AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

Passing Comments

9th August 1935, Page 18
9th August 1935
Page 18
Page 19
Page 18, 9th August 1935 — Passing Comments
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

ASMALL manufacturer of a commodity widely used in an important industry told us, recently, that, having hitherto relied for his transport almost exclusively on the railways, he had now bought a 4-tonner of well-known make. He was using this practically to capacity, carrying 12-16 sacks per load, mainly for journeys of moderate length. The saving effected had worked out, he said, at 3d. per sack, and he was considering the acquisition of a second vehicle.

THAT the condition of the crankcase oil is a reliable guide to the physical fitness of the engine is shown by the success of new engine-maintenance methods adopted by a large American bus operator. Instead of draining the engine at regular intervals, this concern now analyses samples of crankcase oil. The individual test reports have been found to reveal clearly the operating and mechanical condition of the engine, and recommendations are given for the next oil change. The drain period is accordingly 81.2

lengthened when the condition of the oil is good, or shortened when the lubricant is in bad condition. Direct savings have resulted from the adoption of this method, and in many instances the oil analysis report has led to the discovery of faults that may in time have caused serious trouble.

NUE have already referred to the employment of VV X-ray photography, or radiography, as it is termed, for the inspection of metals, and an extensive study of its application to the light-alloy industry has been made by High Duty Alloys, Ltd., an associate company of Magnesium Castings and Products, Ltd. Dr. N. C. Hypher, B.A., B.Sc., consulting radiologist to High Duty Alloys, Ltd., recently read a paper on the X-ray inspection of magnesium castings, and reprints of it are available from the company's offices at Slough, Bucks. Castings 6 ins, thick can be penetrated satisfactorily, and the photographs show up such common defects as blow holes, porosity and other faults.

DURING the course of a recent journey to South

Devon we were interested to note much evidence as to the popularity of the Bedford Drivers' Club, Practically every Bedford vehicle we encountered carried the club badge, and many roadside cafés and rest houses displayed the Bedford sign in a prominent position.

WRITING in the Journal of the Institution of VY Automobile Engineers, Mr. G. Burt, of the Asiatic Petroleum Co., Ltd., who is stationed at Singapore, comments on the excellence, of the roads in British Malaya, and refers to the notable popularity, of British 30-cwt. and 2-ton lorries. He states that wherever one motors there are to be seen numbers of Morris-Commercial, C,omrner, Bedford and other vehicles, but mostly loaded out of all proportion to their tare weight. The Chinaman's idea of. purchasing, say, a 30-cwt. vehicle is to choose a type because it is not too heavy or expensive to run and is sold

at an attractive price ; not because 30-cwt. is the payload he proposed to carry. Then he proceeds to a native bodybuilder and orders the largest possible body permitted by the municipal regulations. No consideration is given to the driver, who usually has to squeeze hiffiself into a horrible driving position.

THE need for stricter control of pedestrians is strikingly evidenced by the results of a recent census taken at an important London crossing. In order to assist pedestrians, special traffic lights were installed some months ago. The results of the census show that, in a given period, some 6,000 persons obeyed the signals, whilst no fewer than 13,000 crossed the road against the lights, when traffic had the right of way. These results indicate that pedestrians are not prepared to recognize that the rules of "controlled" crossings apply to them, though many insist on their right to a free passage at uncontrolled crossings.


comments powered by Disqus