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For Drivers, Mechanics, and Foremen.

9th November 1916
Page 21
Page 21, 9th November 1916 — For Drivers, Mechanics, and Foremen.
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Keywords : Beam Axle, Axle, Wheel

We revive this popular "CAL" feature in connection with our "Keep Your Lorry Fit" Series, and offer a prize of ONE GUINEA for the best communication concerning any chassis to which reference has been made in that series.

Other letters on subjects of interest will be paid for on publication at the rate of One Penal a Line, and failing any award of the above pin, TEN SHILLINGS will be paid for the best letter published each week. Mention your employer's name, in confidence, as evidence of good Iaith. Address D. M. and F., "The Commercial Motor," 7-15, .1-tore bery Avenue. London, E.G.

Light Your Lamps.

On Saturday, 11th November, at 4.46 in London, 4.41 in Edinburgh, 4.38 in Newcastle, 4.51 in Liverpool, 4.50 in Birmingham, 4.56 in Bristol, 5.9 in Dublin.

Converted Touring-car Axles.

[1682] "H.R." (West Broixtwich) writes :—" The following experiences with the axle of a touring ear converted for use as a light delivery van for convey

jug the goods of a wholesale grocer may be interesting. In my opinion, it is an object lesson in the different effect of live and dead loads on the mechanism of a chassis.

"The final drive of the vehicle was by chains, and consequently the rear axle was what ./.8 called a dead axle, the road wheels running loosely on bushes on its ends, the chain sprockets being bolted to the wheels, thus transmitting to drive. The original axle was a girder with stub ends riveted to it. After a short time in use as a van, this axle bent BO that when the van was loaded the rear wheels visibly inclined inwards, the top edges being nearer together than the bottom edges. An attempt was made to strengthen the axle by fitting another and similar girder above the first one, as shown in the sketch. (We have had this redrawn.—En,). While this got over the difficulty of the axle bending, it unfortunately only served to transfer the trouble to another place, as thereafter the axles continually broke in the stubs at the places marked on the sketch. it was, therefore, decided to fit a new and stronger axle with the object of enabling the vehicle to carry 30 cwt. "The axle in question is of solid steel, 2 ins. wide, 2i ins, deep in the central portions, and 2 ins, diameter for the reception of the wheel. The hub centre was also lengthened so that the ball races were spread further apart with the object of giving them a better chance to carry the load.

[No touring car can be expected satisfaotorily to carry a load of 80 cwt. We expect to hear very shortly that, after strengthening the axle. trouble developed in other dixections.—En.)

A Smart Foden.

The sender of the following communication has been awarded the We. prize this week.

[1683] " F.R." (Birmingbara) writes :—" Enclosed please find photograph of a Fe den steam wagon which I am driving for-ivir. Charles Openshaw, of Broadway Buildings, Reading, Berks. -Mr. Openshaw owns a fleet, all 5-ton .Fodens on steel tires. The wagon, of wch I enclose a phqtograph, is now three years old and has never yet bad a complete overhaul. It. has been all over the country, furniture removing, including frequent runs such as from Reading to Scarborough and back with a trailer. At present it is engaged carrying beer for Mitchell and Butlers, of Birmingham. "I myself have been driving this machine for two years, and the only repairs which have been needed are a new eccentric strap, a wheel valve for the injector, and a new piece of pipe between the water tank and the strainer; nothing else has been needed. I have, of course, kept an eye on the parts needing adjustment, and attended to these as occasion demanded. This vehicle is running every day in -Birmingham, and notwithstanding the heavy loads mad

cobbled roads, continues in perfect condition. .

"Mr. Openshaw's Fodeni are well known all round the South. They are conspicuous for the following reasons: the standards for the cab are .made in that form so popular with traction-engine owners, as if manufactured of twisted brass, the cylinders are covered with brass sheeting, that portion in the front being studded in addition. The brake wheels and steering wheel are also polished. The wagons themselves are lined in gold, in. wide ; this is very unusual, and the machines look very well indeed.

Of course, in order to attain this desirable end, everything needfal to clean the wagon is found, and consequently the driver takes an interest in the welfare of his wagon. . The photograph was taken about a week ago, in the middle of the day's work, without there being any extra time spent on cleaning it. for the occasion.

I read with interest your article in a recent issue on the tanks. I should like to mention that. am one of the old before-the-war M.T. steam drivers."


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