WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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"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.' —dOhn Beattie Crosier.
Reading Matter in "The C.M."
The development of the commercial motor vehicle industry finds its reflex in the space which it has been found necessary to give to reading, matter in The Commercial Motor. Thus, it is informative to examine the half-yearly volumes of the journal, going back,. say, 11 years to 1912, when the road transport industry was making a slow but steady development, and to observe the number of .reading-matter pages therein. We give, the figures in the form of the annual totals, an asterisk in front of the year (March to February) denoting the inclusion of Show numbers, which naturally involved a greater call 'upon apace :
*19I2-1913. 1,184 pp. ; *1913-1914, 1,298 pp;; 1914-1915, 1,122 pp. ; 19151916, 1,078 pp..; 1916-1917, 1;10i pp.;
1917-1918, 1,132 pp. • 1918-1919, 1,144 pp. ; 1919-1920,. 1,302. pp.,; *920'1921, 1,650 pp. ; .*1921-1922, 1,768 pp.'; 1922-1923, 1,699 pp. It will thus be seen that the journal now offers 50 per cent. more, readinaL. matter than it did before or daring the war.'
Tilling Report.
The directors of Thomas Tilling, Ltd., are able, in their accounts for the year 1922, to show a profit of 2154,016 after meeting the interest on firet mortgage debentures and -other outgoings. To this sum has to be added the amountbrought forward from the previous year, viz., 237,636, and to be dedffcted, the interest on income • debenture stock (212,336) and the interim dividend on the preference shares (28,250). It is proposed to pay a dividend on the preference shares for the last half-year, absorbing a further 28,250; to pay 15 per cent. dividend on the ordinary shares, absorbing £46,327; to pay an additional per cent, interest to the income debenture stock, holders, absorbing 23,291, and to. place 245,662 to reserves, leaving a balance of 267,535 to be carried forward.
Steel-framed Vans for the P.O.
The postal authorities are now making considerable use of Ford light vans, and it is nterestng to learn that Joseph Sankey and Sons,' Ltd., Wellington, Shropshire, have just completed an important contract for steel-framed vans for their use. These bodies, which are mounted On Ford ton-truck chassis, are of novel slesign, which renders them entirely thief-proof. At the hack of the driver's seat. they are fitted with sliding doors of great strength. There seems little doubt that steelframed vans of this description will prove their worth in the transport of loads such as are handled by the postal authorities.
Accidents in Birmingham.
The Birmingham authorities have recently issued statistics showing the number of casualties incidental to street traffic which came to the knowledge of the police during 1.922.
The total number of street accidents was 3,574, tramcars being responsible emIPS
for 128 casualties, motorbuses for 48, taxicabs for 47, private cars for 948, commercial vehicles for 863, and horsed vehicles for 361. It is interesting to note that there were no accidents for
which motor chars-a-bases were responsible.
The total number of accidents for the preceding year was 3,134. Although there were several fatal accidents in the central area of Birmingham during 1920, no fatal accident has occurred in this area during the past two years. The corporation considers that this immunity is largely due to the protactics afforded by street refuges.
The Taxation Inquiry.
The public sittings of the DepartMental Committee on the Taxation and Regulation of Road Vehicles will be resumed at the Middlesex Guildhall, Westminster, Landon, S.W., to-day (Tuesday), March 13th, at 11 a.m.
Production in America. ,
According to a report recently issued by the American Department of Commerce at Washington automobile production in the United States increased in January to the highest point since August last, the UAW month of peak production. The output of commercial vehicles in January was more than double that of the corresponding month last year, the actual.flgures being 19,206 for 1923 and 9,416 for 1922. The actual output of commercial vehicles in the month of December was 20,035. L.G.O.Kinema Show Enterprise,
The London General Omnibus Co.. Ltd., with commendable enterprise, are instituting a aeries of kinema shows m order to draw attention to the outstanding places of interest in London, and thus to induce inhabitants of rural areas to journey to the Metropolis by motorbus.
Special films depicting many phases of London life are being taken, and these will be shown from a travelling kinerna, which is being fitted on a B-type bus chassis. The vehicle will run on giant pneumatic tyres and possess the necessary equipment for generating electric current. It is intended to give taxhibitiens to school eNildren in the afternoon and to adults in the evening. and a qualified instructor is to explain
the films. I Austin Report.
The report of the directors of the Austin Motor Cu., Ltd., for the two years 1920 and 1921 shows a loss for the period of 23,381,922, including normal depreciation (2123,824). The debit balance on the profit and less account, after providing for thia loss and writing down stock and tools, and after absorbing the balance brought forward and reserves, amounts to 21,883,601. It isproposed later on to adjust certain asset values and to submit, a scheme for the revision of eapital, but the directors consider that profitable trading should first be re-established.
Delaunay-Belleville New Headquarters.
All business relating to the sale of Delaunay-Belleville chassis and vehicles in this country, its Dependencies and Dominions. is now being carried on by Delaunay-Belleville Motors, Ltd., Carlton Vale, Maida Vale, London, N.W. 6. The headquarters will also serve as a repair and service depot.
The personnel of the company, of which Sir Alfred Mays-Smith and Mr. E. H. Carroll are directors, is identical with that of Delaunay-Belleville Automobiles (England), Ltd., which is now formally in voluntary liquidation.
Assisting Engine Starting.
Mr. G. F. Flatman, foreman driver of the Eastern Counties Road Car Co., Ltd., informs us that the -device to assist in starting with the Zenith carburetter, described and illustrated in one of our "Drivers'" pages (page 29 of the issue of February 20th, was invented by him, and that the design has been provisionally protected at the Patent Office. The -device is extremely simple and effective, and we hope to hear from Mr. Flatman that he has placed it on the market.
The first annual dinner of the engine end -unit assembly department of the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., took place at the Talbot Restaurant a few days ago, when' Mr. IL AL Whitley, the foreman of the department, presided over an, assembly of about 70 persons.
Cardiff Traffic Control.
The Cardiff police are taking steps to control vehicular traffic, particularly the parking of the large number of chars-abancs that convey spectators to football matches at Cardicf Arms Park and Niniau Park. In the case of big rugby matches, steps are being taken to prevent motor passenger vehicles from entering Quay Street, Westgate Street, or Guildhall Street, and such vehicles must be parked at Cat-hays Park or Park Street. The vicinity of the association football ground gives better facilities for near-by parking.
The Stoneleigh 4-cwt. Van.
Armstrong Siddeley Motors, Ltd., of 10, Old Bond Street, London, W., have just issued a little pamphlet giving brief details of.the Stoneleigh light van, which is suitable for carrying loads up to 4 mt. This little transport unit has an air-cooled engine, the R.A.C. rating of which is 8.9, and it is claimed that it. can be run at a cost of lid. per mile. The van should appeal to the small -tradesman with limited loads to carry, particularly, as a rooms, body can be -used, and it costs but '185.
Good Work by Dennis Tippers.
. The erection of buildings has been greatly sintlified of recent years by the adoption of the system of steel-frame construction; but, even so, it is remarkeble to learn that a recent extension to the sugar refineries of Fairrie and -Co., Ltd., of Liverpool, has been carried out by the company themselves with direct labour.
The depth of the basement below the floor level of this new building is 27 ft., and it has a cubic capacity of some 70.000 ft. An indication of the difficulties encountered can be gained from the fact that the floor and foundations were all taken out of the solid clay.
In connection with the work of excavation, which involved the removal of 12,000 tons of clay, Messrs. Fairrie employed two Dennis 5-6-ton tipping wagons, ;which carried the earth a distance of seven miles and dimmed it in
an old quarry. During a period of six months the two wagons trans_ported 5,625 tons of -clay in 966 journeys, and covered a distance of 14,490 miles on a consumption of one gallon of petrol to 5.69 miles' running.
We reproduce a picture on this page showing one of the Dennis tippers at the dump. It should be mentioned that the vehicles were fitted with steel bodies because it was found that hot ashes set the wooden body on fire even though it had a lining of steel..
Possibilities of Railless Traction.
The town oouncils of Croydon and Southend have asked sub-committees to examine and report on the possibilities of railless traction for adoption in the respective areas over which they exercise control.
Personal Pars.
During a recent visit to the Cortil Automobile Co., Ltd., of 18, Berkeley 'Street, London, London, W.1, we were surprised at being welcomed by Mr. Buddell, whom we knew previously as assistant sales manager to Straker-Squire, Ltd. We learnt with
interest that Mr. Buddell had joined the Curtis Automobile Co., Ltd., as sales manager of -the commercial vehicle department. It would appear that large deliveries of the well-known and reliable Tetraiota model Lancia are .now being made, and that the chassis is. becoming particularly popular for passenger transport work, especiallyAn eueh difficult country as Devonshire, where, • during last summer, we noticed a large number of Lancias in daily service. From what we know. of Mr. Buddell, we shall expect the sales figures to rise very appreciably in the near future, as he has had long experience in salesmanship and possesses a personality which renders him popular in all quarters.
The National Benzole Co., Ltd., inform us that Mr. A. J. Tibbitt, who has acted in the capacity of general manager of the company since their inanguration, has been appointed to the position of managingdirector.
. We are informed that Mr. J. W. Pickavant has resigned his position as managing director of J. W. Pickavant and Co.,-Ltd., and that-he is now carrying on business under his own name at 5413, Chester Road, Birmingham. He has secured the soleiconcession for the Bidtish Isles for Elitebodies, Ltd. of Heywood, Lanes., and has arranged a concession for the Thomas external brake for Ford cars, which will now be known as the Grippo external brake.
More Chars-a-bancs for Bournemouth. . Bournemouth Corporation Licensing Committee has promised to give f sourable consideration to applications from Messrs:. A. E. Louis and Sons, and Elliott Bros. (Benrnemouth), Ltd., for one and four char-à-banes licences respectively„
Birmingham. Licences.
According to returns which have recently been issued by the Birmingham authorities, a considerable increase is shown ite the number of motor vehicle licences issued for the current year. Up to the end of idanuary the local taxation department of the cerporation had issued 18,317 licences for road vehicles as compared with 15,001 at the same time last year.
The number of licences issued in respect of commercial vehicles has advanced by 479; and in the case of motor haekneys by 9. It is curious to note that the number of licences issued for horse-draim vehicles has increased from 32 to 134.
The sum collected in respect of the 1923 taxation is £170,000 compared with £153,292 for the previous year.
No More Tramways ?
In reconsidering the abandonment of a scheme to extend the tramways along BroadStreet, the tramways committee of the Birmingham City Council says that since powers were obtained for the extension the corporation has instituted a motorbus service which satisfactorily provides for the reluirements, and if a tramway were laid it would be competing with the corporation bus service) on which a considerable amount of money has already been expended. It would be unwise to spend capital on a tramway in order to provide transport facilities which are already met by the existing motorbus service.
Institute of Metals Journal.
The-journal of the Institute of Metals has now become a subetantial volume, the latest issue covering over a thousand pages, this being several hundred pages more than any previous volume. The papers reproduced in this volume are seventeen in number and deal with a large number of metals and alloys. Very useful are the verbatim reports of the discussions on the various papers.
A valuable new. feature to be noted in Section II. of the journal is a detailed list of many hundreds of the world's metallurgical and allied periodicals. The publisher's name and address of each of these periodicals is given, together with the price and date of publication.
The whole volume in its various secBIS
tions well maintains the high standard that was set when the institute .iseued its first volume 14 years ago. In fact, it might be wondered how such a fine volume can be supplied at the price, and further how it is possible for the members of the institute to be able to obtain two of these tolumes in each year for a purely nominal subscription.
The book is to be obtained from the publishers, the Inatitute of Metals, 36-38, Victoria Street., S.W. I, or any bookseller, price 31s. 6d. net.
Transport Methods Revolutionized by Motor.
At the annual meeting of Maple and Co., Ltd. general furnishers, of Tot
tenham Ltd., Road, London, W., reference was made to the company's transport system. With regard to the system of delivery made by the company's vans from London to the doors of customers' houses in the country, it was stated that. the methods of delivery have been completely revolutionized. Whereas something like 300 horses were formerly employed, only 30 are now used. The horses have, of course, been replaced by
motor vehicles, which are housed in the company's new garage in Euston Road.
A Lakeland Road Scheme.
Various authorities have passed resolutions against the scheme to construct a new motor road from Waitdale over the 13I's,ses of Hard Knott and Wrynose, which was mooted in order to link the eastern and western portions of the Lake District.
Motor Snow Ploughing:
Halifax Corporation has been making use of a 3-ton Halley and a 5-ton Straker-Squire to draw ploughs . for clearing snow-bound highways. The recent snowfall was cleared away from some level streets at a speed of ten miles an hour.
Another Brighton By-pass.
A proposal has been made by Mr. Warr, surveyor to the Steyning East Rural District Council, for the making of a new by-pass road leading from the London and Brighton main road at Patcham up to the Dyke Road, and joining the Borough of Hove at the top of The Drive. Buses at Bridlington.
At a meeting of:the Bridlington Watch Committee a letter was received from Messrs. Trown and Tooth, proprietors of motor omnibuses running in Bridlington, asking the committee definitely to allocate stopping places for all the motor omnibuses in respect of which licences have been granted ay the corporation to ply for hire in Bridlington.
The committee decided that the general inspector he instructed to prepare for the consideration by the corn• mittee a suggested list of stopping places for the motor omnibuses running in the borough, and which have been duly -licensed by the corporation, and that Messrs. 'frown and Tooth, Mr. A. Robinson, and Mr. R. Williamson be informed that the committee will be prepared to meet them to discuss this and other matters relative to the bus services,
An A.A. Outpost.
The Automobile Association informs us that a roadside telephone has been .nstalled on Dartmoor between Two Bridges and IVIoretenhampetead. The' distance separating these two places is 13 miles, and the nearest motor repair
rag establishments which are available in cases of breakdown between the two points are about seven miles distant, whilst the nearest hotel is five miles
away. This lonely road across Dartmoor is much frequented during the summer months by road users travelling between Exeter and Plymouth, and the installation of the A.A. hut should prove of greet benefit.
New Engine Necessitates New Station.
Walsall Watch Committee reports that it inspected the new motor fire-engine and escape and trailer, and regrets that as the result of an accident the new engine was damaged when being taken out of the fire station. It, has been returned to the makers, who are making good the damage at the expense of the insurance company. •
In consequence of the accident, the borough surveyor and chief constable have been instructed to-consider and report with regard to the provision of an up-to-date fire-station on a new site, and the chief constable has been authorized to make arrangements for the new fireengine to he housed temporarily in a more suitable place.
A Successful Bus Service.
Coins Town council last week received a report from the Tramways Committee with regard to the bus service inaughrated recently between Coins and Earby. It was stated that the three buses on the route were inadequate to cope with the traffic, and that a considerable number of passengers had been left; at stopping places. The engineer reported that from January 27th to February 17th the receipts amounted to 2209 6s. 8d., and the expenses to 2183 7s. 6d., leaving a surplus of 225 19s. 3d. The passengers car, rind during the period numbered 20,313. It was decided to purchase two additional buses.
Pierce-Arrow Service.
Mr. George Bright, who is the sole distributor. for the products of the PierceArrow Motor, Car Co. in tfiis country, is transferring his business from Northfield Avenue, West Ealing, to West Heath Yard, Mill Lane, Hampstead, London, N.W. 6, where all PierceArrow users will be able to obtain spares and service in connection with this well-known make of American chassis.
• Insistence upon Time-table Buses.
At a. meeting of the floridly Council, the traffic inspector reported that a number of buses Were not keeping to their time schedules. On the Trithsaran route this was especially noticeable, and in the inspector's opinion too many buses were now running. Three proprietors were called upon to appear, and they explained the rea.son for the breaches.
• The council decided to call On the police to control bus services, and to issue a warning to proprietors, that failure to observe time-table would result in the suspension of licences.
An Attractive Light Van.
The handsome van which we illustrate on this page is one recently delivered to Lepard and Smiths, Ltd., by International Motors, Ltd., of Look Green, ' London, W.6.
It is intended for the transport of high-class writing paper, etc., and it has a carrying capacity of 30 cwt. The body, which has very fine lines, with a curved roof and double rear doors with oval lights, is mounted on a Graham Bros. chassis. This chassis is the joint product of Dodge Bros. and Graham Bros., the units made by the latter concern being the transmission and rear axle. The engine develops 30-35 b.h.p., is three-point suspended, and, together with the gearbox and clutch casing, forms a unit. The gearbox gives three forward speeds, and -the drive is taken through a two-piece propeller shaft to a spiral-bevel-driven rear axle of remarkably stout construction. The pneumatic tyre equipment consists of 33 ins. by 4 ins, at the front and 36 ins. by 6 ins, at the rear, all tyres being of Goodyear manufacture: A Special Body for Carrying Cheeses. Designed expressly for the carrying of cheeses, the body shown on a standard model Garner 30-40-ewt, chassis has several very interesting features. Two flat decks are provided, the top one being removable in sections, and by this means it is possible to carry a large number of cheeses. Owing to the `mature of the goods which the vehicle was designed to carry, it was essential that no strengthening brackets should be fixed inside the body, which has its sides perfectly flush, with no internal projections. Consequently, the supports for the drop sides and rear board are on the outside. These are
made from angle-section stecl with ,oneside carefully machined off to a taper, and the bottom ends are provided with bosses, in which the hinge • rods' take their lacarings. This construction is very rigid, and is not at all unsightly.
The driver's cab is of the usual Garner pattern, with a large divided windscreen and entrance doors on each side. On the usual front nanie board, over the cram, is displayed an advertiserneet instead of the owner's name.
We have been asked by International -Motors. Ltd., to point out that a patent its pending for the Eord road-sweeping machine which we recently described.
Blackpool Taxi Fares.
The Blackpool Watch Committee ha; decided to recommend a,reiision of "On existing taxicabs charges. At ,preseh. the rates are is. K. per mile'fer one .01 two persons, and 2s. per mile for three oi 'more persons. For each 'additional one eighth of a mile or part thereof there is
an extra charge of 3d. It is now suggested that there should be a uniform rate of is. 6d. per mile, irrespective of the 'number of pasSengers carried, whether one, two, three:or more, with an extra 3d. for each one-sixth Of a mile over a Convicted ntimber of miles.
Bournemouth's Coaches.
At a meeting of _ the Bournemouth Licensin.g .Committee a petition from residents was received calling attention to the conditions which prevail during the summer months through the.parking of motor chars-S-banea along the lower end of Avenue Road to the Square and on the north side of the Square.
Welsh Road Schemes.
A conference has been convened by the Trodegar Urban District Council with the Monmouthshire and Breconshire County C-ouecile, Crickhowell Rural District Council, and Newport Borough Council with reference to the construction of a new road through Tredegar and Trefil, to shorten the NewportBrecon route by some 13 miles, Sym pathy with the project has already been expressed by stenie of the authorities concerned, and the Roads Board at Cardiff has been approached in the matter.
The Monmouthshire County Council has agreed to assist in the widening of the Newport road section in the Triedegar area, and sanction from the Ministry of Transport tas been received by the Tredegar Council for widening the Abergavenny-Merthyr Road.
Orders for Motorcycle Boxvans. We are informed that the Enfield Cycle Co., Ltd. of Redditch, have, in
addition to a Ltd., order from the Cr`.P.O., received a contract from H.M. Stationery Office for a. number of theit 8 h.p. commercial sidecar delivery vans. In view of the fact that the various Government departments have a number of these combinations in use, it should not be long before some of the large business houses realize the value of these economical and speedy little transport units for certain classes of service.
The Motor" New„Car Number.
Features of considerable interest to motorists, and the motor industry generally, are contained in. the current issue of our associated journal, The Motor, which is a Special New Car and Empire Buyers' Number. Giving, as it does, a summary of the features of each particular make of car, together with prices, it forms a most useful buyers' guide for 1923.
"Trade Within the Empire" is another special feature which indicates why the British car is one which the overseas motorist can purchase and use With confidence, and some interesting facts and figures are given. Other matters which are authoritatively dealt with in this well-illustrated issue include "Buying a New Car," B20 "1923 Small Cars," "Buying Secondhand," 'Buying a Car by Instalments," "Taxation and Registration," "Insuranee," and "1923 Car Design."
Magneto Service.
The County of London Engineering Works, Ltd., advise us that they have opened a new West-End office at 13, Grape Street, London, W.C. 2. Buei nese will continue to he carried on at the. old address at 27, Stockwell Road, London, S.W. 9, and a large stock of all types of magnetos and spares will he carried at both depots.
Barimar Remove.
To keep pace with the continual growth of their business, Barimar, Ltd., inform us that they have moved to larger and more commodious premises at 14-18, Lamb's Conduit Street, London, W.C. 1. The company feel that by the operation of a larger factory, with the offices in the same building, they will be able to speed up deliveries of repaired parts and tackle more work.
Bristol Repeats.
One of the best tests of the all-round reliability of a motor vehicle is indicated by_ repeat orders placed by satisfied users. A short time ago the Bristol" Tramways and Carriage Co., Ltd., Tramways Centre, Bristol, supplied a number oft their latest-type, buses to the Devon Motor Transport Co., and to the Yorkshire (West Riding) Tramways Co., and the satisfaction which hail been derived from the operation of these vehicles can be gauged by the fact that both transport, companieshave just placed repeat orders for additional buses, as also have the Doncaster Corporation, which has severalBristol vehicles now in service.
Using the Radiator for Advertising.
The Rand Advertising and Sales Service, Ltd., 39, Avenue Chambers, London, W.C. 1, have just introduced a novel advertising sign for use on motor vehicles. As its name—Rad-Ads—may suggest, this sign is intended to be fitted on the radiators. of vans, lorries, coaches anti other types of heavy vehicles. It is made of aluminium and can be fitted in about 15 to 20_ minutes, and, it is said, dues not in any way affect the functioning of the radiator. The front of the vehicle is a most suitable position for advertising, matter and the use of such a sign should appeal to many commercial
vehicle users.
Laystall Dinner.
The staff of the Laystall Motor Enjt-,ineering Works, Ltd., Ewer Street, London, 8.E., recently held their annual dinner at Oddenino's Imperial Restaurant, Piccadilly. Over 100 of the staff were present, and they were presided over by the managing director of the company, Mr. F. T. Bersey. During the evening the chairman gave an interesting and encouraging report of the company's progress, and referred to their latest development in opening a branch works at Liverpool. Opportunity was taken of the occasion for making presentations to certain of the staff who have been with the company from 16 to 20 years. Local Proceedings,
Colne Town Council has decided to purchase a motor fire4engine at a cost of £1,700.
The parish council has arranged a site for the parking of motorcars on Keaton Conimorl.
Bolton Corporation has decided to purchase a motorvan for the tramways department.
A committee of the Bournemouth Corporation reports in favour of the Swanage motor road scheme.
Walthamstow Urban District Council proposes to invite tenders for the supply of two motor ambulances. • Middlesbrough Corporation Health Committee has decided to purchase a ',acre road sweeper at a cat of £600.
.. Glasgow Corporation proposes to purchase an International Junior tractor for use on the corporation estate farms.
Bournemouth Corporation Fire Brigade Committee recommends the purchase of a petrol-driven turn-table ladder.
Walthamstow Fire Brigade Committee recommends the purchase of a first-aid motor appliance at a cost of about £500.
• Croydon Corporation Health Committee recommends the purchase of a oneton motorvan for the disinfecting department.
.Preesall Council, near Fleetwood, has under consideration a resolution that no charol-bancs stands be provided on the esplanade.
'Chelmsford Town Council . has. oapointed a sub-comniittee to report as to mechanical road transport for corporation work..
'St. Helens Corporation is inviting tenders for the supply-of three single-deck one-man motor-omnibuses, each to carry 20 passengers.
The Bedwellty Urban District Council has decided to purchase a motor ambulance for conveying patients to the isolation hospital.
Johannesburg Corporation proposes to establish motorbus services. The scheme suggests the purchase of six vehicles at about. £1,400 each.
Leicester Corporation is seeking a loan of £3,650 for the purchase of a Motor street -sweeper, a steam wagon, and a petrol lorry, etc.
Waltharnstow Urban District Council has authorized the purchase of a reconditioned Crossley chassis f or use as a first-aid appliance for the fire brigade.
Salford Corporation Tramways Committee recommends the purchase from Leyland Motors Ltd., of a second-hand
chassis for a Motors, wagon at a cost of £400.
York Watch Committee has given permission to the North ,Riding Haulage Co., Ltd., to erect a petrol pump in Clarance Street, with a swing arm over the footpath.
Middlesbrough Corporation Tramways Committee recommends the sale of three old motorbuses, and has asked the tramways manager to report as to the prices of a lighter type of bus. ,
Bolton Corporation Parks Committee has authorised the parks superintendent to olatain prices from Ransornes, Sims and Jefferies, Ltd., for two 24-in, and one 30-in: motor lawn mowers.
Sculcoates Rural Council is asking the Ministry of Transport to increase the grants to the Fast Riding owing to the high railway rates on stone in consequence of the long distances over which it has to be carried.
A Novel Railcar, •
An extremely interesting adaptation of motorcycle design for railway transport has recently been carried out by Alfred Wiseman, Ltd., of Glover Street, Birmingham. 'The construction provides a light, economical, and very mobile railway inspection truck, and, in addition to carrying -a large quantity of spares and tools, provides transport for two men.
A standard Sirrah motorcycle—of which Alfred Wiseman, Ltd., are the manufacturers—is -utilized, and em., bodies a 2i. h.p. •Union air-cooled twostroke engine of 70 mm. and 76 mm. bore and Stroke respectively, giving
292 c.c., and a three-speed Burman gearbox with all-chain drive. Rigid front forks have been substituted for the usual spring type.
The chassis may be provided with three or four wheels, as required. All the controls are mounted on a bar from the steering head, and separate brake pedals are used for front and rear wheels, the latter being interconnected; the brake shoes themselves . consist of Ferodo pads working on the wheel flanges.
• It is stated that this railcar will climb a 1 in 6 gradient and has a range of speed from 5 m.p.h. to 35 m.p.h.