The Canadian Government Advertising Wagon.
Page 11
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Additional particulars of the Canadian Government's advertising van to those given in our issue of May itth, which have been officially furnished to us, will prove of interest, as showing that no expense on details has been spared to make the vehicle attractive in every possible way. The illustration of the engine room makes clear the disposition of the various operating levers, and also gives a good idea of the size ol the driver's cab. The four-cylinder engine has one unusual point in the placing of the four compression taps at the bottom of the cylinders. These are yoked together by a horizontal rod and are actuated simultaneously by the small vertical handle seen in front of the second cylinder. As thc engine is only used to generate electricity for the running and lighting of the machine, and not for its actual propulsion, there is no necessity for a clutch, but a controller— the handle of which is seen behind the brake lever at the left —regulates the current distribution. By turning this handle from left to right over definite points indicated on a horizontal dial, speeds varying approximately from two to ten miles per hour can be obtained, or by pulling over the small handle at the right of the main one reverse motion is obtained. The original carburetter not proving efficient, it has been removed and a Longuemare fitted. This can be seen on the floor of the engine room in front of the brake lever. A vertical pillar between the engine and the steering column holds the sector and handle for the spark adjustment; the contact breaker is attached to a vertical spindle bolted to the back end of the engine and driven by spiral
gears with a ratio of 2 1. The original fan has been discarded as it was only t4in. in diameter and was found to give an insufficient air circulation through the radiator, with the result that the engine became unduly overheated. The new fan is over 2041. across and gives good results. Each side of the van is divided into three heavy framed
panels, weighing just on ticwt. each, hinged at the top and swinging open—outwards and upwards—to a vertical position as shown. Iron stays, hooking into eyebolts on the back of each flap and on the roof, serve to make all secure. The extension panels, which overhang the vehicle at the end, swing right round and shut up flat against the pillars which support the roof. They serve to carry a large map of the world, which is seen when standing at the back of the machine.
It will be noticed that practically the whole of the interior is occupied by a cloth-covered pedestal having three tiers on each side. These shelves are filled with specimens of Canadian produce, preserved in hermeticallysealed glass bottles, which are filled with alcohol. The exhibits include cherries, apples, grapes, plums, etc., of various kinds, and form an attractive collection of fruit. The moveable panels are covered with different cereals, formed into ornamental devices. A collection of most of the wild grasses found in Canada is nailed to the extension flaps, along the upper of which are placed some fine specimens of stuffed prairie chickens. The total cost of the whole collection inclusive of freight charges and packing has been close upon .4.3o0, and it is to be feared that the vibration when running the machine over country roads will seriously damage the exhibits : this applies especially to the various specimens of cereals. For the purposes of demonstrating after dark, the interior has been furnished with 250 electric lamps, the current for which, as before mentioned, is supplied from the generator, which is directly coupled up to the engine. The van is in charge of Mr. F. 0. Chapman and an assistant, and it will run round London for about a fortnight. A tour to Nottingham is the first provincial trip in contemplation.
Considering the time, thought, and money expended upon this vehicle, and the admirable object in sending it to this country, it is unfortunate that those responsible for its manufacture did not first secure technical advice as to road conditions in Great Britain. We fear that it will be impossible to carry out the laudable programme projected. The wagon cannot climb a gradient beyond i in 25, and steering is very difficult.