1930-01-29 — Page 2

2

MOTOR NOTES.

Now Filling Station.

Messrs Alex. Ross have recently installed an additional ganolene pump supplying "Shell" petrol, at their garage in Kowloon. There are also two tanks supplying "Double " and Triple" oil of the samo make. A neat approach has been built for cars to draw up to the petrol pump.

THE HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 1930.

MOTOR NOTES.

Producing & New Model. Few lay motorists have any con, ception of the work involved in bringing out a new model, so many of which were seen at Olympia re- cently.

New Motor-Buses,

Two now Leyland Lion" 24-

In the case of the new Singer Six, senter 'buses were taken out on a

which, in its saloon form, sells at police test recently, and will soon

£275 at home, each department has be put on the road for the China been at work for months past pre- Motor 'Rus Company. In the

paring the tools and jigs for rapid course of the test the 'buses were praduction. Many thousands of taken up Reservoir Hill, Kowloon,pounds were spent before the first

car was produced. with a inil load and braking tests were made on the descent. Mr. D. Burlingham, A.S.P.. Kowloon, Mr. Howard, Thornycroft's representa. tive, and Inspector Mason, polire mechanie, were present at the test. Incidentally, it is understood that the Kowloon Motor 'Bus Company have placed orders for two double- decker buses of the same make for service in Kowloon.

The World's Most Famous Street.

Singer & Co., Ltd., have lately opened showrooms at Stratton The premises. House, Piccadilly, which are commodious and impres- sive, are to be the London head- quarters for Singer cars.

in

Stratton House is, of course, the heart of the high-class British, motoring world, and occupies n splendid position in what is perhaps the world's most famous thorough

[are.

Across Canada by Ost, The distinction of being the first English-made enr to traverse the Ban National Park under its own power is claimed by a 6-cylinder A.C., which recently completed the trans-Canadian journey of about 4,600 miles from Eastern Canada to British Columbia.

Not Surprising

** New ambulance chassia' queried a visitor at Olympia, point. ing to the new Dennis 12-tonnier, a 0-wheel model of enormous size and .strength.

"The salesman was. taken aback..

"Oh, I thought it might be for Primo Carnera, in case he gets knocked out!" explained the speaker,

This chassis dogs indeed stand in reintion to the ordinary commercial vehicle in much the same propor- tion as the gigantic boxer does to the rest of humanity. but, by way of contrast, it should also be noted that the machine has the advantage of a profound experience.

Is This a Record?

It is claimed--not without good ressen--that the Siager works are the most self-contained all-British motor factories in Europe. Even the windscreen frames and door fittings, not to mention the radia, tors, shock absorbers and other components usually purchased "out- side, are actually made in one or ather of the several Singer works in Coventry and Birminghard.

¦

MOTOR-CYCLE NOTES.

Trial Riders N.B.1

Motor cyclists who are catering to-morrow's reliability Trial are re- minded that they are requested to attend a meeting at the Hong Kong Volunteer Headquarters this even- ing at 6 p.m.

Free Fetrol and Oil.

The Texaco Oil Company - have made a very generous offer to all motor-cyclists entering the Reliabi lity Trial to-morrow, Texaco motor- oil and petrol will be available free of charge at the starting-point, and at intervals throughout the run! The Texaco Company have recently put a new brand of greolene and a new oil, known as Golden Texaco, on the market. Both these pro One of the most popular cars at ducts have been giving very good

The "Bnipe."

new

WAB un-

which

London's Motor Show doubtedly the

Humber Snipe. It was perhaps a bold move on the part of the manufac turers to produce a relatively large engined car in eduntry suffers from horse-power taxation, but the move has certainly been justified. "Have you seen the Snipe" was a question heart on all sides, and the answer, when in the affirmative, was invariably complimentary.

disregard

It is interesting to note that whilst the new 16/30 h.p. Humber is being welcomed enthusiastically, many motorists

the extra taxation required for the "Snipe." A representative of the the company stated recently that the public interest in this car has been amazing, and that 75 per cent. of the Show-time triat runs took place on it.

Oil Prices Go Up.

results. "Foah" Bikes in the Trial.

The list of entries for the motor

cycle trial has been issued, and la the long list of alty-two entries there is A very large range of makes, totalling 19 in all. The nationalities are British 39, Ameri- can 11, Belgium 2 and French 1. The makes separately are, Harley Davidson (8), B.S.A. (7), A.J.S. (7), Whitworth (3), Raleigh (3) Indian Norton (5), Triumph (3), Rüdge (3), Humber (), Brough Superior (2), and Monet Goyon, F.N., G lett, P. & M. Ariel, Royal Enfield, Excelsior, Serbeam and Zenith, oce

each.

The New Norton.

Messrs. Sincere & Company, who are local agents for the Norton motor-eyele, have received their first 1930 model of this make, and in eidentally, the first 1930 model to An announcement is made by the agrive in the Colony. The model Vacuum Oil Company, producera ofreceived is the popular No. 18, 4.50 "Mobiloils," to the effect that their c.g. O.B.V. machine, and is now on prices will be increased by approxi- view at the Company's showroom. mately 30 per cent from February Nertons for 1930 have enclosed This advance in prices has been rocker-valve gear and chronium- found necessary towing to the de-plated exhaust pipe, and a large preciation in value of the dollar. Brocklands" silencer, which great- However, 30 percent. is not a very ly enhance the appearance of the large increase, certainly not sul machine. There are many other fint for the present consumers to minor alterations and improve consider the use of cheaper oils.tents for the 1930 Nortons, and There is saving in the use of prospective buyers would do well to cheap oils, which results in poorer ste the model now on view. efficiency.

Chrcntum Plating.

New Parking Stands. The Traffic Department have y marked out in white lines park ing spaces for about 25 cars opposite the P. &-O. Shipping Office Build-

With the arrival of the new

late-Norton, the writer has had his first. Opportunity of seeing the wonderful. A writer in The Auto asked lately

cycles. It is not a new thing in the process of polish adapted to motor What is the greatest distance that a car could go without the cylindersing in Connaught Road. There is bright plated surfaces are

car world, but on a motor-cycle the being decarbonised 7" He then always a squeeze for parking space

numerous and conspicuous. quoted the ease of a car which ran opposite the Post Office Building,rew chronium process is, in a few 25,000 miles without decarbonising. and the new reservation" zacets a

words, the goods.". long felt need

Mr. Filson Young, the well-known Author, however, makes this figure Inok, comparatively speaking, small, for he gains the record for his G- cylinder A.C. This car is now in its fifth year and has rom nearly 73,000 miles. The engine was ārst denarbonised at 35,000 miles; it was again done at: 50,000, and again at 10,000-that is, three times in nearly 73.000 miles.

The owner states that only after the Jal decarbonising was he con- scious of any real improvement, ns the engine has been almost constant- in its smoothness and efficiency. Roadside Soldering for Motorists.

The resourcefulness of the British A.A. Road, Patrols was again in- dicated just recently. As AA. member's car was put out of com- mission by a broken magneto at- ting Passing motorista were asked to notify the A.A. patrol on the road in order that he might obtain break- down assistance,

When the patrol arrived he lie u fire by the rouliile, and soldered the broken parts together. Within a quarter of an hour the member was able to proceed.

The Importance of Ton-Mileage. Some very good results were shown by a 5-ton Halley lorry which underwent an official "R.A.C trial recently, to obtain records of fuel and engine oil consumption, etc., over a distance of 1,000 miles. The vehicle was fitted with n'feylinder engine, x5 in., and the total run- ning weight was 10 tons 9 cwt."

The trial was run at an average speed, excluding all stops, of 20.1 m.p.h, and the fuel consumption worked out at 8.21 m.p.g., equiva- lent to a gross ton-mileage of 80.2, and net ten-mileage of 0.3. oil was put into the engine during the trial, but the amount consumed was equivalent" to 1,833 miles per gallon.

No

An interesting feature about the forward control model is the specially desigäed full-width cab which can be quickly detached, Jeaving the engine and gear-box unit exposed, and thoroughly accessible. All ordinary duties, however, such, as decarbonizing, valve-grinding, etc., can be carried out with the cab in its normal position.

Austin Service Car,

very The

A feature of cronium plating is that it is rust-proof. For the many who dislike or are too lazy to keep A neat little service car has been bothering the "boy to clean their made out of an Austin "7" by the machines, chronium will get them Ideal Motor Car Service Company out of their difficulty, and give for Austins. It curries complete smart-looking grids with a mini- repair outfits, tyres, and other mum of bother. An interesting equipment for break-downs. The point about this new finish is that body is painted in bright orange, and has attracted considerable notice on the roads in Hong Kong. The Company's service station is in Lockhart Rond.

the first essential of good chronium plating is a foundation of first- lass nickel plating underneath! Down with polishing Up with chronium!

FIRST IN HONG KONG

BRITISH MOTOR CYCLES

"1930 "'

NORTON

MODEL No. 18 4.90 H.P.

“Unapproachable" as the machines have proved in the past, 1930 witnesses an even finer production in NORTON. Many important improvements are embodied in the new NORTON designs including enclosed valve gear mechanism and push rods, detachable cover for Rocker Box, improved arrangement of cylinder head layout, efficient silencer, aid Chromium plating.

COME AND INSPECT IT AT

THE SINCERE Co., LTD.

SOLE AGENTS.

Sunbeams on Trial.

To win the famous Tourist Trophy Motor-cycle races in the Island of Man twice in succession and in re- cord time, is a performance of no little merit, and which only a machine of the very highest quality and design can ever hope to achieve. The Sunbeam motor-cycle has not anly succeeded in doing this, but has won many important reliability trials and speed events on the Con- tinent.

However, to read of a machine's successes in the hands of demon

riders is one thing, and to test it under local conditions is quite, an- other. For this reason A short weeks' tekt on two Sunbeam models -350.c. and 300 e.t. O.H.V.

machines, was particularly interest ing.

Nearly every motorcycle owner sooner or later takes to comparing his own machine with that of an ather make, either for better or worse. He is slowly struck by the features of another make which are not embodied in his own. With the two Sunbeams handed over for the test, not thing could be found wanting. The riding position was exactly as the majority of riders would prefer the frame was as sturdy as could be possible;, while the engine in the frame provided more speed and power than could be used. In the matter of speed and reliability the numerous suc cess credited to this make leaves no room for doubt.

Olled Silk.

sorbers ran like oiled silk. Chain

Messrs, Brunner & Mood aro local agents for the Sunbeams, and

A Competitions Manager is not only called upon to ride in number- loss trials, but he has to organise · any special "work" irials which are agreed upon. For instance, the Ariel Works planned a monumental feat-to run no less than 5,000 miles without once stopping the engine, The machine, which was chosen, from stock by the A.C.U., was b 337 c.c. Side Valve Ariel and Sports

ed to work in six hour shifts, and a 120 mile course radiating from Banbury was selected. The wea ther was terribly cold and web throughout the greater part of the time.

and valse gear are inaudible, and cruising along at 30 m.p.h. the rider is merely conscious of suffed any rider is in search of a care-sidecar. Four drivers were detail- boom from the silencer at the rear. free, high-grade, nad remarkably The pulling power of the engines | efficient machine, he could not do do splendid starting at the bottom better than see the agents about of Shaukiwan Hill at a moderate their large range of models. speed both machines were never in difficulty; the 500 cc. machine se- celerated to a higher speed than could be used. In fact at no time, whether in Hong Kong or Kowloon, Was it found necessary to change down to second gear. Clutch and Gear Change.

The clutch and gear change on the Sunbeams are a joy to mani- pulate. The clutch is very light and sweet in action, while the gear- change quadrant is placed just where the hand falls right on the lever. Except for a slight snatch in getting into low gear, the change is absurdly simple.

The gear ratios-an important item for Hong Kong, where hilly districts as well as at roads are to be found are admirably chosen for our roads, allowing the machine to attain her best pulling powers, without over-reviving.

The New Frame.

The new frame, carrying, a hand- come saddle tank, is definitely the goods" as regards road holding and Cornering. Towards the end of the test the writer became distinctly criminal on corners, due to the wonderful cornering ability which enables the rider to bank" the machine at scemingly impossible. angles

Competition Manager's Job.

The job of Competitions Manager to, a big Motor-Cycle firm must be a fascinating vocation, but it is no ainecure. To succeed one must be specially cut out for the position; work and more work must Con- stitute one's idea of pleasure. It is because Mr. H. S. Perrey, the Com- petitions Manager of the Ariel arm, prefers doing this work to any other in the world that he has proved so remarkably successful during the past few years.

Apart from a good deal of " plot. ting and planning" how to obtain the best results and the necessity for an expert knowledge concerning everything, which is occurring in the competition world, it entails a thorough grasp of the art of coax ing the utmost efficiency from any given engine.

Contrary to the general belief there is no such thing 13 ** secrets of tune." There are no secreta;

**tume

in the result of ordinary

straightforward operations and is only obtained after many weary days and nights. Pay a visit to any competition department on the eve of a classic, event and you will ap- preciate what is meant by nights. This applies principally to the Ariel

concern.

|

In this case the Competitions Manager was not one of the drivers, but the whole affair was, in his charge, and it must have proved nerve-racking in the extreme. Ho had to be present whenever the drivers had to be charged and the

a.m., noon, and 8 p.m. And this tank replenished "at midnight, &

for ten days. Imagine the Ariel ticking over in the hotel yard at Bunbury while petrol was being poured into the task-the suspense must have been great.

the machine for its marvellous per- No words can give due credit to

formance. To run 'non-stop for ten- days and nights while it was driven 5,000 miles over very give-and-take ronde is a performance which for air-cooled engines has never been approach ed.

Another mammoth A.C.U, observ." ed test was that in which a 250 c.c. OHV, and à 500 e. O.H.V. Ariel raa day and night for no less a dis-, tance than 10,000 miles. For twenty- two days and nights the monotonous business continued, both machines running like clockwork, but they must have been long days and longer nights for the Competitions Manager. He had to superintend anch change of rider. For these two tests, it will be remembered, and al the Ariels were awarded the covet

ed Mauden Trophy.

The machines are so popular that a very large number of private owners compete on Ariels | in important trials. They all want

tuned

Both machines are fitted with the dry sump lubrication system. This Both machines in top gear-

is adjusted at the works and never thanks to the enclosed oil-bath front | requires attention. The rider need their machines chain-case and efficient shock ab- only worry about filling up the tank. | ways leave it until the last moment!

Sleeve-valve

Power

Speeds up delivery and reduces costs

For lower cost per ton mile, for fast, safe, profitable transportation, progressive truck operators are turning to Willys-Knight.

The power plant of this most modern com- mercial unit is the patented double sleeve-valve six-cylinder engine, noted for sustained high speed, rugged endurance and economical operation.

It will pay you to see the Willys-Knight Truck and to try its service in your own business. Visit your nearest Willys-Overland dealer.

WILLYS-KNIGHT

11⁄2 TON TRUCK

MODELT-103

Agents:

GILMAN & CO., LTD.

4 DES VEUX ROAD. TEL. C. 290.

Garage

H.K. $2,500

(All prices and specifications subject ta change without notice)

LONG

ECONOMICAL

LIFE

Service Station

"DJRO" MOTOR CO., LTD.

132, NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON

TEL. K. 226.

+