasion was the pre-view of the new Brush allmetal body. We found ourselves opposite a veteran of the industry—Mr. T. A. Barton, th present head of Barton Transport, Ltd. He told an amusing story. In 1901, or 1902, one of Mr. Barton's friends was bet that he could not drive his two-cylindered Daimler from Mablethorpe to Derby, 85 miles, ,in reverse, with his coat inside out, and using whisky as fuel. This remarkable feat was apparently performed, but our interest was turned to astonishment when we learned that the name of the friend was Maclean.