AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

Passing Comments

9th May 1958, Page 30
9th May 1958
Page 30
Page 31
Page 30, 9th May 1958 — 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?

New Uses for Ceramics

THE increase in the bulk transport of finely divided solids I draws attention to the fact that some of these can cause fairly rapid wear of such parts as metal nozzles. In his connection suitable alumina ceramics may find a useful application to resist the abrasive effects. They have already been used in America for such materials as sand and slurry, also in pumps as plungers, impellers and valves. Another use is as guides for thread, wire and rope.

A New and Versatile Material

THE interest in plastics in various forms is increasing in

the motor industry. On the commercial side this applies not only to the vehicles themselves, but also to many ancillary connections. Plastics are becoming stronger, more attractive and versatile, consequently their scope is steadily growing.

One of the most useful is vinyl film or sheeting, but the ordinary type has limitations in use because, for certain purposes, its tear and tensile strength is insufficient. The obvious method of overcoming this disadvantage is to reinforce it, and various ways have been developed. It is difficult, however, to associate fibre materials and a plastics such as p.v.c., although to place a layer on the top of the fabric is quite satisfactory for certain applications, such as simulated-leather cloth, but this cannot be conveniently welded, and in adverse conditions may be subject to rot or mildew. It seems better, therefore, to use the reinforcing material inside the body of the vinyl, where it is protected, and it is understood that this has been done with Terylene.

The latest product in this connection is Plastoglass, developed by Storey Bros. and Co., Ltd., of Lancaster, well known as manufacturers of linoleum. In their case the reinforcing layer is a woven-glass fabric of great strength. In one type the tensile is 200 lb. per 2-in. strip, and in the

other 450 lb. The result is an attractive cloth of any required colour or design which is highly resistant to heat, rot, weathering, ultra-violet rays, acids and abrasion. In fact it would seem excellent material for fire hoses, which would not require hanging up to dry. As to strength, one

B24 can stand on the flexible side of a travel case made from it.

Plastoglass would also appear to be highly suitable for tarpaulins, interior or even external roofing for coaches, or for vehicles of the jeep variety, linings and blinds for mobile shops, welding screens and curtains, and protective clothing of all kinds. The standard width is 50 in., the weight 12-16 lb. per sq. yd. according to thickness, and the retail price 10-12s; per yd.

Snow-clearing Equipment

AMONGST the best-known makers in Switzerland of special equipment for clearing snow are Rolba Co., . Ltd., of Zurich, and their British representative is Mr. W. E. Weisflog, of St. James's Chambers, St. James's Street, Derby. He has written in reference to the leading article "Be Ready for Next Winter," published in The Commercial Motor on April 18, to say that Rolba, manufacture a complete range of rotary snow ploughs, of 2+ h.p. to 300 h.p., as well as improved types of blade plough, and that they have been in close touch with the British Government, local government departments and the Road Research Laboratory on this matter.

A considerable number of these Swiss machines is operated by the Ministry of Transport and municipal authorities in Britain. Mr. Weisflog points out, however, that there is still ample room for more mechanical snow clearance and that an increasing number of officials responsible for snow clearance here will, in time, realize that such modern equipment is the only way to clear snow quickly and efficiently from the roads, and thus not only reduce expenditure on less-efficient methods, but avoid the complete blocking of road communications.

It is to be hoped that the authorities concerned, particularly in those parts of the country which suffer most from this trouble in winter, will not continue to be' satisfied with the old form of snow plough, but equip themselves with the latest and most efficient devices. The overall expense may be considerable, but would undoubtedly be more than balanced by the saving in time by overcoming the blocking of important roads.

A Well-deserved Memorial

MANY of the older members of the road transport "1. industry IAII remember the long-lived steam products of Charles Burrell and Sons, Ltd., of St. Nicholas Works, Thetford, who were established in 1770 and remained in business in the same town until 1930—a remarkable period of 160 years. At present, however, there is nothing to tell the visitor to the town that it was the site of one of the oldest engineering concerns in East Anglia..

However, as a result of correspondence in .local and other papers, a committee was formed to deal with proposals for a memorial. This is to take the shape of a handsome bronze plaque depicting the first Burrell-Boydell steam road engine of 1856 and bearing an appropriate

inscription. • This plaque will be unveiled on the morning of July 12 at the old works in Minstergate Street, where most models of the Burrell engine will be parked under steam It is hoped in the afternooli to hold, at the nearby Kilverstone Park, the annual rally of the East Anglia Traction Engine Club, where the Burrell engines, and some 25 others, will be assembled.

Although part of the cost of the memorial has been met by well-known companies, such as Marshall, Sons and Co., Ltd., John Fowler, Ltd., and Wellworthy, Ltd., further donations would be gladly welcomed by Mr. Ronald H. Clark, A.M.I.MeehE., honorary secretary, Burrell Memorial Committee, Diamond Cottage, Shotesham All Saints, Norwich.


comments powered by Disqus