WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
Page 8
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
t. The wheels of wealth Will be slowed by all difficulties of transport at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by the roughness of the roads over which it runs.“—John Beattie Crozier.
Mr. Sidney S. Guy.
Mr. Guy, who is the subject of the portrait supplement included in this issue, was born in 1884 and had his early training in the works of Messrs. Bells and Moreom, Birmingham, the pioneers of the high-speed steam engine and forced lubrication, and later with the General Electric Co., Ltd. In 1906 he entered the motor industry and joined Humber, Ltd., Coventry. In 1909 he was appointed works manager of the Sunbeam Motor Car Co., Ltd. At the beginning of 1914 he founded Guy Motors, Ltd., of which he is chairman and managing director.
In the manufacture of commercial vehicles and motoxbuses, as is widely known, Mr. Guy pioneered the movement for the elimination of unnecessary weight, and it is interesting to note that single-deck Guy buses up to 30-seater capacity had for years been manufactured under the unladen weight of 3 tons 15 cwt. now proposed under the regulations of the Ministry of Transport and no alterations in the vehicle are necessary to comply with the projected requirements. Other features which Mr. Guy has pioneered have been automatic lubrication by oil, and he is the patentee of that very efficient and accessible engine with inclined valves and inclined head, also the three-point flexible, suspension of the sub-frame.
During the war the firm created what is a svorld's record by the production of a no h.p. aero engine of an entirely new type for the Air Ministry in the surprisingly short time of 24 days. When the manufacture was commenced the design was not complete, and the firm are the proud possessors of many congratulatory messages from some of the leading memberS of the Government of that day on the accomplishment of this performance. Although one of the youngest firms in the commercial vehicle industry, Mr. Guy's company has quickly come into the front rank and employs over 1,000 men.
When not engaged in adding "feathers in their cap," Mr. Guy occupies his leisure in shooting, fishing, golfing and motor boating. He is a member of the Council of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and the Association of British Motor Manufacturers.
Mr. Guy has always believed that, where possible, motor vehicles should be sold through motor agents, who, being On the spot, were in the best position to give service, and his firm was the first commercial vehicle manufacturers to become members of the Motor Trade Association, which is essentially an agents' organization.
The Projected Irish Bus Company.
It has been known for some time in inside circles that an Irish motorbus company was in the process of being promoted, and matters are now sufficiently advanced for them to receive attention in the Irish Press. It may be said now, without any breach of confidence, that the prime mover in the proposition is Mr. Henry Garner, of Henry Garner, Ltd., Moseley, Birmingham. The concern will have a capital of £500,000, and we believe that the share issue has already been guaranteed by London underwriters. The prospectus is in draft and the flotation will probably takd place within the next month or two. Mr. E. S. Shrapnel-Smith has been asked to join the board, the Irish directors of which will be : Lord Glenavy, who will probably be chairman; Sir James C. Percy, well known in Press and motor circles; Mr. James Carroll, director of Dunlop Rubber Co., Ireland, Ltd.; and Sir Stanley Codarane, Bart., who is chairman of Cantrell and Cochrane, Ltd.
We understand that already premises for garaging Purposes have been obtained in Lower Baggot Street, Dublin, and it is proposed to lay down a complete motorbus service embracing the entire Free State. One of the features upon which the company will specialize will, be tourist traffic, if possible. in cooperation with the various railway systems of the "Free State.
The chassis for the 200 motorbeses which it is expected vrili-he in operation by the end of this year will be built in Birmingham, and the bodies in Ireland. Fuller particulars are expected to be available very shortly. • Sir H. Maybury to Speak on Road Transport. Brigadier-General Sir Henry P. Maybury will be the guest of the evening at the dinner of the Old Colony Club to be held at Aldwyeh Hope, London, on Thursday next, and on this occasion he will speak on "Road Transport in General." The chair will be taken by Lieut-Col. Sir Joseph Nall, M.P.
A Bodybuilder's Change.
An interesting ceremony took place on the last day of the old year at the works of E. and H. Horn, Ltd., bodybuilders, when a presentation was made by the staff to Mr. W. Maskell, who has spent 32 years with the company, 12 of which were in the position as manager. Mr. Maskeli has now joined the staff -of Messrs. Glover and Webb, who have taken over the preraises in Old Kent Road, London, SE., lately vacated by Liversidge and Sons, Ltd.
A Railway Company's Road Service.
The Great Western Railway Co. have recently inaugurated a road motor service for the transport of heavy goods to farms and private residences in the district around Guilsfield, Melfod and the eastern part of Montgomeryshire.
A.E.C. Branches.
The Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., Walthainstow, London, E.17, have just sent us a list of the branches which they have recently opened in the principal towns of Great Britain and Ireland, each of these being a sales, service and repair depot. They are as follow :— Itilanchester.—Holland Street, Butler Street. Area manager, Mr. E, Morton .13atchelar.
Birmingham.-159, 161, Mary Street. Area manager, Mr. A. Gammon.
Glasgow.-139, West George Streets Area manager, Mr. H. Tonathy.
Bristol.-141, Victoria Street, Temple. Area manager, Mr. E. Church.
Belfast.-30, Chichester Street. Area manager, Mr. R. E. McLean.
Aberdeen Buying a Fleet of Thornycroft Buses.
Aberdeen Town Council has just agreed to the recommendation df its tramways committee to purchase a number of new motorbuses, and 15 20-seater vehicles are to be ordered. The chassis will be supplied by John I. Thornyeroft and Co., Ltd., and the bodies are to be constructed by Northern Counties Motor and Engineering Co,, Lids of Wigan. The purchase of the vehicles will involve an outlay of £17,230. In the meantime, the council is buying two buses, one an Albion, and the other a Thornycroft.
Institute of Metals Membership.
During last year the Institute of Metals increased , its membership from 1,571 to 1,692, and such progress must be regarded as very satisfactory.
A ballot for the election of members and student-members of the Institute will take place on February 24th. and particulars of the advantages which accrue from membership, as well as application forms," can be obtained from the secretary of the Institute, 36-38, Victoria Street, London, S.W.1.
'Carrier Lorries and Buses in Demand.
Karrier Motors, Ltd., Karrier Works, Huddersfield, have recently, received a number of orders for their goOds and passenger chassis. Several of these have been received from overseas, 'and one of the most important is that from British Commercial Cars, Ltd., of Melbourne, who have ordered two chassis each of the 30-cwt., 65-cwt. and 4-ton type, as well as a sprinkler, sweeper and collector. Other orders from overseas include a sweeper for Auckland, New Zealand, three 25-cwt. chassis for India, a similar chassis for Nyassaland, and rigid six-wheelers for the South African Railways. Two brewers' lorries, each to carry 4-ton loads,. are being constructed for J. Kenyon. Ltd., of RawtenstaIl, and two 65-cwt. insulated meat vans are being supplied to Thos. Borthwick and Sons, London. .
On the passenger-carrying side, the company have in hand orders for various types of bus to seat from 26 to 54 passengers.
L.G.O. Co. Buys More Sweepers.
The Lam Motor Car Co., Ltd., Letchworth, have just received a further order for 13 Lucre B-type works and garage sweepers from the London Ceneral Omnibus Co., Ltd. This company originally purchased two sweepers of this make in 1924, and after putting these machines to the test and proving their efficiency, they ordered an additional 12 machines in March of last year. When the last order has been completed the company will possess 27 'acre model B sweepers in addition to the two L-type .sweepers which they have had in service for some years.
French Motor Exports Increasing..
According to information which iS contained in a recent official report an economic and industrial conditions in France, that country now absorbs about 70 per cent, of the total production of the French motor-vehicle industry. The export trade of the country is quite important, and the number of commercial vehicles which leaves the country Shows a tendency to increase. For example, in 1923, 2,665 such machines were exported, whilst in 1.924 that figure had risen to 4,193, and if the exports for the first six months of 1925 were maintained for the rest of the year, this figure will have further. increased, for in the period from January to Jane last, 2,353 vehicles left the Country: The value of French ,commercial vehicle exports in 1924 was 1,513 millions of francs.
Whilst exports continue to rise, imports also show a slight increase, for in 1923, 83 commercial vehicles were imported into France, as against 115 in 1924, and 73 in the first six months of last year.
Sheffield's Fleet of Yorkshires; The Yorkshire Patent Steam Wagon Co. inform us that they have received a further order from the Sheffield Corporation for three of their shaft' driven wagons with runback endtipping bodies. This municipality has eight shaft-driven Yorkshire vehicles in use, and a intal of 30 machines.
Another Bus Show.
Although the first National Bus Show was held in Detroit only last November, a second show is to be held from March 22ndto 27th next. At the first show 15 bus makers exhibited vehicles.
LaIffy Models in Demand.
Laffly (England) Co., Ltd., 20-26, Lonsdale Road, London, N.W.6, are finding that the commercial side of their business is increasing to such an extent that they have decided to concentrate upon it, and, accordingly, they are relinquishing the concession which they have had for the distribution and sale of Donnet-Zedel cars in this country.
Dennis Chassis Prices Up.
' Consequent upon the increase in the cost of tyres, Dennis Bros., Ltd., announce that, as from the beginning of the year, the prices Of their chaesis with certain forms of tyre equipment have been raised. The increase .is £10 in the case of the 30-cwt. chassis with cushion tyres, and the 2-24-ton chassis with solid tyres has been increased to a similar extent. The price of the 30-cwt. chassiS with standard pneumatic equipment is also raised by £10, whilst the 4-ton and the 5-6,ton chassis with soiid tyres have been advanced by £15. The company's 14-ft. and 15-ft. wheelbase chassis, which have 30-40 h.p. and 40-50 h.p.. engines respectively, as well as the 40-70 h.p. E-type, low-load line, 16-ft. wheelbase chassis, each fitted with standard pneumatic tyres, are up by £25.
Chassis Wanted in Melbourne.
H.M. Senior Trade Commissioner in Australia reports that the PostmasterGeneral's Department, Melbourne, is calling for tenders for the supply of motor •chassis and motorcycles, and tenders close in Melbourne on March 16th., A copy of the "specification can be seen by interested British manufacturers at the Department of Overseas. Trade (room 49), 35, Old Queen Street, London, S.W. 1. Reference AX 2696 should be quoted. •
A Sale of Lorries and Spare .Parts.
Owing to expiration of leases at Cranham Road, Delaforti Road and Rotherhithe New Road, London, S.E., and the taking over of larger and more op-to-date premises at 28, Westminster Bridge Road, SEA, which are to be used as lorry showrooms and works, Messrs. If. Northwood and Sons are holding a special two days' sale on January 19th and 20th of a number of lorries and also of surplus stocks of spare parts for various makes of commercial vehicle. Full details are given in the company's advertisement which appears in this issue.
Messrs. Northwood wish us to mate it clear that this sale and removal will not in any way interfere with their regular business and ask us to state that large stocks of spare parts, etc., are always held at their showrooms at 119-121, Newington Causeway, SE.
Catalogues of the sale can be obtained, post free, from Messrs. Northwood" and Sons at Newington Causeway, or from the auctioneers, The Elephant and Castle Motor Repository, New Kent Road, London, S.F.
Road Beating Rail in Germany. Although road construction in the neighbourhood of Frankfort-on-Main is a hundred times more costly to-day than it was in 1912, road traffic has increased enormously. Regular services of motor lorries drawing trailers are carrying all sorts of merchandise that was at one time carried by rail. Two such services
link up with Wiesbaden and Aschaffenburg under the control of the Federal railways. These daily services are said to be more advantageous to shippers than the railway, not only from the standpoint of quicker delivery, but because superior facilities are offered for the collection and delivery of merchandise en route. Mail motor services are now operating twice daily over 21 different routes. In June, 1924, only four such services were in existence.
Gear Grinding Company's Enterprise.
In view of the growing importance of gear-tooth grinding, many of our readers will undoubtedly be interested to learn that the Gear Grinding Co., Ltd.. liandsworth, Birmingham, have completed arrangements by which a company is being established in Milan, Italy, to exploit the company's process.
c22 The company will be known as Societa Italiana Rettiiica Ingranag,gi, and their shops will be equipped with the Birmingham company's special toothgrinding machines. The Italian concern have purchased the sole rights for the use of the company's patents and process in Italy, Tunnelling for Cable Work.
In Connection with the breaking up of streets which will be rendered necessary under the new scheme for the supply of bulk electricity in Loudon, the highways committee _of the Kensington Borough Council has decided to make representations in favour of the work of crossing important thoroughfares being continued both by day and night so that the interference with vehicular traffic may
be minimized as ranch as possible. It is also asking that a suggestion for carrying the cables under certain important roadways by tunnelling instead of opdir excavation may receive consideration.
Saving by Ford.
At a meeting of the Audenslmw Urban District Council the sanitary inspector submitted a report which he had prepared on the working of a Ford motor lorry during the past three years, and this showed a net saving over team labour during this period ot£241.
Mr. Owen Wray Recovering.
The many friends of Mr. Owen Wray, the chemical engineer to Silvertown Lubricants, Ltd., will be glad to learn that he is making satisfactory progress after his recent motoring accident, although it will be some weeks before he is able to leave hospital.
Railway Company's Census of Road Traffic.
For some months past railroad interests in the North of lingland have made strenuous efforts to attract back to the railway large numbers of passengers who have, during the course of the past five or six years, diScovered road passenger services to be more convenient and economic. This rail competition has, for the most part, taken the form of accelerated services over short-distance routes and the offer of specially cheap _ facilities, in some cases fares having been " cut " to the level of, or even below, bus charges for the same journey.
A. more recent development has been the preparation of a census of passeu ors travelling on the many buses to and from Newcastle, and this step is believed to indicate the opening of a new attack upon road transport. Exception to this census is stated to have been taken by the Northers General Transport Co., Ltd. The rail-way company are taking an early opportunity of raising opposition to local motorbus developments, and will, it is gathered, be strongly represented at an important inquiry, to be held in Newcastle on January 19th by the Ministry of Transport, into the Newcastle Corporation's extensive road passenger-carrying expansion schemes.
Rotax Battery Agents.
Rotax (Motor Accessories), Ltd., Willesden Junction, London, N.W. 11, advise us that they have just appointed Messrs. Fields Garage, 31, South Street, Chichester, and W. Short, Ltd., 4, St. Cross Road, Winchester, as agents for batteries of their manufacture.
, American Production.
The Department of Commerce in America announces that the production of the motor industry during November totalled 39,893 commercial vehicles and 83058 passenger cars. Of the former. 27,704 vehicles were built in the United States and 2,189 in Canada. In the previous month, American manufacturers produeed 44,220 commercial vehicles and Canadian makers1,694 machiues of a similar description.
Chances for Tractors in India.
According to a Department of Overseas Trade report on India, there was a considerable advance in the trade in agricultural machinery during the year 1024-25, although the extent of the trade is somewhat disappointing when the immense scope of the country is considered.
Nearly two-thirds of the tractors which were imported into -the country were obtained from the United States, whilst American competition in ploughs is also keen. Mention is made of the fact that when one considers the efforts made by British makers during the past 20 year to stimulate the demand for agricultural machinery in the country, the results must be regarded as most disappointing.
One of the principal reasons for this state of affairs is, of course, the number of small holdings throughout the country, although the lack of capital and enterprise of cultivators is also partially responsible.
Littleborough's Fire Brigade.
The Littleborough (near Rochdale) District Council has decided completely to reorganize its fire brigade and ambulance services with a view to acting independently oU the Rochdale authorities who have served the area in the past and the reorganization will involve the purchase of a new lip-to:date motor fireengine a4d a new motor ambulance for accident 'werk. It is also proposed to mount the present first-aid engine on a chassis.
The MetrInchMicrometer.
Madame de St. Gervais, who, with Mrs. S. FL Madison, is one of the proprietors of the Metr-Inch micrometer, which was described in the issue of The Commercial Motor for December 22nd, asks us to Correct an error ofstatement.
We thought that the instrument was the invention of a French engineer, but Madame de St. Gervais informs us that it was invented by the late Mr. S. E. Madison, and that, on his death, Madame de St. Gervais arranged for the
filing of the final specification, perfected the idea and, with the wife of the inventor, has made it her business to get the tool manufactured and placed on the market. The instrument has been ac
corded the Grade certificate of the National Physical Laboratory,
A Van of 1,100 cubic ft. Capacity.
Those owners who have occasion to use the main road between London and Birmingham may, at some time or other, encounter the large-capacity boxvau which is illustrated on this page, for it regularly undertakes journeys between these twa centres for Messrs. Smart's Furnishing Stores.
The chassis is an example of Leyland Motors, Ltd., Model A.13, and it carries an unusually large body, the front portion of which, is extended over the driver's cab in order to give increased storage capacity. The interior size of the body is 14 ft. long, 10 ft. high and 7 ft. wide, the total capacity being 1,1,00 cubic ft. The vehicle is of light but strong construction, and is finished in Royal blue,the lettering in white standing out in bold relief. • -
The van is, of course, intended mainly for work 'in connection with removals, and was delivered through Birmingham Garages, Ltd., who are the company's agents in this Midland centre. A Large Order for A.E.C. Buses.
What must be regarded as one of the largest orders lately placed• for passenger-carrying vehicles is undoubtedly that given to the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., Walthamstow, London, E.17, by United Automobile Services, Ltd., who, as is well known, operate exten sive motorbus services in several parts of the country. This is for 100 A.E.C. model 413 passenger chassis, which are to be fitted with 36-seater bodies of the front-entrance pattern.
Refuse Collecting in Smethwick.
At a, meeting of the Smeth*ick Corporation the borough engineer presented a report upon the various methods of refuse collection which he had investigated, together with the cost of the several schemes. He also reported upon a new method, recently adopted in certain areas, known as the " Tractor-andtrailer " system. By this system specially low-built trailer wagons are used as containers for the refuse, being drawn from house to house by horse., loaded the trailers are collected and hauled by a tractor of the Fordson type. After fully considering the various methods reported upon, the' borough engineer was authorised-to purchase one tractor and four trailers, at an estimated
cost of £850. •
A Heavy Tax on Buses.
The Legislature of the State of Washington is considering levying a tax of 10 per cent, on the gross earnings of all bus companies. The State Tax Commission will have access to alj books and records of these companies, and severe penalties will be exacted in the event of the proposed law being violated. The present taxation is but 1.per cent, of the gross earnings of the companies.
Inst. of F.E. Meeting,
general meeting of the Institution of Production Engineers will be held in the council room of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, K, Pall Mall, London, S.W.1, on January 22nd, when Mr. G. W. Rawlings, of the Associated -British Machine Tool Makers, Ltd., will read a paper on "Features of Machine Tools Which Make for Increased Production." Bus and Rail Contracts.
Since Waterloo and Crosby Motors, Ltd., have acquired the rights to work the route from Seaforth Sands Station• to Great Crosby, hitherto served by tramways, arrangements have been made whereby overhead railway contracts, which until now were available on the tramway service, may be honoured by the bus company. The new season tickets which are issued by the railway company will in future be available for both train and motorbus, and will be issued at Seaforth Sands Station at the railway contract rates, plus a bus tariff per month of 3s. from Waterloo and
6s. from Crosby. Arrangements have also been made for the issue of cheap through return tickets for motorbus and train from Waterloo and Crosby to any of the stations on the overhead railway.
India's Commercial Vehicle Trade.
India is an important market for the commercial motor vehicle, and although the trade in machines of this kind shows a considerable advance in the year 1924-1925, as revealed by official information contained in a report issued by the Department of Overseas, there is evidence that British makers have not increased their shipmentsto the country in the same proportion as many of their competitors. For example, whereas the United Kingdom sent 61 buses, vans and lorries in the year 1923-1924 and increased their exports to 100 machines in the following year, manufacturers in the United Stites shipped 852 vehicles in the year 1923-1924 and increased this figure to 782 in the following twelve months. The total vehicles received from other countries in the year 1923-1924 was 631, whilst a year later it had increased to 1,274.
Mention should also be made of the large number of lorries imported for
Government use, and it is satisfactory to record that these are almost exclusively of British origin. So far as private users are concerned, it would appear that the initial cost of the average lorry of British manufacture is a factor retarding its sole use, although those who pay heed to quality and durability would appear to be uninfluenced by the question of price.
A.E.C. Tower Wagon for Singapore.
One of the most recent machines to leave the works of the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., Walthamstow, London, E.17, is the tower wagon which is illustrated on this page and shown in both the extended and closed positions. This machine is being supplied to the tramway authorities of Singapore, and the chassis which serves as its basis is the makers' 28 h.p.
tonner.
The tower is built in three sections
and is raised through the medium of a central screw gear constructed by the Eagle Engineering Co., Ltd., of Warwick. Two electric lamps, the power for which is supplied by the engine, are fitted to the top of the tower so that work can be carried out on the platform under the best possible lighting conditions. The driver's cab is of roomy proportions and is built to seat three workmen in addition to the driver. There is a capacious box at the rear which is intended for carrying the equipment necessary for undertaking repairs, etc., to overhead wires and the like.
A Shock Absorber for Heavy Motors.
Air Springs, Ltd., is the title of a company who have been formed in Jersey, with a nominal capital of £3,000 in shares, one of their chief objects being to introduce a new shockabsorbing device for use on heavy motor lorries ainl motorbuses.
American Tractor Exports.
The number of wheeled tractors exported from the United States in October last was 2,856, valued at $1,719,707, a considerable decrease as compared with the previous month. Italy took 542 of these machines, followed by the Argentine. with 424; France, 356; Canada, 262; Germany, 210: Australia, 190; and Great Britain, 131.
Local Proceedings.
Newport Corporation has decided to run a motorbus service to Goldcliff.
Folmfirth Urban District Council is considering the purchase of a fire-engine.
Ripon Corporation is considering the purchase of motor vehicles for refuse collection.
Wednesbury Town Council has decided to purchase a motor fire-pump at a cost of £1,225.
Manchester Corporation has decided to purchase five motor vehicles for the electricity department.
The Ministry of Transport has made an order permitting the abandonment of the light railway between Dudley and Kingswinford.
Heaton and Isleworth Urban District Council is making application for sanction to borrow £1,400 for the purchase of a fire-engine.
The tramways committee of the Manchester Corporation is seeking sanction to borrow £14,000 for the purchase of motor omnibuses.
The tramways committee of the Newport (Mon.) Corporation is considering the desirability of substituting motorbuses for the tramways on the Malpas route.
Sanction to expend £920 on the acquisition of a steam road roller has . been given to the Aberystwyth Rural District Council by the Ministry of Health.
The gas committee of the Manchester Corporation has accepted the tender of the -Vulcan Motor and Engineering, Co., Ltd., for the supply of a hydraulic tipping lorry.
Col: G. A. Green Visits Europe.
Col. G. A. Green, vice-president of the Yellow Truck and Coach Manufacturing Co., who, it will be remembered, was at one time connected with the London General Omnibus Co., Ltd., and went out to New York to establish the Fifth Avenue Coach Co., is now in Europe on a visit.
Northwood's Annual Staff Dinner.
We again had the pleasure of attending the staff dinner and dance which is held annually on New Year's Eve by Messrs. H. Northwood and Sons, and after this year's event, we came away with memories of having spent a very pleasant evening and, if it were needed, with further evidence of the cordial relationship existing between Messrs. Northwood and their employees. Although the speeches were short, one important piece of news was vouchsafed, Mr. Northwood announcing that, as a result of increasing business, the company would shortly be taking over additional premises at 28, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE. Nearly 200 guests enjoyed the dancing and musical entertainment, which was under the able direction of Mr. Harry Northwood.