The New Garage of the Gamage-Bell Motor Cab Co., Ltd.
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A Description of the Well-equipped Depot in Pimlico, where London's Latest and Smartest Motorcab Fleet is Stationed.
We published an illustrated description, at the beginning of March, of a large petrol-storage installation which had then just been completed for the GamageBell Motor Cab Co. at its new depot in Commercial Road, Pim
lico. At the time when this description was written, the new garage was not completed, and Mr. Horace Bell, the managing director, was then actively engaged in supervising the completion of the various buildings, and the installation of machinery and other equipment. This new establishment is now in full working order, the contractor's men. having completed their task three or four weeks ago. Atthe invitation of Mr. Horace Bell, a representative of THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR. ow, day last week, paid a visit of inspection to the new premises.
With a full knowledge of the comprehensive means which have been adopted elsewhere properly to house large motnrcab fleets in London, the writer is of opinion that a more-completely equipped cab garage than that belonging to the Gamage-Bell Co. does not at present exist in London, taking into account, of course, the present size of the fleet which it accommodates. Comparisons are proverbially odious, and in this case they are unnecessary, but it is only fair to the enterprise of this new company, which has not been free from criticism during its early stages of development, to record our appreciation of the results that have already been attained. Primarily, the Gamage-Bell depot in Pimlico is remarkable from the fact that it includes a completely-equipped range of coachbuilders' shops. It is not unusual for large motor-cab-operating con
cerns to make provision for the overhauling, the trimming and the painting of their bodies on the premises, but it is unusual to find that a. concern of this kind makes provision for the building of the bodies throughout.
Our representative, on the occasion of his recent visit, took the opportunity to secure a number of
interesting photographs of the various shops and departments which comprise the Garnage-Belt concern, and several of these are reproduced herewith.
The main running sheds cornprise five large bays, and one of
these is illustrated. It will be seen that they are well-lighted, spacious sheds, in which ampleroom is provided for manceuvrmg, for washing. and for inspection. Mr. Horace Bell, whilst preparing his plans, was fully aware of the advantage accruing from plenty of light, and plenty of floor space. The running sheds naturally do not contain much other than their structural details. that is of interest to the general reader. Care has been taken to allocate proper space for each cab, a.na its number is painted thereoyer. Ample provision is, of course, made for washing, whilst the whole of the petrolfilling plant, of which a full description will be found in our issue for the 9th March, is located outside these sheds.
The sixth bay is used as a combined machine, fitting and overhauling shop, and one of our illustrations shows a line of small machine tools which are located on one side of this extensive and welllighted department. Overhead is a run-way, and all the necessary other facilities are provided which go to ensure ease of handling and quick _procedure. At one end of this shop is situated the tinsmiths' and platers' department, and here mudguards, radiators, weather screens and similar parts which need the coppersmith's attention, from time to time are repaired.
Separated from the main body of the works by an out-door passage, which runs beside the canal, is a completely-equipped tire-repair department, and of this we are also able to reproduce a photograph. Tires in all stages of disrepair are here treated with facility, and it has to be a verybad tire which the modern methods in force here do not allow to assume a further lease of life. Fullsize vulcanizing plant of the Harvey-Frost type is an interesting portion of the equipment of this shop. All the Gamage-Bell motorcabs are electrically lighted, and it is evidence of completeness of organization to note that all the accumulators—each of 70 ampere-hour capacity—are made on the premises.
Of the many small yet important departments, such as drawing office, tire stores, lamp stores, etc., it is unnecessary to write in detail
here. The general stores, however, call for some remark, as they appear to be thoroughly well organized, and, what is more important, to be very well equipped with supplies—a most-important point to the operating engineer, who cannot afford to wait while spare parts are being procured
from oft-times dilatory makers. A fine steam-boiler equipment, for heating purposes is installed. Water is obtained from artesian wells by automatically.regulated pumps. Over and above these ordinary departments, of which every motor-vehicle garage of any pretensions boasts a range, we specifically have to deal with the coach building shops, which have already received mention earlier in this short article, The photographs which we reproduce of a portion of the body-building shop, and of one of the wood-working machine shops, are probably sufficient to give our readers an adequate idea of the comprehensive nature of this portion of the Garnage-Pell
equipment.. A careful examination by our representative of the manner in which these bodies are built enabled him to accord nothing but praise to the excellence of the workmanship throughout the wood-work ; that is a part of the body of which the public
knows little. The fact that the Gamage-Bell receipts are many shillings above the averages which have been quoted before the Taxicab Tariff Committee recently is sufficient evidence of the fact that the public appreciates the excellent finish of the bodies.
An interesting innovation has recently been embodied in the standard coachwork of the Gamage-Bell cab by Mr, Horace Bell, and this consists of a new method of folding back the hind portion of the roof in such a manner that it shall not allow dust to be driven inside the body. A large number of bodies is still going through the shops, and Mr. Bell informs us that the Gamage-Bell fleet is to be increased continuously in accordance with the output of his coachworks. At the present time, the Gamage-Bell Co. owns 100 taxicabs-75 Napiers and 25 Belsize. We think that, in view of the undoubted public appreciation of the distinctly luxurious. vehicles which this concern has placed at the disposal of its patrons, and of the very-complete nature of the provision which has been made in the new Pimlico garage for maintenance and supervision, this company deserves to maintain it premier position amongst the other owners in London. There is an atmosphere of orderliness and cleanliness about the whole place which is undeniable evidence of good organization, and that, combined with an understanding of cab-trade conditions should carry the company far.