WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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0` The wheels of wealth ToM 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, One Hundred Trolley-buses for Shanghai.
For the Shanghai Electric Construction Co„ Ltd., the Associated Equipmeet Co., Ltd., of Walthamstow, have on order 100 trolley-buses, the design of the chassis being in accordance with the special requirements of Shanghai traffic.
The component parts of the chassis embody standard A.E.C. units, which are the result of this concern's long and unique experience in the design and manufacture of passenger-carrying vehicles. The electric-motor is being designed and manufactured by Bull Motors, Ltd., of Ipswich, and the con-. troller and resistances by the ElectroMechanical Brake Co., Ltd.
In addition l to the tractors, fourwheeled trailers are being supplied. These are a straightforward proposition, a special feature being the coupling and steering bar which is operated from the back of the tractor, this being automatic. and ensuring the proper tracking of the wheels of tractor and trailer. Tests have recently been carried out at Walthamstow, and are Ito be repeated on Thursday next, and in our next issue we propose to go fully into details of the chassis and their equipment.
It is extremely interesting to observe the growth of the trolley-bus business amongst British manufacturers. From the very first, we have been confident than the construction of trolley-buses should be in the hands of concerns who have already had experience in motorbus work, and should not be left to tramways engineers, as seemed a likely possibility at first.
The Drowned Derby. The experiences of the drivers of motor vehicles of all sorts at last year's Derby, when the parking ground became a morass and when many vehicles were hung up well into the next day unable to get away without haulage assistance, had been taken well to heart, and this year the London General Omnibus Co. were prepared with two agricultural tractors which were in position early in the morning, their wheels being equipped with stoles so that, when the need actually arose late in the afternoon, they were ready to haul the buses over the swampy ground on to the hard highway. Other people who had not shown the same forethought had necessarily to employ outside assistance, and the gip sies did extremely well with their horses.
The motorbus has thoroughly entered into the position of the temporary and mobile grand-stand, taking its passengers to and from the race-course and there acting as view-point and shelter. Buses in their hundreds were parked in a good position to see the race.
American Production.
The National Automobile Chamber of Commerce of America has just announced that the output of motor vehicles during April reached the record total of 420,373 commercial vehicles and cars. This figure represents an increase of 16 per cent, over that for the preceding month and 14 per cent, over that for April last year.
Darlington's Transport Bill Approved.
The House of Commons has now approved the Transport Bill submitted by the Darlington Corporation wh:ch seeks powers to enable the authority to replace tramways by railless veld& s, and also to run motorbuses, and only the Royal Assent is now being awaited. This should be secured in the course of the next month and, resultant upon the rapid progress which has been made in the passing of the Bill, the light railways committee is now adopting Treasures to expedite the substitui ion scheme, which should be effected before Christmas.
A number of extensions is also being considered in order to provide passenger transport in new districts at present uncatered for ; this will be accomplished by prolonging the existing sections beyond their present termini.
Transport Managers Free..
We know at the moment of two extremely qualified men who have had control of fleets, and who are seeking new appointments. We shall be very glad to put them into communication with concerns who may be requiring the services of men of this stamp.
Both of these gentlemen have been known to us for some years; one (identifying initials " A.B.") has operated and controlled the maintenance of the fleet of a large trading concern, whilst the other (identifying initials " C.D.") has had the control of a large fleet belonging to a municipal corporation and employed for the work of all the departments thereof. This latter gentleman is prepared to take the post of transport massager, or of sales manager (for he has had experience in that line) or any position of trust, 'organization or management. Letters addressed to the initials mentioned, care of the Editor of this journal, will be forwarded.
Van Panel Decoration.
An example of the way in which a body can be used for good publicity purposes is indicated by the 25-cwt. Bean box van which is illustrated on this page.
The body, which was built by J. Blake and Co., Ltd., in their commercial bodybuilding works in Liverpool, is finished in an attractive shade of light blue. The lower panel—and, in fact, the whole of the lower half, extending from the bonnet to the rear—is painted in vertical stripes of chrome and light blue. In the centre of the upper side panels is an oval containing a finely executed picture in colours, which represents three hunters sitting down to a repast in which an appetising-looking ham occupies a prominent place. There is no other design or lettering on the sides of the van, but the back panel carries the words, "Hunters' Handy Hams."
Successful Postal Services.
The road motor service which is maintained by the Swiss Post Office authorities continues to prove of the utmost value. In 1924 the service was operated over 1,207 kms. all the year round, and over an additional 808 kms. in the summer months only. According to a Department of Overseas report for 1924, the returns show that the number of passengers carried was 1,112,000, 20.2,000 of whom were carried by the vehicles engaged on the summer service. The vehicles covered a total distance of 2,366,000 king., and the receipts amounted to 3,135,000 fees.
An improved type of motor vehicle for these services was cemmissioned for use in 1924.
Road services maintained by private companies are also developing in Switzerland.
Richmond Motorizing its Services.
The Richmond (Yorks) Corporation, which controls an old-world and historic township, has for long pinned its faith unswervingly to horse transport, but has at last followed in the wake cf larger municipalities and decided upon the motorization of a number of essential services_ The fact that another northern authority has, since adopting motors, effected a reduction of approximately f 1,000 per year in the cost of ash collection alone, very largely influenced the authority, and it has been agreed to purchase, at a cost of £760 10s., a Daimler 3-ton hydraulically operated tipping lorry with steel-lined body. The vehicle is to be provided, at
• a midiextra cost; with a detachable 'Wooden cover for use when engaged on Ash collection.
P.E.A. Annual meeting.
The 13th annual general meeting of the British Engineers' Association was held .in London a few days ago, when the work of the Association during the year was reviewed; and the report of the council and annual accounts were presented.
Mr: H. J. Ward, iof• J. and K Hall, Ltd., of Dartford, was unanimously elected president in place of Sir Ernest W. Petter, who retired after holding Office for two years. Mr. Harry Allcock, C P. B. Crowe, Mr. F. H. Livens and Fingi.neer Vice-Admiral Sir George Goodwin, K.C.B., LL.D., were elected vice-presidents, and the following were elected members of the council: Messrs.
W. G. Ardley, H. NI. Butler, R. A. Blakeborough, C. H. Booth, C. E. Douglas, F. C. Fairholme, D. L. Green, A. Gatible, J. F. Parker, P. D. Priest' man, G. F. Prest, R. S. Rowell, G. C. Vyle, Sir James Kemnai and Sir John Thornycroft, K.B.E.
Albion's New Manchester H.Q.
The sales organization and general offices of the Albion Motor Car Co., Ltd., in Manchester, have been transferred to new buildings adjacent to the company's local repair depot, and in future their address with be 670, Chester Road, Old Trafford, Manchester.
Satisfactory Results from No. 1 Russian Oil.
There have on several occasions been references to Russian oil in our page devoted to " Opinions From Others." We were recently afforded an opportunity for testing some No. 1 Russian oil ihs a car belonging to a member of the Staff of this journal, who found that it was quite equal to tbe best which
he bad been using formerly, so far as could be observed by the general running of the vehicle. Obviously, it reqnires a considerable period to carry out a really satisfactory test, but his opinion on the matter confirms the very satisfactory results which have been obtained by a well-known bus company who have been using this oil with the greatest success for some months.
A Successful German Six-wheeler.
One of the six-wheel motorbuses constructed by the .Bussing Co., of Brunswick, Germany, was recently submitted to ii lengthy trial over a; distance of 5,600 miles, and we learn that it behaved creditably and accomplished the extended journey with success.
Joint Control Over Bus Services.
Following the precedent of the Monmouthshire Urban District Council and the Councils of East Carmarthemshire, the Penybont Urban District Council (Glam.) has convened a meeting of representatives of the councils in adjoining areas to form a joint committee for the supervision and licensing of buses. It is hoped that co-ordination of service will result in elimination of racing and undue competition between rival services. " Outside " Bus Powers.
The parliamentary committee of the West Riding County Council reports that the motorbus clauses in the Leeds Corporation Bill and the clauses in the Bolton Corporation Bill, which authorized the running of omnibuses outside the respective boroughs, have been rejected by committees of Parliament. It draws attention to the fact that these decisions have been strongly supported in principle by the partial rejection of the Newport Bill. In view of these decisions, it" has been suggested to the Bradford Corporation that the clause in its Bill which enables it to enter into agreements with authorities and companies adjacent to the city, with regard to the running of omnibuses outside the city, should be deleted.
In the opinien of the committee, the principle which applied in the eases quoted applies equally to the Bradford Bill. Moreover, in certain events, the clause would empower the corporation, by means of appeal to the -Mini
star of Transport, to override the dissent of a local authority, and eventually the clause might operate almost as effectively as a direct power of running omnibuses, such as was proposed in the Leeds and Bolton Bills.
The committee has decided to oppose the clause MA also passed a resolution to the effect that the whole question cf authorizing county borough councils to undertake these services outside their municipal boundaries, and the licensing of alotor omnibuses, calls for careful examination.
Road Motor Beating Railway in Switzerland.
It is computed that since 1919 road transport has secured 5-7 per cent, of the local freight traffic of the Swiss Federal Railways, and the authorities maintain that only a reduction of more than 30 per cent, in freight rates would enable the competition from road vehicles to be successfully met. It is felt, too, that the use of motor vehicles by the railways as feeders for freight and passenger traffic would probably best relieve the situation, and the iencouraging experience of a private railway company in Western Switzerland, who run a. private service by motor vehicles, confirms this belief.
Bournemouth's Runabouts.
The accounts of the Bournemouth Corporation for the year ended March 31st last show that the total receipts from the beach service of runabouts was £5,021, as compared with £2,466 in the previous year. The miles run were 47,564, as compared with 18,051, and the passengers carried numbered 325,636 as against 105,843 in the previous 12 months. Receipts amounted to 25.33d. per car-mile as against 32.79d. per carmile and the working expenses were £2,849, as against £935 the previous year. The gross surplus was £2,172, as against £1,531, and this has to meet capital charges, etc., and also the agreed charge per mile payable to the beach committee.
With regard to the amount payable for mileage, it was reported at a meeting of the beach committee that the amount paid last year was £300, or 4. per-mile run. In view of the reduction in fares this year the payment will be 21d. per mile, or a total of £525.
Traffic Growth in Norway.
Some idea of the growth of motor traffic in Norway can be obtained from same interesting figures contained in ft report recently issued by the Department of Overseas Trade dealing with economic and industrial conditions in that country.
Towards the end of 1913 there were only 970 motor vehicles of all types in use in Norway, but at the end of last year this figure had increased to 28,300. The number of commercial vehicles in use continues to grow, and from 4,885 at the end of 1923 the figure had increased at the close of last year to 5,820. The number of driving licences issued in 1924 was 60,700.
A Large Sum for North Riding Roads.
The North Riding County Council, which is very much alive to the necessity for good roads to bear the everincreasing volume of road traffic in its area, is following up its policy of last year by spending another £250,000 upon roads during the ensuing financial year. It is estimated that the authorities will expend £123,000 on strengthening and resurfacing an additional 50 miles of roadway, whilst tar-spraying operations will absorb another £72,000 for 440 miles of highway. A large sum is also set aside for maintenance and other works. The total of the estimates for the whole of the work is £258,000.
Heavy Vehicle Taxation.
Auckland (New Zealand) Corporation reports that new traffic by-laws, made necessary by the remarkable increase in the number of heavy motor vehicles now using the city streets, have been drawn up by the city council, and commenced as from January 1st.
The annual licence fees for any vehicle engaged in heavy traffic in Auckland are now as follow :— Special licence fees are also prescribed for vehicles which do not come under the definition of heavy traffic. The scale is as follows :—Horse cab, £1; motorcab, £2; horse omnibus, £2; motor omnibus, £2; one-horse van, £1; two-horse van, £1 10s.; more than two horses, £2. These fees apply only to vehicles the laden weight of which does not exceed two tons. _ The motorcab licence is reduced, in accordance with a recent judgment, from 17 10s. to £10 to a flat rate of £2.
A Visit to the Leyland Works.
The Professional Fire Brigades Association took the opportunity during their conference held in Blackpool a few days ago to visit the headquarters of Leyltuid Motors, Ltd, at Leyland. They made an interesting tour of the works and then visited the Farington foundry, where various fire-engines and appliances were prepared for demonstration purposes.
A display was given with a 300-400 gallon engine and also with a 500-700gallon engine, various-sized jets being used. The little portable pump also proved its capabilities, giving an output of 170 gallons per minute. The display concluded with a demonstration of the Carl-Metz turntable ladder, from the full extension of which, at a height of DO ft. from the ground, a large stream of water was thrown. The 150 members of the Association who were present were interested in all they saw.
Time-table Arrangements for Buses.
At a meeting of the Hull Watch Committee with regard to Hull and Hessle services, the town clerk reported that the Ministry of Transport had now given its decision with regard to the time-table for these services. He stated that he had forwarded a copy of the time-table to each of the companies concerned and had informed them that this would be the one subject to which the . companies would have their licences renewed. He has also informed the clerk to the Hessle Urban District Council of the action taken. Fasteners for Flat Belts.
The joining of flat belts, such as those used for fans, speedometers and, sometimes, dynamos, etc, is a matter of considerable importance, and although many types of fastener are on the market not all have proved satisfactory.
We recently came across an interesting fastener known as the improved Klincha, marketed by W. T. Nicholson and Clipper Co., Ltd., King Street, Salford, Manchester. Each fastener consists of a series of triangulated hooks, evenly spaced by being mounted n paper strips, but with the hook ends staggered, so that, when closed in upon the belt the holes are not all in. line and the risk of tearing is reduced by some 50 per cent.
For holding the hooks while they are being driven into the leather, a special magazine device is employed which prevents any risk of an individual hook turning over or not properly piercing the leather. This magazine is merely inserted between the jaws of an ordinary
vice, although with the large sets a special lacing machine is provided. The hooks are made in 12-in. sections and can be cut to any length desired.
In joining a belt, raw-hide pins, which are provided with the sets, are iuserted to act as hinges for the hooks.
Nottingham Passenger Service Profits.
The formidable extent to which working expenses in connection with municipal transport services have increased of recent years is significantly illustrated by the annual report of the tramways committee of the Nottingham Corporation. This discloses the fact that the average cost of operations per mile during the past year was 15.54d., as compared with an average of 7.21d. durieg the four years immediately preceding the war, representing an increase of 102 per cent. In spite of this increase, however, a profit of £108,064 was made during the 12 months, this sum including the revenue from buses and permitting the allocation of £15,000 in relief of the district rate, the balance going towards redemption of debt, reserve, etc.
Fuel Distribution by Dennis.
Our readers will recognize the Dennis wagon illustrated on this page as having been highly commended in the parade organized by the Commercial Motor Users Association and held in Lincoln's Inn Fields, London. Since its purchase in July last the petrol consumption of this vehicle has amounted to an akmrage of one gallon for every 71miles covered, whilst 1,500 miles have been run for every gallon of special Carlisle oil used The chassis is a standard 4-ton Dennis, to which • is fitted a 1,000gallon cylindrical tank, the provision of fixed sides and a hinged tailboard enabling ,a certain number of tins also to be carried. The tank can be readily detached, and, when removed, loading space is available for 42 50-gallon barrels, although, on account of the weight limit, the largest number of barrels that can properly be carried is 18.
This machine is one of a fleet of Dennis vehicles which are employed by Messrs. Carless, Capel and Leonard for the distribution of motor spirit, East Ham's Licensing Returns.
The 1924 report of the East Ham Corporation with regard to motor licences states that the total amount received was 124,770 5s., necessitating the issue of 9,089 licences, as compared with /20,127 11s. and 7,464 licences for ,he year 1923.
During the year the number of licences issued to drivers was 3,989, and the fees received in connection therewith amounted to £997 5s., being an increase of 655 licences, to the value of £163 15s., in comparison with the year 1923.
A Bonnet Fastener which Prevents Rattle.
Some examples of a neat and practicable type of bonnet fastener manufactured by W. H. Briscoe and Co., Ltd., f 51-53, Park Street, Birmingham, have been sent to us for examination and test, and we have tried these on a vehicle on which some trouble had been experienced awing to bonnet vibration, which they have entirely cured.
Each catch is of the conventional spring-loaded type, but it is not mounted direct on its base, a bell crank lever, to which a rubber buffer is secured, being interposed and so arranged that as the pull of the spring is brought to bear upoti-the bell crank, the rubber buffer is forced into intimate contact with the bonnet, but is released and swings back out of the way immediately the catch is unfastened.
Each clip includes a stud whieh is passed through a suitable hole in the bonnet and held in position by a nut and washer. Incidentally, this make cf clip is fitted to the 1925 Morris vehicles.
New Turntable Ladder for L.C.C.
The fire brigade committee of the London County Council. reports that the undermentioned tenders for a new turntable ladder for use in the fire brigade were received t—llilerryweather and Sons, Ltd., £2,050; Leyland Motors, Ltd., 12,114; Halley's Industrial Motors, Ltd., 12,220; John Morris and
Sons, Ltd., 12,250 ; Tilling-Stevens Motors, Ltd., 12,520. It is necessary in London to have a ladder that will carry the load of at least two men at full elevation. The type of turntable ladder known as the " Magirus," which is offered by John Morris and Sons, Ltd., is the only kind at present used in the brigade. Two of these ladders have been in use for 18 years, and the turntable ladder crews are, therefore, familiar with this type. The Council has decided upon acceptance of the tender of the makers of this machine.
Tyre Conversion Facilities.
We are given to understand that the vehicle-equipment section of the Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd., at Port Dunlop, has been expanded in order to deal with the conversion of motor coaches from solid to giant pneumatic tyres of the straightside type.
During the 12 months ended March 31st last the receipts on the' motorbuses run by the Huddersfield Corporation amounted to 125,238, as compared with 117,874 in the previous year.
Local Proceedings.
Trowbridge Urban District Council is considering the Purchase of a motor mower.
Leeds Corporation has empowered the health committee to purchase a motor lawn mower, Guildford Corporation has purchased a light fire-tender from Dennis Bros., Ltd., at a cost of 1440.
Battersea Borough Council is to invite quotations for the supply of a water van and a street sweeper.
The roads committee of the Newbury Corporation is to conduct a trial with a Guy vehicle for refuse collection.
The parks committee of the Leeds Corporation has purchased a Chevrolet car with box body at a cost of 1155.
Leeds Corporation has authorized the purchase of a motor mower for use at the new golf course at a cost of £1125.
Stoke Corporation has authorized the engineer to obtain tenders for a 30-cwt. motor lorry, for use at the various sewage works.
West Riding County Council proposes the purchase of a motor mower at a cost of £75 for use at the Raweliffe Asylum estate.
The health committee of the Croydon Corporation recommends the purchase of a light motorva.0 for the disinfecting department at a cost of /150.
In order to relieve the congestion of traffic in the town, Guildford Watch Committee has sanctioned parking in Stillneead. the Cattle Market and North Street.
Auckland (New Zealand) City Coun
cil has decided to purchase another ',Xs motorbuses. The council already has a number of A.E.C. saloon ?vehicles in service.
Bournemouth , Corporation accounts for the year ended March 31st show a loss of £784 on the municipal motorbus services. The previous year the loss was 1827.
The South Shields Corporation is ob
taining a new 1-ton Overland chassis, fitted with an ambulance body which can be easily converted into a prison van if required.
Shipley Urban District Council has
asked a committee to investigate and report upon a suggestion from the surveyor that a trailer be obtained for use with the Fordsen tractor.
The fire brigade committee of the Lon don County Council has decided to invite selected firms to quote prices for the supply of five motor pumps, six escape vans and a motorcar.
Brighton Watch Committee has asked the chief constable to report on a suggestion that the provision of four-wheel brakes should be made compulsory %I all motorbuses licensed to ply for hire.
The Holden pneumatic suspension system is being fitted to the St. John ambulance in the service of the Rotherham Watch Committee at the sugges. lion of the superintendent of the fire brigade.
At a meeting of the Oxford Watch Committee the chief constable reported that it was quite a frequent experience of the police of late to be unable to cbtain the motor ambulance in ease of need, as it is so often used for conveying invalids from, or to, various parts of the county and is absent from the city when required. It was decided to make inquiries of the British Red Cross Society as to the possibility of obtaining another ambulance.
Willesden Ambulances.
In his annual review the chairman of the Willesden "Urban District Council states that the ambulance service has continued its useful work during 1924. Through its agency physically and mentally defective children are carried to Willesden schools daily, and in the past year 2,014 cases of sickness, accident and infectious disease were removed to hospital. The total mileage run by the ambulances during 1924 was 61,653, and all the work has been again accomplished without accident.
Seven of the eight vehicles which are used on this service have been in use for 12 years and one for one year, and the eight vehicles have covered a total mileage of 633,947 since they came into use. The council has augmented the fleet by a new school omnibus, which is the last word in construction and comfort.
A Barimar Development.
Barimar, Ltd.. Lamb's Conduit Street, London, W,C., inform us that they have extended their money-back guarantee to all cylinder and crankshaft grinding which they undertake. This development has been brought about by the installation of additional plant and is accompanied by a reduction in prices. Cylinders and crankshafts which need grinding can be despatched to any of the Barimar service depots, which are properly equipped to undertake this class of work.
Driver-Mechanic Wanted.
We know of a concern of motor and steam haulage contractors in London who are requiring the services of a firstclass driver-mechanic who has had ex
perience of long-distance traffic. We shall be pleased to put applicants for such a position into touch with the concern. Letters should be addressed to " C.G.T.," care of the Editor of this journal.
Motor Ships for the Soviet Government.
A leading article in the June number of The Motor Ship reveals the fact that two internal-combustion-engined vessels are now under construction in Russia, which are to be engaged upon the London-Leningrad service.
A complete list of all motor ships on order is a useful feature of this issue of The Motor Ship, whilst among other interesting contents are articles dealing with the largest internal-combustion turbine, the conversion of an 8,000-ton steamer, a 300-ton motor cargo ship, etc. Paris Transport Figures.
Traffic figures for last Year's working of the T.C.R.P., -the Paris Municipal tram and omnibus concern, show that 1,070 million passengers were carried during 1924. The buses operating on one line, 1.-e., -that from the Gare Saint Lazare to the Gare de Lyon, carried 15 million. The number of omnibuses in commission last year was 1,328, but the fleet has since been considerably augmented. The .buses used 30,000,000 litres of petrol during their year's mining. Bus and tram tickets in Paris are made eora the thinnest of paper, but, for all that, some 190 tons were consumed.
The R.A.F. Display.
The Royal Air Force Display takes place on Saturday, June 27th, at the London Aerodrome, Hendon. H.M. the King, Chief of the Royal Air Force, hopes to be able to attend. The programme which has been arranged will be fully equal to that of the pageants of former years; new features, however, are being introduced to demonstrate the developments taking place in the aerial arm. As in the case of the Royal Tournament, all the proceeds are devoted to Service charities.