12
1928 BUICKS.
REFINEMENTS IN MANY.
SIMPLIFICATION.
Buick's efforts to simplify the operation of its cars meats with general appreciation. This year, Buick specially stresses the fact that every control device is placed within easy reach of the driver, an arrangement which makes the 1928 Buicks exceptionally easy to
handle.
AUTO SALON.
BIG GATHERING AT GENEVA.
FIAT FEATS.
COMPONENTS.
HOW TO STUDY
"THEM.
THE SMALL THINGS.
THE CHINA MAIL,
fed with oil under positive pump pressure. But the torm, is loosely employed at times, and I have known it to be applied to lubrien tion systems forcing oil only to the main crankshaft bearings; the big- end bearings relying upon a splash system for their lubrication. A combination of the two la good prac- | Salon" was inaugurated at Geneva wise brilliant, who becomes embar-forced feed" unless all the main We all know the motorist, other tice, but no system can be named and all the world-famous Manufac- rassed at the Arst mention of a bearing system lubricated under turers were represented. It may valve tappet, and who, when ad-pump pressure, therefore be considered one of the vised to check most important European exhibi- tions.
On March 18 the "Automobila
will
bla compression Splash lubrication is effected by After the opening cere
efface himself. It is not dippers on the big ends. As cach monies, at which were present the everyone who is endowed with a crank takes its lowest throw (when local authorities and
mechanical turn of mind, but if àits piston is at the bottom of the Iarge publie, this Exhibition was official-motorist can have the courage to cylinder) the dipper. dips into an ly opened to visitors.
drive a motor vehfele under modern all trough, and as it awings upward } The centre attraction to the trallic conditions, and survive the it carries a "splash" of vil in its whole public was the new 6 cylin- ordeal, there should be sufficient of wake. Two of the greatest draw- der Model 520 which was greatly the philosopher about him to grasp splash system only are that when backs to the employment of the admired, drawing large crowds the cuasential principles of his par-high engine speeds are indulged in
The light controls, formerly located on the dash, are now cen- Tred in a single lever at the top of the steering; post, under the horn button.
This lever turns the headlamps on and off, switches them from bright to dim and around the stand all day) operates the parking lights. Illumination of the instrument parel is provided by a small lamp concealed in a recess above the Instrument board. A three-way switch, necesssible from the driver's seat, operates this lamp, which may be made to illuminate the instruments.. indirectly or to throw its beam out into the front of the car.
tleular means of locomotion.
the Increased supply of splash-fed oil to all frictional parts is not com- mensurate with the engine's re-
quirements, and that when a car is labouring on a hill and calling for a full supply of off, the troughs are not level, and there is less of avail- able than on the level. The Daim- clency by
overcame this dofi- an arrangemont which
arises the troughs in the same de- gree as the throttle is opened.
At Geneva, on the same day, the" To endeavour to persuade every National and International Flying motorist to follow the history of the Kilometre Race took place; the internal combustion engine from most well-known European Com-its vague Inception down through pantes participated in the test, the subsequent years of develop which was won by Flat, in the ment would be, waste of time. Full minor cylinder capacity claas. of interest and instruction 28 this
In the National Race for touring history is, the ardent, novice willler Company cars (class 750/1000) Reuvior won greally prefer to devote his time at the wheel of his 9-Flat, cover-and energy to the throttle pedal; ing a kilometre in". 48/100 at but I do not consider a motorist the average speed of Km. 36,050. worthy of his designation until he In the class 1100/1500 honours again went to another throttle means added speed, and e.c. the knows why the opening of the Fiat driven by Schleibler taking grasps the full significance, of his 32", 40/100 at the average speed car's specification. of 111,111 and also Cornura won the International Race with his
An Understanding. 500 Fiat, in the minor
In the matter of specifications, class, at the average speed of Km. 96,700. The transmission lock is elimin-
any wise man will make himself The classification according to conversant with their menning long
Crankshaft Details. ated, and is replaced by a new two-class is as follows:
The number of main crankshaft way lock at the junction of the
before he makes his purchase. The National Race.
1s important. motor car catalogue may not con- bearings
Every steering post and dash. This lock, operated without stooping or Rouvier (Fiat. 509) in 37", 48/100, owner is likely to want to know, but extremity, so that a three-bearing Touring Cars: Class 750/1100-vey all that the intending motor crankshaft has a bearing at each reaching, controls both ignition
Average 96,050; Class 1100/1500-if he can study it intelligently he
crankshaft has one additional sup- and steering. A special safety Schleibler (Flat 509) in 32", 40/100, will at least be able to decido port in the centre and an eight- feature, however, pérmits the en-average 111,111; Class 1500/2000-quickly if that particular brand of bearing crankshaft six intermediate
The steering wheel is entirely new, the principal feature of its design being slenderness, which adapts it to small feminine hands as readily as to the large hands of men. The steering post is pivoted at the bottom, so that it may be raised or lowered to meet the in- „dividual driver's requirements.
Owners have also been en thusiastic in their comments on the improved vision from driver's seat. The windshield is both wider and deeper, affording a more sweeping view of the road.
:
International Race.
22"
•
power,
The lubrication method, whereby ferential face) draws oil from a the y-wheel's periphery (circum- trough and distributes it through ducts to working parts of the en- gine, is also referred to as a splash | fugal circulation. system, and occasionally as ventri-
wine to be shut off without locking Keller (Bignan) in 36" 24/100; car is worth further investigation. crankshaft with the most bearings the wheel. This allows the driver Class 2000/3000-Tomasini (Tal-
supports. But it is not always the to coast and still retain control of bot) in
In the first place there is horse that is the most efficient. Of more his car. The new lock is effective 3000/5000-Buttikofer (Martini) in that a strong horse could lift 550struction, weight and dimensions of
34", 10/100; Class
Years ago it was decided importance is even if the driver parks with 30", 38/100.
the material, 'con- wheels cramped to the curb, as on
lba. to Sports Cars: Class 2000/3000-second, and upon that basis the adaptability to the rest of the en- a height of 1 foot in 1 the shaft and its bearings, and their a hill. The moment a would-be Favro (Alfa-Romeo) thief straightens the wheels the
brake horse power is now applied, gine's design. What is mostly re- tumbler snaps into place, making (Styr) in 2", 82/100,
23/100; Class 3000/5000--Freuler]
to an engine capable of resisting an quired is it impossible to drive.
perfectly balanced Racing Cars: Class 1000/1500-equivalent amount of braking crankshaft that will rotate nt high Korrer (Bugatti) in 22", 93/100; power. The brake horse power of speeds with sufficient bearing sur Class 1500/2000-Probst (Bugatti) an engine is a definite development, face to dissipate heat, and one that lieusser (Bugatti) in 19". 74/100.they being introduced for the pur- likely to occur and one that is not in 20", 97/100; Class 2000/3000- and can be relied upon; but rated is not too long otherwise whip-
horse-powers are
only nominal, ping" and torsional vibration are
Sports Cars: Class 760/1100- pose of rough-and-ready classifica- too sturdy-or it will add too much A thought behind numerous re- Cornirn (Fiat) in 37, 26/100, tion, and now only serving the pur- weight to the engine. The Ricken- finements in the driving compart-average 96,700; Class 1100/1500 puses of certain taxation and com- backer principle of a fly-wheel at ment. Brick engineers explain, Galley (Ceirano) in 34", 64/100: petitions. was to extend the car's usefulness Class 3000/5000-Freuler (Steyr) is styled as an 18-35 hp. model it flywheels) has the effect of redus- When an English car each end of the crankshaft (tandem by adapting it to the needs of a in 23", 57/100; Class 5000/8000 may be assumed naximum number of individuals. Wentzel (Mercedes) in 21", 10/100. hersc-power is, 18, and the
that the rated ing torsional vibration or "twist” Other advances in a notable pro-
brake by half. iramme of improvement include Martin (Amilcar) in 20", 8/100; however, should always
Racing Cars: Class 750/1100 horac-power (b.h.p.) 35. This, The clutch is an important item new low lines, achieved by the
too. The
commonly-named double-drop frame,, new colours
Class 1100/1600--Countesa Einale-firmed, for there is no law govern- types are cone disc, plate and multi- and upholstery, new riding com-
del (Bugatti) in 24", 17/100; Classing the styling of car horse-power" shaped member of large propor- CNC. A cone clutch has a cone- fort, to which four hydraulic 20", 74/100; Class 2000/3000 Arst figure may be more or less the material and engages with the in- 1500/2000-Probat (Bugatti) in By this, I mean that although the tions. This is fitted with friction shock absorbers in conjunction Iteasser (Bugatti) in 20", 4/100. with re-designed
rated horse-power, it is possible side of the flywheel rim. springs and deep cushions contri-
that the 35 does not represent the verted cone clutch has still better An in- bute, and several improvements in
brake horse-power at the maximum advantages, although in principle it, Buick's six cylinder valve-in-hend
practical revolutions of the engine. is the same. When the latter type engine, which is quieter and more
Most catalogues supply the de- of clutch is powerful than ever before.
disengaged it travela #nite fucts. In any case, they forward. The plate clutch explaina should always be obtained. In itself. A friction plate on the mov- quoting horse-powera American able member engages with a fixed cars almost invariably nominate plate on the flywheel.
This type
cantilever
SHORT CIRCUITS.
Need There Be Any Elec- trical Fire Risks?
CAN YOU BEAT IT?
A lady came to get her car I'd looked it over well, And found it fine. And so I
thought
Her worries to dispel.
"Now, tell me, please," the lady.
said, "My car's exact condition." The recent remarkable experi-Here's what I told her, and I ask ence related by a motorist who If I should feel contrition: found his switchbox on fire, which resulted in its destruction "Your differential's full of grease; and might have destroyed the Your crankcase full of oil; car, prompts "The Motor" to ask The radiator is so full why should there even be
It simply cannot boil. chance of such a dangerous oc- currence? It really points to the "The thermostat keeps opening. fact that electrical equipment, When it begins to heat; despite its great development in The spark plugs are not carbon efficiency and convenience, is not
ever it is.
a
ised;
be
con-
most
the bhp. at the highest revolu- can be either "dry" or "wet"; the tions.
The number of cylinders is self explanatory. After the number it je usual to give the dimensiona, or bore and stroke, in millimetres or inches. The bore measurements represent the diameter of each cylinder, and the stroke signifies the distance between the highest and lowest position of the piston when travelling in the eylinder.
Some Englue Syalıms. cubic centimetres or inches, indi- Engine capacity, expressed in
latter requiring a bath of of in which to run. The multi-disc clutch is a type consisting of a num- ber of small discs engaged, with others on the clutch shaft.
Gearbox and Backaxle. Unit construction implies that en- gine, clutch and gearbox are built as a single unit, whereas "separate gearbox" means that engine and gearbox are built and mounted in-, dependently in the chassis frame.
POWER
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1928.
for Hills or Heavy Going
DVANCED engineering has increased the power
of this Studebaker Director and at the same time increased its economy of fuel.
This spirited Sport Tourer is capable of high sustained apred. In official tests, the new Director sedan raced 1483 miles in 24 hours-an average of 61.795 miles per bour. It has proved itself a blood brother of the world's champion Studebaker Commander.
This Studebaker Director also offers you distinctive beauty of line and colour, relaxed comfort, from deep. cushions and extra omple springing.
It offers you years of dependable service and value that only Studebaker can give. Come here today. Compare with your own eyes. See how much more Studebaker gives for your money!
Companion Car
to The Commander.
40 Miles Per Hour the FIRST day. Later, an easy Mile a Minute!
D33
THE HONG KONG HOTEL GARAGE
(THE HONG KONG & SHANGHAI HOTELS, LTD.) 24. Queen's Road Central
STUDEBAKER
BUILDERS
OF QUALITY
YEHICLES
FOR 76 YEARS
AFTER WE SELL, WE SERVE.
BUY A
CHRYSLER
AND
SAVE DOCTOR'S BILL
FREE INSPECTION AND ADVICE-During the first year of a vehicle's life we extend a periodical inspection service to all "CHRYSLER" owners; some of our leading mechanica will give advice regarding the driving and upkeep of the vehicles without any obligation whatever.
THIS IS A SYSTEM WE FIND HELPFUL TO AND APPRECIATED
BY OUR CUSTOMERS.
A. LUNG & CO.
Tel. C. 1219.
19, Queen's Rd. E. SERVICE STATION:-215, PERCIVAL. STREET, WANCHAL
overhead or underslung design, but the latter system is not always com- patible with good road clearance.
COMFORT.
A PROBLEM FOR ENGINEERS.
highest overall thermal efficiency is no more than 8 per cent, under the best conditions as opposed to 20 per cent. in A well-designed power station. Electrification would mean too radical a change, "Design as a factor in the com- and it could be effected only at a
Your breaker points don't meet/cates the volume of air displaced very important considerations. In used. Braking specifications are petition between the road and rail vast capitol cost. Locomotiva en-
The brakes look pretty thick.
intense heat, given the simple Your tyres are full of air." condition of a short-circuit. It is I heard a gasp. I looked and an inherent property of the bat-
found The lady in despair!
iery and cannot be eliminated or
perform its functions. The
rowding up of connections in
oil;
switchboxes and insufficient The gas cannot slip down; isolation of the positive and nega-The rings are tight, the~,"
tive sides of the circuit are points
Here it was
crankshaft.
carry away the heat Water-cool- tion.
The reduction
cars.
Other specifications refer to the differential gear in the back axle. Ratios should always be quoted This system is now fairly general; with gearbox details, as they are otherwise the term "solid" axle is in every case strictly fireproof,
by the tops of all the pistons dur-basis to work on is 15 to 1, 8 to 1. tion probably being "transmission cussion, at the Design and Indus- tion, and in their design they are and in the interests of popular "I cannot hear the tappets much;ing a complete revolution of the and 4 to 1. Four to 1 is rather a brake," which refers to a brake in tries Association, 6, Queen-square, seeking to meet competition in the a 3-speed gearbox a good general usually self-explanatory the excep-services" was the subject of a dis-gineers are fully allve to compéti- motoring, and also that of the manufacturers of such equip. Your valves don't seem to stick: ment, it would be well to elimin-The steering wheel seems plenty
"Overhead" or "side" arrange- try as South Africa, but perform shaft. Suspension is also simple to Gloag, said: "We are
high top gear ratio for such a coun-
a drum somewhere on the propeller London. The chairman, Mr. John increased efficiency of their crea ate the dangerous.factor, what- loose;
ment of the valves are terms which ance is the main thing. It should explain themselves. When super- be more generally known that top
concerned tions." understand.
with comfort. We cannot say that Mr. Basaet Lowne showed a very A battery is essential to the
Imposed inlet valves are specified. gear is direct so far as the gear will confuse the novice. equipment, and the energy it con- "The battery plates are covered it may be understood that normal box and propeller shaft are concern unit equipment implies that the travel that are well planned, com- land and Scottish Railway vestibule
Possibly the electrical equipment we are against road or rail.
Separate are simply in favour of vehicles of interlors of the new London Mid- We interesting series of slides of the tains is instantly convertible into up;
side exhaust valves are provided, ed. That is, the bevel pinion drive dynamo and starter motor are fa-fortable, and convenient. with the inlet valves arranged im-(when top gear is engaged) is rotat-dependent of one another, whilst a mediately above them.
ing at the same number of revolu-
Mr. Allen said that the modern has been eliminated.
All unnecessary decoration Engine-cooling systems may be tions per minute (r.p.m.). as the single unit is one in which a single locomotive engineer was aiming Pullman comfort, even in the third- There is designed for air, water, or oil. engine crankshaft.
form of mechanism operates the continually at greater efficiency class coaches, and the discomfort altered; otherwise it would not the pistons are not pumping temperature of the cylindera fa which, in a 4 to 1 reduction, has
Where air-cooling is provided the is effected by the crown wheel starting of the engine and also un-and higher speeds. There had, of faulty ventilations has been met dertakes to charge the battery. however, been little change in cer- by the use of louvred glass ventila- kept down to some extent by the four times as many teeth as the help to make the study of moter car the days of Stephenson. The pro- Mr. George H. Lanchester said:
These simple explanations should tain features of basic design since, tore. formation of fins upon them, air be- bevel pinion, and therefore take ing directed on to them so as to four times longer to make a revolu. Specification an interesting pastime blem was difficult because the "If you want comfort you do not rather than a dull proceeding. locomotive engineer was hampered go by train. Road travel has the ed cylinders have jackets coat, Very occasionally one hears of an
by the narrow limits in which he obvious advantages of mobility. In around the heads and barrels. "over geared top" a specification
had to design. A locomotive might, a car you can stop where you like These are filled with water which implies that the back axle ratio
be compared to a power-house on without being fined £5 for doing it. circulates through radiator, may be raised through the medfum
wheels, but the powerhouse had the In the matter of comfort the rail- while air passes through the latter. of special gearbox pinions.
"Motor Cycling" gives details advantage over the locomotive that way engineer has an advantage. Thermo-syphon systems rely for dicates that the gear lever is on able three-wheeled solo motorare, the weight of its boilers, or the suspension problem is an easy Right hand or central control in- in ita current issue of a remark- there was no reasonable limit to its The train runs on a level track, and circulation upon the physical pro- the drivera.right or left, respective. | cycle designed specifically for tra.the height of its chimney; all points one, but the result is in favour of perty of hot water to rise and coldly. (This refers, of course, to cars versing easily the roughest type of vital consideration for the the road car. The automobile en to fall Pump circulation means having right hand steering.) that circulation is both forced and
of country, such as would be en- locomotive engineer. The non-stop gineer has had to develop type regulated. Oll cooling has been drive is by either open or enclosed warfare. The front of the mahow design, was being used to type of spring which will cover Generally speaking, the faol countered in army maneuvres or run from London to Carlisle show-of spring which has had to develop. employed in one engine whose head shaft. The former system is known chine is more or less orthodox, but create greater efficiency. This was cooled by air, but whose cylin- as the Hotch kiss drive, and the lat-in place of the rear wheel two journey of ave hours with no railway coach ever has to meet.
a much wider disturbance than the der barrels projected in the crank- tar comes under the torque tube small wheels each driven by would not be practicable in any ciency "I would like to point out change, of normal examination Mr. Allen referred to thermal eff fire to the insulation. A main to an isolating switch to cut the
Methods of Lubrication.
principle: Their relative merite re-chain-are fitted. These are al- fuse can be used to protect all hattery off from the wiring?
quire special study. Lubrication systems are not difi- Spiral-bovel drive is now almost both always in contact with the An Inefficient Machine lowed to rock so that they are other country in the world. wiring with the exception of the True, It means one more switch cult to understand, but one should universally adopted.
that a good internal combustion-en- gine will give. 28 to 27 per cont tarter cable, which in any case to manipulate, but many car own Insist upon details if these are not that the teeth on the bevel wheels The machine is now undergoing ever, that there is no doubt that tive's 8 per cent. There is no ques
This means ground,
Mr Allan said: "I admit, how efficiency an opposed to the locomo ought safely to carry more cür-ers would feel that the car was supplied in the catalogue. For in- in the back axle. are cut on the tests by the War Office, for whom the locomotive is an inefficient tion that road traffic, though still in rent than the battery can dis all the safer if on putting it away atance, forced lubrication is a term transverse, and are of helical or it was constructed; the actual machine. We have get to get its infancy, will become a very seri- charge-on-short-circuit.
there was no danger of an elec- that should be confined to all en- spiral design making for quiet mount was made by a prominent substitute for the present system ous, competitor to a certain class of What objection, also, is theretrical fire starting.
gines whose principal bearings are operation. Worm drive is of either British motorcycle manufacturer of wateing steam. At present the railway trafik
hat previously have been criti-
cised.
I saw the lady frown!
It should not, however, be im- "O, stop!
possible to construct a really fire-
proof switchbox, considering the
I've heard enough," she cried. "Is nothing on it right?
very low voltages which have to It runs so beautifully, you know,
And looks so new and bright.·
can't believe there's all that
be provided for. Of course, it is not the voltage that does the damage, but the current, and a "I short-circuit, which in effect is "across the battery," may mean
You don't need to repeat it." that anything up to 100 amperes And out she went indignantly!
wrong;
of current is forced through a I ask you, can you beat it?. rable calculated safely to carry 10
amperes-if so much. Anyway,
'he wire becomes red-hot and sets
-Madge Smith.
case.
2
A GO-ANYWHERE MOTOR- CYCLE.
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