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门
ALTY
VISIBILITY AND ACCIDENTS.
DECEPTIVE CONDITIONS AT DUSK,
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FAILURE TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING.
With the change from standard to daylight saving time, in Ameri- e, writes Bart Pierce, there will↓
HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1932.
SPARKS
FROM THE PLUGS
PERSONALITIES.
ROAD TESTS OF 1932 MODELS.
motorist who fails to provide kuf-, headlights are properly adjusted, MOTOR CYCLE ficient illumination at night, this and then are a prolide source of rule may be applied also to states, counties, towns, etc., where long stretches of sparsely lighted trails #e permitted,
A review of problems "to be cun- sidered in highway lighting was presented to the northwest section
rafle accidents. With highways properly lighted, cars could drive with practically daytime safety, with the beams dimmed, or even using parking lights,only."
It is my accepted theory that every eye when turned at a certain blind spot," Any object that come within this range of vision will not register, ac cording to optical surveys which have been submitted to safety or
of the Society of Automotive En-angle possØKES. A gineers in a paper by Mr. L. B. Robinson, an, electrical expert, at a recont meeting.
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"It is generally considered that
oriticism on has score, and as the azine is not of the pressure type, but the circulating splash' sort, tests indiented, its flexibility is whereby a copious flow of lubricantuxcellent. The car is singularly free is primarily raised from the main fora muy vccentricities, of design,
thence circulated to the various pleasing. In short, the sedan mo- pockets and troughs which feed the del is an orthodox type, in which chief frictional parts and to the the aim has been to give the mo connecting rod dippers which pick torist comfort and easy riding. The up the oil and distribute it on the front seat offers ample accommoda cylinder walis in the ferm ofen fine tion for the driver and ore pas
The export side of his business THE ESSEX CHALLENGER." gino reservoir by pump and and its appearance is simple, and
has always claimed the close atten tion of Mr. 8. Bettmann, the
The Challenger! model of the Managing Director of the Triumph
Essex Six has attracted much Co. His connection with that cot favourable notice sineo its introduo cenn dates from 1885, when it was engaged in the manufacture of tion to the Australian market. Its eveles for heave and export, When qualities have now been enhanced, spray or mist...
of a robust, and simple type, which the motor cycle was in ita expert by the adition of a freewheel writ mental stage, Mr. Bettmann, in
Thorma-syphon cooling is employ- is embodied as an integral part of ed, and manually controlled radín-
songor, but it is obviously not in tended that it should scat. three “peo- ple..
In considering the performances
be a sudden increase in opening dusk is the most difficult time of Ranisations. The hazard created by common with other cycle manufacthe transmission system. This Attor shutters enable the driver to described below it should be bor motor traffic, if the spring of 1000; the day in which to drive," Mr. this defect is intensified by this turers, took it up tentatively at sing is attached to the rear end of regulate engine temperature with in mind that the tests wore made
Robinson stated. "During this is to be gauged by the performances
time of day the driver does not see of seasons since motoring became a major outdoors recreation. This the details of objects, neither are applies more specifically to rabur there shadows and contrasts to as ban arens about this city where siat him in his quick perception, residents take to the road directly after dinner to enjoy a variety of -short trips throughout the country.
side.
defect when intensilled at night, firat, but it was left to the Triumph especially when weather conditions Co, to prove that it could be minde have further contributed to the oxa practical proposition. In 1927 the cinsion of light rays. Then it is manufacture of cars was commenc that illumination devices on trailsed with a 10 h.p. model and after. and the point cut of holes in roads play the most important part in wards for some years the well- other obstructions Even, keeping the motor traveller on his known Super Seven was the centre
to Avoid of concentration and though lights along the highway way by enabling him would not greatly increase the levet perils which otherwise might come of illumination, they will provide upon him unaware, suficient contrast and shadows to assist him during this most difficult time of the day.
A might the motorist is handi capped by havig little depth and width of vision; he is driving more or less in a tunnel.........
Light Action Outlined.
It was to supervise the produc tion of a light car shortly after the War that Mr. Jack Sangster joined the Ariel Co. of which he is now "Where, there are existing pole joint Managing Director with his lights the highway units enn be in-father, who has held his position stalled on these poles and be pro-with the company for over 30 years. cided with refractors which gather Subacquently, however, it was de- up most of the light which other ted that the car and component wise would go upward and direct it departments should be sacrifred to facilitate the manufacture of cycles Robinson's comand motor cycles on a very lange ment on this phase of atmospheric scale and within the next few these units were years, the concern became one of mounted at the same height as our the targent in its class. units in the city there would b proved in the compilation of eit-black background, the beam from excessive glare, but it is customary cumstances surrounding highway even the modern headlights proper mount these 25 or 30 feet above ly adjusted gives considerable glare, the road surface, and the glare is dinastera
motorist's but unfortunately not all bend thus kept out of the
With a 600-candlepower lump all lights are
As traffic voluma makes gains. the importance of highway's lights. as well as cur lampa, ia stressed ja accident statistica which have been gathered year by year in a number of sections. While the intriguing afterglow of sunset often deters motorists from switching on head- lights in time to fulfill the demands of safely, the same may be said of Headlights. Prokic Source of Traffic toward the road surface in a sharp communities that have jurisdiction over routes used by autoists: De. ceptive visibility which obtains of
the borders of twilight has been res ponsible for many mishaps, it is
Although it is admitted that there is no legitimate excuse for the
Acclients.
benm," was Mr.
"At night,with "the pupils of thej hazard. driver's eyes opened to their full extent and with the contrast of the
THESE
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MORRIS-COWLEYS
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Saloon with
Pytchley sliding head
DODWELL & CO., LTD.,
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":
and" at Canton.
A. P. B. 6 8
"
An Engine unit, improved out of all recognition, giving comfortable top Lockisad brakes. hill work. gear Tools handy under bonnet. Complete fingertip controls on steering column.
Sports Coupe.
Nowadays the Ariel Co, exports something like half its annual out put and there are several countries where these machines have secured a virtual monopoly of the makes
in these fixtures the maximum can dlepower becomes "approximately 10,800, thus illustrating the effec- tiveness of this type of lighting
fixture."
"Quite 1 satisfactory highway lighting installation could be made spacing the lighting units 200 to 260 feet apartat a mounting height of 25 to 30 feet and using 8,000 lumens lamps," be added. The Temps would be arranged on a series circuit and power collected from the power distribution cir euit at intervals along the line, possibly each four or five miles. One of these transformera could be controlled with a time switch or photo-electric cell and the circuit jy turn would operate an oil switch in the primary of the next transformer and thus turn it on, The control thus would be cascaded along the entire highway."
Review of Accidents During Last Year.
A review of accidents during the last year plages the largest fatality total ou rural highways. Experts after analyzing this results stated that the speed maintained on open ronde is more conducive to mortal injury when a crash does occur
than in
transmission,
the the gearbox, and is operated by an the help of the radiates thermometer with a closed model, offering
Battery and coil ignition is used. nominal horse-power of the engine Its general principle of operation The clutch is of the singledise sort, ja culy a fraction over 18 h.p., and extension of the rain-shaft of the installed on the instrument board high wind resistance; that
is as follows:-When the control and it is stated is of light and well that the ear, in question weighs, Sewt 1gr. In the light of those lover is moved to, the "freewheel" balanced construction comprising en position the automatic variation" aluminium alloy disc, with cork facts, the results must be regarded from positive drive, when the en- inserts, which operates in a, bath of as admirable.
The clutch throwout includes gine is turning the rear wheels to oil
or free-wheeling when ball-bearing of ample size, and sc "over-run,"
The Arst hill climb was conducted road speed exceeds equivalent eparate lubrication for that part of gine speed, is obtained by the action the mechanism is provided. The on Artillery Hill, National Park, has three forward the scene of many hard-fought of roilers. These operats in such transmission
ta 1 reverse, 23.3 to 1.
Features of Chassis.
chod of construction confers several
Ell-climbing/
a manner that they either allow the speeds, the ratios beig:-Top. 5.0 RA.C.A. contests. From a stand- splined hub on the engine, side of to 1; second, 10.0' to 1; low, 18.18 ing start on the level at the foot of the hill the car covered the climb the freewheel device to run free, or
of nine-tenths of a mile at an lock it to the special housing of the
average speed of 34.8 m.p.h. This Very good run. was made in second driven shaft according to the direc
The design of the chasis has gear. The ascent from Audley to-
a standing. start, on of thrust. Thus, if the relative:
bogu from speeds of road wheels and angine' several interesting characteristics. yards the railway station was also are such that the transmission tends The two main members of the frame and, despite several slippery pat to overrun the engine, then there are parallel, bus are placed closer ches, which retarded speed, the locking rollern automationlly dis- together than is normally the ease, course of one mile was climbed at engage and the transmission line The body of the ear is not mounted an average of 31.3.m.p.h., in second between engine and rear wheels is directly on the top of the frame, gear.
but is affixed to bracket supports When the revolutions of which project from the main side Acceleration and Slow Running, broken.
On a first-class, "lovel, tarred' the engine are increased so that it members. It is stated that this me is revolving at a higher equivalent advantages, among them being that highway, the maximum speed re- rate than the road wheels, the the body, instead of rising with the gistered in top gour, was 85 m.ph., rollers lock the drive and power is kick-up" of the frame over the end in second 44 m.p.h. Accelera
rear axle, rests down or these tion, and slow running tests were transmitted to the wheels.
brackets, so that the centre of sarried out on a level gravel stretch The control of this attachment is gravity of the car is kept low. The at National, Bark, and showed that
cro94 members, from a recorded speed of 10 m.p.h. so simple that not even a novice frame has live driver should find any trouble in Transmission of power is by open in top gear, the car would reach manipulating it. Immediately be propeller shaft with swe all-metal 30 m.p.h., in sight and three- hind the gear-shift lever is a short universal joints, enclosed in oil fifths seconds, and in cond gear proof housings. The rear springs in ave seconds. One hundred yards. and sturdy roplien of it, which con- trols the freewheel attachment. At are splayed, the rear class member were covered from a starting speed of 10 m.ph. in 10 seconds, the any speed this lever can be moved being extended to receive them, and, instantaneously to the "free" posi- with a view to further improveurent speedometer registering 36 m.p.h., tion, but when it is again desired in riding qualities, unusually long at the finish, and a similar trial to lock the drive it is necessary to spring shackles are employed. Tha in second gear gave nine seconds: accelerate the engine so that its four-wheel brakes are of the Bendig and a finishing speed of 41 m.p.h. equivalent speed becomes not less type, each comprising two internal than that of the transmissions shaft, shoes. The steering, which is by
The benefits claimed for freewheel
worm and wheel, has a ratio of 15 devices are: Firstly, fuel mileage to 1, and the normal turning radies is increased, since all the time the of the car at full lock is 20 feet. apparatus is in action full advan- The wheelbase of the chneids is 110. tage is taken of the par'a momen inches, and its track 4 feet 8 inches. tum, and the engine is accelerated Balloon tyres, 20 x 5, are used.
The standard sedan model, which only when the speed of the vehicle; drops below the rate which the was tested, has, despite its capabili driver wishes to maintain. Second ties of speed, many of the qualities ly, there is a greater quietness of which are sought in an economical out. running and that pleasant fooling family car. Although its pormal
In a test of low running in top gear over 100 yards, the average. speed worked out at 9 m.p.h. The braking distance from 30 m:p.h.,.,. was 34 feet.
Petrol consumption, based on the amount of fuel used during the en tire run, was 25 m.p.g., h creditable result when it is remembered that during the journey of 50 miles all the tests referred to were 'carried The price of the sedan model of
of gliding such as one enjoys when engine speed is on the high side, the Essex Challenger," with free- consting in neutral, while it is also good balance and freedom from un-wheeling, is £386, including sales asserted that a suitable freewheel due noise remove any ground for tax.
fitting w eliminate much general wear and tear in the engine and the transmission,
In opposition it has been declared that there is an element of danger associated with freewheeling, and that it may take heavy toll of the brake linings, Considering these the congested districts statements, it must be admitted that, should an engine stal and where travelling rates are slower.
While Sunday leads in the day of refuse to respond to the self-starter. the greatest number of accidents and should the car be travelling at Saturday is a close second, espesial-high speed and its brakes be defec iv in the summer when so many Live, there might in such remote circumstances be a risk of accident, thousands start week-end tours.on Saturday morning.
but during the tests described be. low there was no appreciable, differ ence between the stopping distances. of the car when the brakes were applied without declutching and with the fromwheel in the fixed posi tion, and those obtained when the device was in use,” ›
Engine Detalla.
The need for increased caution in driving as dusk approaches it stressed by the statement that while the peak of accidents is between and 8 p.m.. the record death period ia given as between 6, and 7. p.m. Almost half of the accidents which cost lives involved night driving... Approximately 42 per cent. of the ileathe in automotiva accidents are The engine of the Essex. "Chal- classed as collisions with poder-lenger" is a six-cylinder "L"- trinns. A substantial-share of these head unit, with a bore of 21 inches fatalities has been traced to rural and stroke of 44 inches; its nomi thoroughfares, and many of the nal horse-power being 18.2-and- victims were roadside travellers, maximum brake horse-power 63. There is no doubt that insufficient The manufacturers, emphasise the. illumination was responsible for a special construction of the engine number of these deaths. This concrankshaft, which, it is stated, in tention is upheld by tests which scientifically balanced by the use of the have been based on visibility counterweights, which have
One of the various interesting effect of damping out' all second- experiments dealt with the colourary forces which tend to create en- of apparel. A main white clothes gine vibration. The power unit in photographed 100 feet from A attached to the chassis frame by Slotted camera and an automobile carrying four-point suspension. headlights where there were no skirt, aluminium alloy pistons' aze street lamps was party visible in used, and the liveliness and no the picture. The same, in dark celeration of the engine are no werb, was barely visible in a similar doubt in part attributable to tho photographic test. Safety organi-cutting down of the weight of ite sations are urging, that pedestrians reciprocating parts and their card, wear some white distinguishing ful balancing. marks when they take nightly strolls on country frails.
It is interesting to note that the "lubrication system adopted for the
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