Petrol, Electric, and Petrol-Electric.*
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Halley.
Halley 's Industrial Motors, Ltd., Yoker, Glasgow (Stand No. 33, Main Hall).—The chassis exhibited on this stand is a 3o-cwt. to 2-ton " Halley " van chassis, for which Autocar Agencies, Limited, of 3, Hanover Court, Hanover Street, London, W., holds the sole selling rights for the south of England. It is a very serviceable vehiele, of simple and sound construction and is fitted With a 2-cylinder 2oh.p. Halley engine, which develops this power at 85o r.p.m., and has cylinders 5 inches in diameter, with a pistonstroke of 5,1 inches. A large number of these vehicles are now at work, and the company's recently-built factories are turning out five per week, all of which find a ready sale. Amongst the orders in hand for this type of machine is a special traveller's van, with compartment fitted with shelves for samples, and an office provided with desk, chair, cupboards and lockers for all the books and papers required by the traveller. A sliding door furnishes means of ingress and egress to or from this compartment, and the driver's footboard. Another vehicle under construction is a special van for the conveyance of explosives for Nobel's factory. The body, in this case, is completely isolated from the petrol tanks, exhaust silencer and other " dangerous " parts of the machine, and to meet these requirements, considerable alteration must be made to the standard chassis.
Durham-Churchill.
Messrs. Durham, Churchill and Co., Hallamshire Motor Works, Sheffield (Stands Nos. 95 and 96, Main Hall).— This firm is exhibiting a 2t-ton delivery vehicle, with very long box-van body suitable for bulky goods, and a 26seated char-6-bancs. The delivery van is mounted on a standard chassis, fitted with a 2oh.p. four-cylinder Aster engine. The " Champion "friction clutch is used, as is the firm's patent arrangement of change-speed gear-box, which has the gears always in mesh : all changes are very easily operated by one Fever. Similar chassis have been supplied, amongst others, to Henry Whitehead, Esq., Young Street Mills, Bradford, and two for W. Jackson, Esq., Shipley, Yorkshire.
The char-6.-ba.ncs is one of this firm's standard passenger vehicles, and has the seats arranged in tiers, giving an uninterrupted view for all passengers. Access to all the seats is obtained by means of a single entrance at each side of the body. All the seats are arranged to fold up.
Both these vehicles are fitted with I-Tans Renoid roller chains, and, although amongst the most silent of vehicles, the makers are seeking to make them still more so by fitting the silent type of chain in some of the future passenger vehicles. This firm is one of the few who are providing wellfitted and oil-retaining cases for the
side driving chains, and these are now fitted on all the passenger vehicles.
The patented form of friction coneclutch and gear-box are the leading features on the machines, and judging by the number of Durham-Churchill vehicles now on the road, they appear to be very satisfactory in their operation.
The char-fl-hams is fitted with a 243oh.p. Aster engine ; it was driven to the show from Sheffield:
Orion.
Messrs. Moss and Wood, Oaklands Road, Cricklewood, N.W. (Stands Nes. 172 and 18o, Minor HA).—One chassis, one 4-ton lorry,. and one 34-seated double-deck omnibus comprise the exhibit of this company. An examination of the chassis will reveal many novel points in its construction, chief of which is the large, horizontal, two-cylinder engine with opposed cylinders; the diameter of the cylinders is 16ornm., whilst the pistons have a stroke of t8ornm. The inlet valves are atmospherically operated, and, although the cylinders are water cooled, the combustion heads have air-cooling finns. The position of the radiator and cooling tanks. is somewhat unusual, this being " amidships" on the chassis.. Tim disposition of the parts permits of a very large percentage of the total length of the chassis being available for the body, as will clearly be seen from the illustration given on our opening page. The 34-seated omnibus is one which has been in service since the 23rd August, 1905, and it was on the road as recently as Thursday last. It is one of" The Old Vies " run by the Victoria Omnibus Co., Ltd., between Cricklewood and Victoria Station, and has been a familiar vehicle to all frequenters of that route. The chassis are of Swiss make, and are known as the " Orion."
The "D.P." Cab.
Dawfield, Phillips, Limited, 274a, Uxbridge Road, West Ealing, W. (Stand No. 6o, Main Prall).—The cab chassis on this company's stand presents a very simple appearance, free from intricate pipes and controlling rods. The engine is a two-cylinder, horizontal one with opposed cylinders, and has the valve tappets enclosed in sleeves extending from the crank case. The two speeds forward, and one speed reverse, are obtained through the medium of an epicyclie gear, mounted on an extension of the crankshaft, and operated by means of a side lever. Th-e final drive is by a single chain to the rear live axle, which is stayed by means of tie rods. Two sets of brakes are fitted, both of which are operated by foot-pedals. The engine control is effected by means of two levers mounted on the steering column, immediately under the steering wheel. The steering rods are arranged behind the leading axle, and are thus protected from damage by collision with any low-lying ob ject. A Doherty radiator, having a large cooling surface, is arranged in front of the dash-board. Almost the whole of the length of the chassis is thus available for the body.
A similar chassis, with a cab body by J. E. Thomas, Beaver Lane, Hammersmith, W., is also shown.
The springing of these vehicles is very flexible ; the leading springs are full-elliptic, and the back springs are semi-elliptic. Palmer cord tires are fitted on the wheels of the chassis, whilst the extremely large steering lock, which permits the vehicle to make a complete turn in a 20-foot road, on either lock, is a very desirable feature for town work.
Hart,Durtnal/.
Hart-Durtnall Petrol-Electric Transmission Syndicate, Luton, Beds. (Stand No. 115, Main Hall).—This company is exhibiting the first omnibus constructed on the Hart-Durtnall system which has attracted considerable attention during the past few months. The general principle of its construction is as follows :—A 35-4oh.p., "Italian RochetSchnieder," petrol engine drives a 3phase alternator, provided with exciter ; this, in turn, drives the single motor, the rotor of which is coupled by means of a eardan shaft, to the worm-driven live back axle. When starting, and for hill climbing, the motor is driving the vehicle, but as soon as the vehicle is well under way a magnetic clutch may be brought into action, which has the effect of coupling the armature and rotor shafts, and the drive is then direct, from engine to worm-shaft, the revolving portions of the electric equipment simply .acting as fly-wheels.
Hoffmann ball bearings are fitted throughout the transmission system, including the road wheels.
The body is a very fine example of the carriage-builder's art, and is made by Christopher Dodson, Limited. The electric-light fittings have been specially designed by Messrs. Hart and Durtnall and, altogether, the vehicle presents a very pleasing appearance. It has been fitted to demonstrate the system, and was driven up from Luton. The arrangement of front springing is rather interesting, and we reproduce a sketch of this.
John Goode.
Mr. John Goode, Alderman's House, Bishopsgate, E.C. (Stands Nos. 147 and 148, Main Hall).—It was the intention of this company to exhibit an entirely new " all-British " bus chassis presenting many new and novel features, but, owing to a most regrettable accident on Friday last, while lowering the chassis by means of a chain and tackle, a serious mishap occurred, with, we believe, fatal results to one of the workmen, and reducing the chassis to a hopeless state of wreckage. The sympathies of all engineers will be with the unfortunate makers. The double-deck bus body, intended for the chassis, is shown on the stand, together with other examples of [Jody-work. The most interesting point about the bus chassis is that it allows the floor of the bus body to be mounted about 18 inches lower than is generally the case. This is an advantage which will be apparent to all, as it not only reduces the height and number of steps necessary to gain admission to the interior, but it should be a great factor in reducing the swaying. All the transmission is arranged outside the frame.
There is also a Saunderson Universal " tractor shown on this company's stand, which is especially intended for use in rural districts, for ploughing, driving all kinds of farm machinery, such as threshing, chopping, pulping, and grinding machines, or for hauling wagons or vans. The machine is mounted on three steel wheels, the two leading wheels being the normal drivers, but a special connection from the cage of the differential allows the third wheei to be driven as well.
Three speeds forward, of 4, 3 and 7 m.p.h., and reverse, are provided.
A small flat platform is fitted, on which heavy goods may be carried, thus justifying the name of " Universal." The machine can be used as a wagon, in addition to its use as a tractor or portable power plant. A variety of sizes are made, ranging in power from 15 to 5o1-t.p. The Royal Agricultural Society of England awarded its silver medal to this agricultural motor at Derby, in June, 19°6, and this was the highest award given for any new agricultural implement. The power-transmission pulley for a flat belt is situated in front of the machine.
International.
The International Motor Traffic Syndicate, 37, Cockspur Street, S.W. (Stand No. 128, Main Hall).—This syndicate imports, and supplies to the trade only, tireless chassis in a variety of sizes. The three chassis on exhibition cornprise: a German-made 2-ton chassis, fitted with a 2o-24h.p. Argus engine; a 3-ton Swiss-made bus or lorry chassis, with 3o-4oh.p. 4-cylinder vertical engine; and a 2-ton chassis minus engine. The latter machine is intended to supply the requirements of those requiring a chassis in which it is meant to fit any desired make of engine. The usual " Panhard " type of change-speed gear is fitted on all the chassis, and the final transmission, in each case, is by means of side chains of the roller type. The engineless chassis has been put on the market at the price of £200, in the condition as shown; and the purchaser is free to fit any engine and tires to suit his particular choice. The springs on all these machines are extremely long and flexible ; they should he very easy riding, and snitabk for chars-a-bancs or other forms of passenger vehicle.
Motor Lawn Mowers.
Ransomes, Sims and jefferies, Ltd., Orwell Works, Ipswich (Stand No. eio, Main Hall).—This company is showing three of its motor lawn mowers, in different sizes : a 24-inch machine, with 2i-h.p. air-cooled engine; a 30-inch machine, with 4h.p. water-cooled engine ; and a 42-inch machine, with 8h.p. water-cooled engine. In addition, separate engines of each size are also shown, together with a 12-14h.p. watercooled two-cylinder engine. All. are fitted with Simms-Bosch, high-tension
magnetos. The lawn mowers are all fitted with epicyclie clutches, operated by a screw and hand-wheel, and the transmission is by Hans Renold chains throughout. The large machine has a seat for the operator. One man can work these machines with perfect ease, and the advantage of using a machine of this character, and the saving of time and labour effected, as compared with manual or horse labour, will be at once apparent to those who have -to deal with large areas of turf such as cricket grounds, racecourses, etc. Much more work can be got through in one day than could be done with a horse-drawn machine. The 42-inch machine.: may be fitted with a two-cylinder 12-14h.p. engine, and a reverse gear, if desired.
. Renard .Train.
The Renard Syndicate, Lltd., 122, Victoria Street, S.W. (Stand No. 382, Minor Hal11.—Visitors interested in this novel means of road transit may see the train working in the quiet streets opening out from one of the Minor Hall exits, The ease of starting and steering of this unusual-looking machine must be seen to be realised. We stood at one of the street corners and, as the first driving wheel passed us, we carefully marked the exact spot on the road, over which it passed : succeeding driving wheels passed exactly over this spot, thus clearly demonsIratingits ability to turn any corner, if the road is wide enough to allow the prime-moving tractor to turn. We gave a full description of the train, and-particulars of a demonstration at the garage of the London and District Motorbus Co., Ltd., Farm Lane, Walham Green, S.W., in our issue of the 21st February last.
" Reo" Motors.
" Reo " Motors, Ltd., Broad Sanctuary, Westminster, London, S.W. (Stand No. 102, Main Hall).—The commercial exhibit of this company consists of a delivery van, intended for loads up to 2ocwt. and it is fitted with a 16-2oh.p. horizontal engine with two opposed cylinders ,a inches in dianieter, and with a piston-stroke of 6 inches, developing 16h.p. at -goo, revolutions per minute. The valves Ari'e all mechanically operated, and high-tension ignition, with two sets of accumulators and a two-way switch, is employed. An automatic pump .supplies a measured charge of lubricating oil to each cylinder, and this is proportioned to suit the engine speed. The engine. Is watercooled, and transmits the drive through an epicyclic gear, giving two speeds forward and one speed reverse, and direct drive on top speed, by means of a chain to the live back axle. Two sets of brakes are fitted, and the whole of the mechanism is assembled on a pressed-steel channel frame, mounted over semi-elliptic front springs, and full elliptic rear springs.
This type of vehicle has been marketed to meet the demand for a light delivery van suitable for provision merchants, confectioners, the newspaper trade, soft goods and numerous other purposes, and can be supplied with an interchangeable touring-car body if required. The price is only j..;285 as ex
hibited. A smaller van, for lo cwt. loads, and fitted with a ioh.p. engine, is sold by this company at the remarkably low price of £185.
The " Bristocar."
The Bristol Wagon and Carriage Works Co., Ltd., Lawrence Hill, Bristol (Stand No. 3o, Main Hall).—The first vehicle of a new type is exhibited by this company, and is a 25cwt. van, with low board sides. The vehicle has been driven up from Bristol to the show, the average speed on the journey being considerably above the actual requirements for such a vehicle. We understand that the gear is to be lowered in order to bring the average speed down to about 15 m.p.h., at which speed it should take all ordinary hills on top gear with full load. The whole construction. of the vehicle is simple and strong, and the weight with wagon body is about 27 cwt.
The engine is a 12-16h.p. with two, vertical, separate cylinders, 4.! inches in diameter and having a piston-stroke of 5 inches. _There is a very heavy flywheel, allowing the engine to run steadily at low speeds, but the most interesting feature in the construction of the engine is the manner in which the governor operates the additional air valve, at the save time advancing the spark, thus ensuring that the timing of the ignition is always in correct relation to the engine speed. The immediate advantage of this method of inter-connecting air valve and commutator with the governor, is that the hand control is much simplified, and consists solely of a throttle lever. We give a sketch of this, showing its position on the steering column, and alse the change-speed lever, which is par. ticularly easy of manipulation and self-locking in position. These twc levers, with the brake and clutch pedals,effect the entire control of the
vehicle, although a side-lever emergency brake is also provided. Three speeds forward and one reverse, all of the sliding type, are provided, and are operated by the one lever already mentioned. The final driveis by means of side chains of the roller type, to the back wheels. All the transmission shafts run on " Auto Machinery " ball bearings and, from actual demonstration, we can confirm the makers' statements regarding the ease of running of the transmission gear. The body has an interesting combination of check springs, both spiral and laminated, between it and the back axle.
This machine bears the stamp of sound construction, and we shall look forward to hearing good reports -regarding its future trials. The machines will be known as the " Bristocar " commercial chassis.