Page
FEW CHANGES ON 1934
MODELS
Cruciform Frame The New Discussion Topic
BETTER COACHWORK DESIGN
Driver."
sion,
HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1933.
SPARKS
FROM THE PLUGS
SPARKING PLUG FOR AERO ENGINES
Successful Tests By Imperial Airways
A now parking plug for dero engines, which has 24 spark gaps and is so constructed that the por- tions most liable to become fouled
OPEN CAR'S RETURNING TO
POPULARITY
Sports & Semi-Sports Models of 1934
BY W. GORDON ASTON Those who use the roads, oven, to a moderate extent, may well ask themselves the question:
"Is the open car returning to its former vogue 1"
design have obviated the disadvan- tages from which this formerly po
The chassis pular type suffered. manufacturer has also contributed his quota by furnishing much more rigid frames, Thereby the demons of draught and squeak and rattle have been exercised
|
EXPEDITION
INDIA
TO
In Charcc Driven
Car
London. October 18. With the object of reviving the Indian charcoal industry, Mr. Edward Noel. Commissioner of Development in the North-West frontier district, left London for India" to-day, by motor-car,
CLASSES FOR GARAGE APPRENTICES
Classes for garage apprentices are being run by the Corporation of
Glasgow this winter, and if the
syllabus counts for anything, the apprentice who takes the three courses should be an expert in his own line at the end of the terms.
For a sum of 158" covering the « three courSES and a moderate amourt of home study he need have no fear of the ordinary owner driver.
The classes, unfortunately, are only for apprentices engaged in the trade. What about running some for the poor owner-
Cannes,
Rome and Brindisi, whence the party will take boat to Haifa. From Haifa they will proceed via Baghdad to Quetta, where they hope, to`s rive in the
Mr. Noel's car is" equipped with There was a time, and not so long
a gas-producing plant and char- coal as fuel. He asserts the pre- by carbon or oil are directly expos- ago, when the "open tourer had
Another big improvement in the pared charcoal, costing two-pence ed to the scavenging flames of the lion's share of the market. Then combustion, has been under test by the well-founded, convenient, low- typical 1934 car-body is the tidying per twelve pounds, is equally as Imperial Airways for more than a priced and thoroughly weather-up process which it has undergone, efficient as petrol at 2/7d. a gal- Much of a muchness. That really work in their own way the question year and has now been made stand-proof saloon came on the scene and both front and rear. More shapely lon,
radiators, with flared wing and Mr. Noel is accompanied by his a fair summing up of the pro- of frilis and (metal) flounces would ard equipment by that company, swept all before it,
Its immediate advantages are that grammes for 1034, writen "Owner-give, way before attacks on suspen it rarely needs cleaning and that, seaters disappeared altogether from ical details, are now "de rigueur." pedition's other car
Open two-seaters and open four- aprons that hide unseemly mechan-wife and several others. The ex- is petrol- True, great deal of talk accom. I wish they were. The perpetua-because it has no delicate sparking catalogues. Statistics showed that Similarly, swept-back tails' conceal-driven. The trip will be made via third week of Nover r-Rauter.
the closed type of body was enjoying tanks and shackles, together panied the new models that is totion of a suspension which dates, points to be damaged by heat or
in the process of cleaning, it gives ing an overwhelming ascendancy, with spare-wheel cupboards that be expected--but apart from a hack almost to the year dot. is not number of new four-cylinder models good enough for the modern auto- very long life.
For the "sunabine roof" bad been open out into capacious luggage from factories hitherto specialising mobile, however efficient it was for
In several cases the tests of Im-introduced and had proved that carriers, are rapidly being adopted, insires there is little of the doctor's gig, and shock absor-perial Airways have shown the new those who wanted fresh air, and to the great delight of those who bers are merly mechanical pills used Plug, known as the Wizard, to have plenty of it, could be tolerably well are not only owner-drivers but
trouble-free life of over 9,000 satisfied.
owner-cleaners into the bargain. to postpone, a major operation.
hours. In one instance a plug yas
SEVERE RELIABILITY TEST used for 2,480 flying hours, was
A reliability trial of almost an- then cleaned and readjusted, and
precedented severity has been un- was used for a further 50 hours.
dertaken by the Ford Motor Co., Another plug served for 2780 bours
Ltd., in co-operation with iti without cleaning or adjustment.
dealers throughout the British These are extraordinary figures in
Isles. Yesterday, at 3.30 a.m., a comparison with the normal life of
number of 8 h.p. cars set out to about 500 flying hours of the average
cover a declared itinerary, which aero-engine plug. The new type of
would keep them going, without plug is now fitted in more than 80
engine-stoppage, until 5.30 p.m. on agines of various types in the
Thirrsday next liners of Imperial Airways, and
-ensational nature.
The battle of the gear-boxes is not yet ended, and it remains to be seen whether the synchro-mesh, free wheel, or preselective types will remain competitive, or whether the public will ultimately decide defin- itely in favour of one of them.
FLUID FLYWHEEL NEXT YEAR
Alvis tackled the problem years ago, as also did Lancia; now the Sunbeam people are in the line of progress, All luck to them, and may masses of stell in the form of bucking and jumping axles meet a deserved fate,"
COACHWORK THAT ADDS TO DANGERS
Prophecy is notoriously danger- us, but I venture to forecast with some degree of certainty that we shall be offered the fluid flysheelable coachwork is dying out, except by next Augus
in one or two specialised factories. At least two, of the factories That traze took the form of exag- which are now in favour with the gerating every line of the car, with public are said to he experimenting the result that we were asked to with it, and should my information sit inside low-roofed Lexes and peer he correct follows that the pre-along absurdly long engine bonnets, selective box will also be fitted.
That was bad enough, but when That fart may dreide he battle it became impossible to see one's once and for all.
mudguards or ever look out of the side windows without raising one self in the seat smart appearance produced chiefly bad, temper.
I am rather glad to notice that the recent craze for ultra-fashion-large number have been obtained by the Air Ministry for test in RA.F: engines.
The new plug is sturdier in form than the conventional type, The head of the central "electrode is serrated so that there are 31 edges or points from any if which the park may spring across to one of round the skirt of the outer cylin 24 other points formed by, scallops der. A space is left between this cylinder and the insulation around the inner body of the plug, so that some of the gas-is actually burnt within the plug, and the process of combustion keeps the plug clean. One advantage of the many spark- ng points is that a spark may be obtained with a very low voltage, and this promises to help in solving the problem of inefficiency at high altitude.
I was much amused the other day to listen to Dr. Hele-Shaw's des eription of this most revolutionary neil of transmitting power. He and were examining is high-spred
On a well-designed car it should Diesel engine designed for use in be possible for the driver to see the motor cars, and after he had gear-side side lamp without craning enthused over the fact that this his neck, and the seat should be compression-ignition engine could placed so that he can see right over "turn over" ab 3000 revolutions a the top of the steering wheel or minute (a very high speed for the at of the rear window without the type) I reminded him of his work slightest difficulty. on hydraulic clutches many years ako..
But now a change is coming. Scarcely a single manufacturer, in announcing his 1934 programme of activity, has failed to mention an open sports or semi-sports model, either with or without a specially warmed-up engine, and it is quite manifest that this is a type that is rapidly regaining its popularity.
Iz is doing so legitimately enough. Even when the so-called four-seater furnishes at the back no more room than would be appropriate for a
This is a remarkable demonstra- couple of Andaman Islanders, it tion of dependability, for each car offers quite luxurious outstretched-will carry an observer whose duly legs comfort for the occupants of it is to check up the mileage cover- the front seats. The others are ed to measure petrol consumption, highly convenient for Juggage. And, and to report upon each individual | after all, the occasional passenger car's performance. (who is not necessarily alwayя welcome) must put up with what he can get.
modern sports car, even if it con- But the great point is that the
sists basically of a standard chassis, makes its appeal because of its liveliness and of its stability. The mere fact that, except for its wind- screen, it carries no glass implies a big reduction in weight, and, where small capacity engines are concerned, almost every ounce in the load makes a perceptible differ- ence in all round performance.
A LITTLE FASTER From my own experience I would say that in ultimate speed-given the same chassis type the saloon with four "up" is probably a little. faster than the open vehicle with
Experience in the R.A.F. haa These remarks, of course, lead to shown that in the thin air of high questions of adjusinhle control altitude there is a tendency for the He asked me if I knew the pedals and steering wheels, but I current to lenk across the gap in principal of the duid flywheel. I am afraid these will have to wait the magneto make-nnd-break, and ат afraid my description was until the popularity of brightness so to starve the plugs. With the the same number of passengers. But rather halting, and I was relieved wanes somewhat. Plating is expen-new plug a spark is to be obtained the latter, by reason of its lower when he broke in.
sive, and one cannot have every-with a current of very low potent-total weight, will undoubtedly yield "It's very simple," he said. "You thing on a popularly priced car. ial. Its chief recommendation. a higher average speed, being much "Dave two hemispheres, one inside Another thing which would add however, consists in a saving of "snappier" on gradients and in the the other. The inner one throws greatly to the comfort of the driver labour in cleaning, and in economy getaway.
So far as the front passengers are sit up on to the other and drives is the fitting of an inside sun and through long life. The cost is very it round, and the oil must fail back lamp glare visor capable of quick little more than that of plugs of concerned and these are the two again. That's all. I had a similar adjustment. One or two makes have
familiar pattern. thing on my 150 hp. car 30 years these, but most have not.
引
"go.
This prolife inventor is as enth-
paiastic over machinery to-day as
he was very many years ago.
WHAT IS THIS CRUCIFORM
FRAME?
PLATING THAT DOES
NOT LAST
Rubject of plating and brightness, Reverting for a moment to the
I wonder how many owners
ате
asking whether it would not be
If we leave the gearbox question better to go the whole hog and have To settle itself, the greatest "talking point" with our friend the high stainless steel instead of inferior
pressure salesman is the cruciform
frame.
chromium plating. Most of that
plating has been unsatisfactory.
that chiefly matter-it is often more comfortable in arm, elbow and leg room than the equivalent saloon. That is to say, it is more comfort-
BRITISH CARS FOR able until the weather breaks. Alas,
OVERSEAS
that one should have to say it, but in some sports models the protec- tion against rain inspired rather by a consideration for smart looks
33,000 Exported in than for practicability.
Eight Months
to
the
Coventry A tribute That is not due to the chromium, soundness and progressiveness of Briefly, this type of frame or
British motor industry was chassis has a large and sturdy but to its absence in sufficient quan- the
There arel cases, however, in which ingenuity and common sense have produced a sound solution for this knotty little problem..
member secured (bolted or riveted) Lilies. There is not the slightest paid by Dr. E. L. Burgin, Parlia his fact has been sufficiently recog
cases.
In the main, however, there is still much room for improvement, and the sporting open ear will not attain the rogue it deserves until
to the side members. The two radiators stowing rust within six of Trade, here to-day.
excuse for plated hub caps and mentary Secretary to the Board
pised. forward ends are anchored just
Admirable as is the sliding roof, behind the engine bearer arms, and months of the car being put on the Speaking at the annual pre- it has to be conceded that it does the two at the rear just forward of road, yet I know of dozens of such Olympia display of the Humber not "go the whole hog." There are
Hillman-Commer combine. the rear spring antrorages.".
Dstill plenty of motoring people who Burgin and that since 1923, when yearn for that sort of car which The legs of the X, or cruciform, Windscreen frames are just, Es
the Industry began its post-war member are usually kept apart able to peel, and radiator louvres development, production of Bris can, with the minimum of trouble, where they cross in order to form become unsightly very quickly. Can tish motor
be converted from the wholly closed vehicles had risen a short tunnel through which the we not have stainless steel! One from 71,000 cars and 23.000 goods to the wholly open and vice versa. propeller shaft passes. It is claim or two manufacturers, use it success- vehicles to 171,000 cars and 1005 NEW DESIGNS ed that the cruciform frame pre-fully
goods vehicles in 1932, while be- It is not surprising, therefore, to vents frame distortion due to
That reminds me thit. I should tween 1925 and 1932 imports had find that several sew cabriolet inequalities in road surfaces, and [. that lozenging becomes much lessay a word of warning on the fallen from 41,000 cars to 2,762, desigus have recently made their likely.
subject of home electroplating. The and 8,000 commercial vehicles, to appearance and promise to earn a substantial patronage. Improved other day I was offered a home Cruciform frames are not new, electro-plating outfit by means of
Thanks to the enterprise of the materials and more enlightened however, good as they may be in which I could plate almost anything manufacturers and of salesman stiffening up coach-work, and 1 by simply rubbing the bare part auch as Messrs. Rootes, our ex- cannot help wondering where auto with a sponge soaked in the won-ports had shown similar encoura- mobile design is leading us. Per derful liquid. I had had some many ging progress, having risen from and the exhaust, and larger tyres. haps it is developing in an entirely years ago, and I told the man just 1932, and 33,000 in the first eight striking is a two-door saloon on 15,000 vehicles in 1024 to 40,000 in Or the new bodies the most
wrong direction,
Years ago the flexible frame and
I think, are still developing it, is order to provide suppleness.
Now stiffness is all the rage. It is a curious situation.
what he was and then some more.
это
months of this year. We were the "Twelve" chassis known as
Its
the
car costa
the flexible body were all the rage; Within a day or two of that ex-exporting 15.6 per cent, of our the Vogue," and designed by a the Autro-Daimler people introduc perience I met a fellow-driver whose production against 3.6 per cent, man dressmaker of renown. ed a single tube chassis with face was as long as a fiddle. He by the producers of the U... looks are band to attract articulated mar axle, etc., and, had bought some Worse than that No fewer than sixty-three woman owner. This
he had used it, and now the metal different specimens of the pro- 2335. Humber prices generally part was as black as the face of ducts of the combine were on are unchanged.
pades. Leave these preparations show With the exception of the There are two new Hillmans, alone. The worst chromium plating “Twelve?," the new model fatra sixes of 20 and 16 hp. respective- offered by a car manufacturer is a duced this year, the 1934 Humbers ly; with prices ranging from £200 thousand times better than the have a new radiator, bolder and to £370, The successful four- rubbish I refer to moving on the more imposing thari in the past, | cylinder -- Ming- and ¦ its sports amber. That is definitely wrong, They also boast both synchromesh brother, the Aero Minx, have beezi and they deserve all they get when and free wheel built-in jacks, considerably densloped, with new caught.
better 'silencing both of the intake and striking body model
SPRINGING IMPROVING AT LEAST
It has been said for many years that if designers were permitted to
The engagement of a number of standard cars in a trial of this kind
shows the confidence which the makers have in their cars, which
to ordinary buyers. enter the run exactly as suppliedj
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FOR YOUR
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MOTOR CAR INSURANCE
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