When 18 m.p.h. Saems Like 30,
Commenting on the passenger boats in operation at English sca side resorts a correspondent in The Moter Boat points out that at pre- went there is no intermediate be- tween the comfortable utility craft burning, safe parafia fuel and carrying 20 to 200 people at m.p.h. and the 12-seater speedboat operat- ing at 30 mph.
THE HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 1930.
MOTOR NOTES.
As the Board of Trade will not allow the use of petrol in passenger craft carrying over a dozen people, "there is A he suggests that splendid opportunity in & largs number of pleasure resorts for partern and built to 1.0.1 require paratin-engined craft giving real ments so that a moderately large number of passengers could be car-Roads Over Railways, ried with perfect asfety at a speedy of, say, 15 to 18 knota
will have to be adopted in this coun- try if drivers cannot school them- selves to keep to the left. That it would be helpful is evidenced by the frequent occasions on arterial roads when drivers are seen to have put a very poor iden of the width of their
Water speeds are exceedingly deceptive and the novice gets an impression of 25-30 m.p.h. very often when travelling at only 16-18 m.ph. in comparatively rough water." "Keep To the Left!"
“It would be no exaggeration to state,
," says The Light Cor and Cyclear, that not half the num ber of present-day road users make sufficient effort to keep to the proper side of the road. In towns and along main roads in all parts of horse-drawn the country CATS, vehicles and cycles are to be seen occupying a great deal more than their fair share of the road, thus others and making inevitably con
grated
cars; novices are not always, the worst offenders in this respect.
In the early months of last year The Commercial Motor published details of a comprehensive scheme
The elevated road will be design ed to accommodate four lines of motor traffic, the,, inner cuts for cars travelling at high, speed, and those at the outside for vehicles moving comparatively slowly. is intended to charge a toll to users to amortize the cost of construction
and maintenance.
When Uapi, Birkin Built His.
Own Car. "There are few keener racing motorista than Mr. H. R. 8. Birkin, wealthy private owner who races for sheer love of the "game. Not many people know that he began his motoring career by building a
Scrap Old Commercial Vehicles.
THE HEAVY-OIL ENGINE.
A WORD OF CAUTION.
Whilst The Commercial Motor have confidence that an excellent future lies before the heavy oil en-
·There is a feeling of pessimism gino in connection with its use for amongst some makers and agents in commercial vehicles, it does not the commercial-vehicle industry rebelieve in encouraging wild optim- garding the effect on their trade ism and over-enthusiastic, reports which may ultimately be caused by the second-hand vehicle. It is upon the probable performance of thought that the huge increase in vehicles engined in this manner, bound to result in a corresponding
The importance of this move can landing again there is a natural car," writes Contact" in The, the output of commercial chassis is It is far better to approach the
be realized when consideration is given to the distance between the terminal points, this being 29 miles, which is greater than the total for building roads above the rail-length required over four great ways. This aroused enormous in railways to alleviate traffic condi- terest, extracts, often accompanied tions in the London Metropolitan by illustrations, being reproduced area. in some 30 papers throughout the Professor Low on #Skidding," country, whilst the article gave rise to considerable comment overseas.
The main suggestion was to over- come the increasing congestion on the main exits from London by carrying relief roads for a few miles over the railways, when they could rejoin existing trunk roads, or, later on, might be extended to become important routes.
The particularly interesting point has been enunciated," writes Professor Low in The Motor" ng- grating that rather much attention may be paid to the argument which demands a low centre of gravity to avoid skidding..
Motor.
"This was when he was only 10 years of age and the vehicle was four-wheeled two-seater cycle-car
which he built himself. It had a 5-6
glut of used vehicles, the low cost subject with a measure of caution, of which may tempt those who even in a somewhat critical spirit. would otherwise purchase new It is only by doing so that the pros. machines to lay out their money and cons of this type of power unit
The Commercial Motor is com
can be weighed against each other.
It is doubtful whether the price. of Diesel oil, as supplied for road
greasy surface will cause much un- pleasantness and I consider that this is the reason for the bencâts obtained from a low-built car in re- lation to its cornering powers.
As the vehicle is lifted by the stone it is nearly always given sharp blow which tends to push in away from its normal course. Upon bounce attributable to the impossi bility of absorbing shocks by means of the average spring, and the net result is that the car is thrown side ways at a moment when none of
channel steel and constructed by the the wheels is best situated to grip twin-cylinder air-cooled en-to, what may be considered by them, the surface. Obviously à bigb-built gine. The chassis was made from greater advantage. car will tend to greater rocking than Master Birkin in the workshop vicced, however, that no real crisis when the wheela "are gripping in attached to his father's garage, bis of this nature is likely to occur. an irregular manner."
father being the owner of fleet The conditions of vehicle use by motors, will continue to remain at Cars Need Hot Skid.
of cars. The drive was by belt from the commercial-vehicle operator are its present figure if the position of Discussing the question of skid. the engine to a countershaft, and vastly different from those obtain the petrol motor be seriously.
thence by another belt to a rim built. ing amongst private cars. and greasy roads,
on to the near-side rear wheel. The generality, it may be stated that the menaced.. ding on wet "Focus" of The Light Car and
body, together with the petrol tank, value of the private ear depends costs of production of Diesel oil and was also made by the designer. chiefly upon its age and appear of petrol is not so very great; and Cyclecar, comments as follows!
Why is it that some cars are
"It is said that, in these daysance, whereas that of the commer-perbaps the most important factor is the expense of adequate distribu... noticeably steadier on grease than
Master Birkin's efforts created- a cial vehicle rests mainly upon its tion, so that the fuel will be ren- others? To put the query in an other way, what are the essentials considerable amount of excitement potential useful life.
dered available throughout the country for purchase in compara- of a car that the neighbourhood of Notting. of the "make up
For some time to come Diesel extra-ordinary circumstances? If great "gathering to see the young designer drive bis cycle-car in the somebody who really knows would rounds of Apsley Esll. The first provide a specification und post a
AB &
The difference in the
The tendency of any car to fly outwards is hardly affected by its general height from the ground and. I think it might be assumed that not directly decrease the grip upon the surface average of all four effect of the movement might well ed by the inper wheels slightly to penetrate the surface, and, if this to kid, so it is useless for designers quartera as the finest all-round and by that time much of ita life We must, therefore, look for other alone affected the skid the position of the centre of gravity would have no very great effect.
The Commercial Motor pointed interfering with, the progress of out that it was quite aware of the lifting of the inner wheels would refuses to akid or slide except in aam, and at one time there was a modern commercial vehicle, and in tively small quantities.
many difficulties, but that these were not insuperable, and that it congestion as being one that re- paralysis is not to occur in the near future
conditions much. more troublesome and irritating than looked upon the matter of relieving wheels of the car. The immediate copy to every deaigner in the coun- journey, however, was a short one, regarded as almost equivalent to exempt from the tax which is now they reed be. If the offenders of the road and Keep to the Left, would heed the acknowledged rule quired drastic treatment. if semi-be to increase any tendency possess. try he would be doing a great deal owing to a collision with a tree. they themselves would benefit in company with all other traffic.
For the tendency for so many drivers to follow a course too far from the kerb our modern wida,
+
The seeds which were sown may ave fallen on barren ground in England, but, aparently, not so in America, for the Grand Trunk arterial roads are no doubt largely Western Co. has just announced to blame. They have bad the same plan to build an elevated motor effect in the United States and the road above its right of way from authorities have counteracted it in Detroit to Pontiac, Michigan, sub some districts by the use of conject to the approval of the City tinuous white lines even along Council of Detroit and the Public
A similar plan Utilities Commission of Michigan. straight sections.
"I incline to believe that many people do not mind a skid it it is reasonably controllable and that it is the filting skid' which is so alarming when produced by the wheels striking some obstruction. I have often noticed that a very smooth stone on a perfectly smooth
SPEED AND COMFORT BEYOND
The
ANY CAR AT THE PRICE
In the brilliant new Willys Six, Willys-Overland pre. sents the fastest, liveliest and most comfortable car ever offered at such a low price.
Its big new engine gives speed of over 70 miles per hour, and over 45 miles per hour in second gear. At the same time, the Willys Six is remarkably economical in its use of petrol-at the modern cruising speeds of 35 to 45 miles per hour.
Smart new lines, harmonious new colours and rich« new upholstery fabrics give the new Willys Six an unusual appeal."
Visit your nearest Willys-Overland dealer for an inspec tion and a demonstration.
LOWER
COST OF
OPERATION
1930 WILLYS SIX
OVER 70 MILES PER HOUR-65 HORSEPOWER
Agents
DES
for suffering humanity. After all there are cars which seem to refuse to argue that it is an incurable evil; and bearing in mind the num-
driver
"Mr. H. R. S. Birkin is the heir of Sir Thomas Stanley Birkin, Bart., and regarded in many this country at present ber of mishaps which are caused by Possesses. He has entered for all cars sliding about all over the road the leading English and Continental temporarily out of control, some road and track races for the forth Capt Woolf Barnato, finished first thing really ought to be done about coming season, and last year, with
in the 24-hour race at Le Mana" A No-Speed-Limit Advantage?
it.
"Of course, front-wheel brakes have wrought a big change for the better, but skidding is still very much in evidence,”
Воль.
Garage & Service Station: “DURO" MOTOR CO., LTD. 131, NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
TEL. K. 226.
SEDAN
TOURER
$8,150
$2,850
SEDAN DE LUXE $3,800 |
MOTOR
CARS
GILMAN &
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TEL. C. 290.
WILLYS
OVERLAND.
FINE
It must be remembered that the particular, the passenger type, often travels in a year a distance which would, not very long ago, have been fuel will probably continue to be the life of the chassis. Few owners imposed upon petrol, but this state would consider dispensing with the of affairs can hardly continue, and the Treasury be content to suffer services of a vehicle until it had been in active use for several years, buss, if its use becomes widespread. will have been spent, while the run advantages which may be possess. ning and maintenance costs must ed by the heavy oil engine and still necessarily have shown an upward concerning ourselves with economi- tendency which will continue to in-cal runzing, we find that the actual crease out of proportion to the bulk of fuel consumed is anything
mileage run.
It is not suggested that there will be no market for such vehicles. The second-hand machine will always Al new aspect of the speed limit make an appeal to certain users, question was brought home to me who either cannot or are not will the other day," writes "Focus" ining to expend a comparatively large The Light Car and Cyclecar, "by amount of capital. This will prob someone who lives beside a main ably apply more. to the goods road through a busy suburb. With vehicle, as with the passenger class him I was watching some cars, ob- the older the vehicle the greater viously bound for the country, will become the difficulty of relicen threading in and out of the traffic. sing, particularly when careful in After a few minutes he turned to spection of the mechanism will be me and said, 'These week-enders cut the order of the day and certificates things pretty fine through the town. of fitness be required. I shall be glad when the new Bill is passed.'
1.
With the increased penalties for dangerous driving. I suppose you mean.' I observed.
It is quite possible that a partial solution of the problem will be the establishment of further breaking- up depots, where old vehicles will be completely dismantled, and the materials said at scrap value, as is done with so many old ships, and is a course which is being followed to an increasing extent in America. What Is An Amateur?
No,' he answered. I mean that when the speed limit goes, and there is no trapping or restriction on safe speed; drivers will be able to afford to take things a little easier at this end of the journey, knowing that there will be a reasonable "Are there any amateurs 1 aska chance of making up lost time on a writer in Motor Cycling. He the open stretches. You mark my refers, of course, to the recent words, and watch what happens scanda! in connection with the under the new conditions."."
Manx Amateur Road Race, and sug- Water 'Buses On the Thames. gests that it is time the Auto-Cycle Union evolved an acceptable de- Commenting on the project for a service of "water 'buses on the fnition or the word "amateur "as River Thames, The Motor Bont applied to the sport of motor- cycling. But he argues" that this draws attention to the fact that on
Amateur.
the Seine at Paris passenger craft definition need not differ very much are in operation for eight months from the cricketer's, the footballer's, of the year.
"About 31 million or the cyclist's definition of the people aro carried each season and
Suppose," he says, that I play the boats are only in operation from the middle of March to the end of cricket as an amateur, and that I am selected to play for my county, October. There are 15 in all, carry the county club will pay my ex- ing approximately 300 to 400 pas penses if I am picked for a team sengers and equipped with engines that is to play an important match of about 120 b.h.p. The service is the other side of England. And if said to be profitable and certainly I am selected for the All-England adds to the amenities of Paris."
team that is to go for a tour of Opposition to the running of n similar service on the Thames is Australia, then again I get my ex- bring rapidly broken down and The penses paid, including, I believe, an amount to cover whatever money Motor Boat is of the opinion that may lose through being absent "the moment is psychological for from business. The same thing is the advantage that has recently been done in other sports; in cycling, for gained by a public demonstration instance.
on the river to be pressed home
"These older sports allow for the An approach to Mr. J. H. Thomas," fact that most of their devotees inview of his recent comments on the city's support of industrial enterprise, might very well clench
the matter."
Daciding Amateur Status.
cannot afford to pay their own ex- Penses, at any rate beyond a certain point. We, in motor-cycling, which is by no means the cheapest of games, have hitherto gone on the In Motor Cycling, Mr. T. W. principle that a man must pay nil Loughborough, secretary of the his own expenses, or. be outside Auto-Cycls Union, discusses what he the amateur pale altogether. That" calls The Amateur Question." seems wrong.
In a mechanized sport such as The Prince and Motor Racing, motor-cycling." he says, "it is ex- tremely difficult either to frame In an editorial reflecting the or fairly to enforce any amateur feelings of the motor world on the definition. That is why there is no Prince of Wales becoming a patron definition of an amateur in the of the Brooklands Automobile Rac competition rules of either the ing Club, The Light and Cyclecar R.A.C. or the A.-C.U. But recog-says
་
nizing the excellence of the object His Royal Highness the Prince of animateur definition, supple of Wales, one of our foremost mentary regulations have been ap. sportsmen, has paid graceful proved by both these bodies from tribute to motor racing, one of our time to time, which, by attempting foremost sports, by consenting to to define an amateur or private become the patron of the Brooklands owner, have aimed at producing a Automobile Racing Club, The ac fair and popular competition. In tion of his Royal Highness has practice they have, probably, always aroused drep appreciation, and it. failed to secure fairness.
is confidently anticipated that "it will help to stimulate motor sport in a country where ignorance of the merits of the pastime is still widespread.
inter-
"Let us try," Mr. Loughborough continues, "to draw a dividing line, not by having a cast-iron de finition of an amateur, but by excluding in those competitions de Motor racing is an signed to attract a certain class of national affair, and the ban on road sportsman, those persons whom it racing in this country makes uphili would be unfair for those sportamen work of the task of British manu to compete against. Buch a bar facturers who are keen on uphold need not always be dropped across ing British prestige both at home the same place; its position can be and abroad. High hopes are, there varied to suit any particular event. fore, entertained that the patronage But the bar must be a clear and which the Prince has accorded to the well-defined one, so that everybody B.A.B.C. will help to place British concerned shall know on which side motor racing on &
foundation." of it he stands."
for Armer
up to 50 per cent. less than with. the petrol engine. The well-design- remarkably simple ed oil engine and it is necessarily of robust: construction, so that maintenance should not be a big item, and this a confirmed by the experience al ready obtained. A vital factor in certain classes of work is that the fuel employed is practically non- inflammable, except, of course, in the cylinders. There is no risk of explosion or combustion as the result of leakage due to faulty.con- nections or consequent upon acci-
dent.
Turning now to another phase of the subject, the heavy oil engine maintains its torque in a remark able manner, even when running at a low speed; consequently, it shows up to advantage on hil's aud" re duces the need for changing gear.
With care in the arrangement of the method of spraying, the shape of the combustion chamber, etc., the trouble of the unduly smoky exhaust is being reduced. In fact, the progress made in various direc tions has been such as to justily the belief that the heavy-oil engine. is destined to become a most im- portant asset to road transport.
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