1933-08-22 — Page 2

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 1933.

SPARKS

FROM THE PLUGS

REMEMBER TO CHANGE DOWN

EARLY ON HILLS

Low Engine Speeds Do Not Mean Less Wear And Tear

*kerb.

HOW THE EXPERT DOES IT

BY "OWNER-DRIVER'

One owner, who rather prided himself on his handling of a car astonished me by saying that when he took a corner he always declutched and coasted round.

Watch Engine Note

OIL ENGINE CONVERSION

150 H.P. Unit for Aus- tralian Railcar

MOTOR NOTES FROM

GREAT BRITAIN

¡FROM A LONDON CORRESPONDENT),

WILL PRICES GO UP?

a

DEVELOPMENT OF THE

TROLLEY BUS

Every tramway track on its sys tem has now been taken up; every route previously served by trams is now served by trolley buses and new routes have been opened up. To-day Wolverhampton has a fleet of nearly 100 trolley buses-the

argest single fleet in the world-

DOCILITY" WITH SPEED-

What The Talbot 95 Can Do

"It is becoming more and more, usual with a car which gives a high performance to expect that it shall combine tractability with speed," says The Autocar. With out attempting to find any form of catch-phrase to epitomise the

The "95" uses the a-litre type of engine formerly employed only for

the "103" speed model, and it carries the largest and most laxurious of the closed bodies standard on Talbot chassis. Thus, the owner possesses in one vehicle

A

dignified town carriage" and i car with a maximum speed of well over 80 m.p.h. To quote again from The Autocor's road test of this model, the get-away, from rest or from low speeds through the gears, owing to the extremely rapid changes allowed by the self-chang- ing gear-box, is of such ou order as to ako the car, in the right hands, the easy master of all but few other standard closed vehicles on the road"

SHOCK ABSORBER

-

That harbinger of the annual show, the season of prophesy,

More than 20 years ago the first A standard high speed heavy signs and portents in the motor electric trolley bus was tried in oll engine has recently been con- world, has come round

once Bradford, and although it had ad- verted by A.E.C. into a petrol unit again, and, cumours are now rife vantages over the tramear, these for raticar work on the State Rail- as to the rprises that individual were not sufficiently apparent to ways of Australia.

This is the manufacturers are about to spring lead to its permanent adoption at Talbot '68,' it can' most definitely latest of a large number of A.E.C. upon their trade rivals in the the time. In 1922 Birmingham be said that this is a car which, in power units which have been ad- course of the next few months. Introduced a few of these vehicles the best modern scuse, gives – a apted for railcar service down un- No less authorities than Sir Wil-on one route, but it was Wolver-very high road performance because der. It is equipped with a large liam Morris and Sir Herbert Aus- Hampton Corporation which short of great engine power and suitable type fluid flywheel operating in tin forecast an increase in prices ly afterwards adopted this type gear ratios, yet is flexible on top Discussing the art of driving

conjunction with a "Bermuda" for next season's cars. The coat and since then has rightly been gear and pleasant to drive in traffic with a number of motorists the Get that engine note absolutely model pre-selective gear box.

of some materials has gone up, regarded as the pioneer of the mo-

as well." other evening I was rather sur- in your mind. Now, drive the car

The converted engine which has and there is no alternative to dern trolley bus. prised to find that very few of lat 22 miles an hour in top gear to meet the requirements of con- higher prices except a lowering of them understood the art of corn- and take the gear lever gently but stant full power over comparative-quality, which, of course, is not to ering or judging, the distance of Armly in the first three fingers of ly long distances, has 6 cylinders, be thought of. the near side wheels from the the left hand and press it, again a bore of 115 m/m, a stroke of 142 That very interesting and in-

gently but firmly, towards the m/m, and a capacity of 88b litres. atructive annual, "The Motor In second position in the gate. Keep Its power output is 150 b.a.p. at dustry of Great Britain, compul the accelerator pedal absolutely 2300 r.p.m.; torque is 410 lbs. pered by the Society of Motor Manu- "steady with the right foot.

ft. at 1,200 1.400 r.p.m. The ma- facturers and Traders,"shows that Now push out the clutch pedal ximum speed is controlled at 2.200 since 1922 there has been a steady sharply. Immediately the clutchr.p.m. by means of a governor. fall in the selling prices of cars A worse method of driving

is out the gear lever should im- The cylinder head being a each year, despite the inclusion of could hardly imagine, yet when

mediately and automatically go special shape, promotes a high de-more and more elaborate fittings pointed out that on a car of the into neutral, but do not push it gree of turbulence, and enables the and accessories. Thus, taking the type he drove (one of eight horse-farther. Just let it sort of fall in- | highest practicable compression cost of a car in 1924 at 100 as the power) he would have better con- to that middle position. Once. It rallo to be used. A very "robust, basis, by 1929 the gure had fal trol, greater acceleration, and, 11 is there let in the clutch pedal counter-weighted crankshaft is len to 75 and in 1932 to 59.8. required, much better braking if and wait until the engine is sing- employed. he changed down to third before ing at the speed equivalent to 20

EUROPE BUYS BRITISH Valve gear is of the overhead the corner, ne accused me of bad miles an hour in second gear (the push rod type, and the induction

This same authority gives some driving and of ruining not only

note I have already referred to) system has been designed to pro-illuminating facts about export. the gear-box but the engine.

America and then out with the clutch and duce high volumetric efficiency at For instance, whereas Ruining Engine, by "Saving" It

through with the gear lever and all speeds. The success attained in sent 10,714 private cars to British It is significant that no fewer Now that driver, while firmly back in with the clutch.

this direction may be judged from Empire markets last year,

than 26 cities and towns lú Bri- believing that he is saving his en- That is the castest way to chan- the fact that the b.m.e.p. rises to home industry was responsible for tain, apart from a number Over- gine by coasting round corners ge down, but many people prefer a maximum of 115 lbs. per sq. n. 22,081 cars. Considerable penetra- seas, are now using electric trolley and then asking it to pull hard to change by numbers.

at 1.250. r.p.m., and remains above tion, too, was effected into Euro-.:

buses.. on top gear; is simply ruining it.

100 lbs. per sq. in, throughout the

pean markēts. In Spain. for ex-i HuddersЯeld Corporation has Low-powered internal combustion.

speed range.

ample, although only 124 British now decided to operate a number engines develop their power at

cars were imported in 1931, the of trolley buses, and has placed an high crankshaft speeds, and the

figure rose to 1.138 in 1932. Quite order with Ransomes." Sims and" capable driver. of a small car al-

recently, Singer and Co. received Jefferies for a 6-wheel double- ways keep the engine busy. Hen-

an order from the Spanish Gov decker. This bus will be fitted with ce the constant gear changing.

ernment for a number of 12 h.P. the firm's special new lightweight saloon cars which will be used by motor, compound wound for re- the Naval Department.,

generative control, with 'third dif- ferential and patent bogle.

I do not, of course, suggest that the small power unit should al- ways be kept screaming its little heart out. but I do assert that fairly high "revving" will do it much less harm than constant chugging on a higher gear,

In these days of pre-selective self-changing

and gear-boxes synchro-mesh and free-wheel ar. rangements there is little excuse for owners of cars hanging on to top gear until the engine almost dies of exhaustion before slamming through to a lower ratio.

1 Seen on Hills

Changing by Numbers Here is the changing by numbers method-

1-Release accelerator pedal. 2-Push out clutch pedal. 3-Put. gear lever into neutral

position.

4-Let in clutch.

5 Open throttle until the en- gine is speeded up to correct speed

(the proper engine date).

Fush out clutch and close throttle.

7-Engage. lower gear.

& Let in clutch and open

throttle.

Now, doesn't that read rather formidable? 1. am sure it does, but really it is not, because you

5

Bearings are white metalled on to steel lining shells to ensure maximum adhesion and support of the antifriction linings. The total effective bearing area of the crankshaft is 100 sq. in.

Lubrication is by means of a gear type pump which feeds the main bearings and big ends" at a pressure of 50-60 lbs per sq. in in cooling a centrifugal impeller pump-fitted with the A.E.C au- tomatic self-seating water seal-- is employed.

Ignition is provided by a 12- volt cell and battery, the distribu- for head being mounted on the nearside of the engine.

To provide the necessary light can very easily do 1, 2, and 3 ing for the engine car and any simultaneously: 4 and 5 go well to-trailer units a 1.250 watt, 24-volt gether, and so do 6 and 7.

dynamo is used. This is driven by shaft incorporating an over-

Do Not Bush and Jab

the

Holland. buying British taxis, because they are cheaper to run and the same Coventry firm is supplying twenty h.p. saloons for this work.

A good example of the manner in which leading manufacturers are cultivating the European field is to be found in the case of the Talbot Co. This concern's distri- butors, Pass and Joyce Ltd., have sent out a representative with a "95", model to make a 6 months' tour of Europe, starting with Nor- way and Sweden.

199

immune from the unwelcome at tentions of thieves is highly de- sirable, and when this also acts as a protection against fire it is all the more useful.

Time and again I have been

The so-called terrors of gear run device which relieves the turn-A USEFUL ACCESSORY told by owners that they never changing have been much magning chain of undue load during .. Some method of rendering a car could get their car to climb certain fed. Because of that most people rapid deceleration. hills nearly as fast as when I was suffer from brain storms when The weight of the engine com- at the wheel, yet the car was ex- even thinking about the job, but plete with fuld flywheel, dynamo, actly the same as when they were it is all very foolish. Take my 24-volt starter, oil and water, is driving it. The compliment was word for it, the job is easy. I 1.710. 10.-A.E.C, Gürette. in no way deserved. All that hap-can do it, and that is proof that pened was that I changed down any driver can. earlier and when the engine was Above all things, do not rush still running fast. Their difficul the operations and do not try to ty arose from their inability to force the wheels into mesh. I change gear at even very mode- you mistime the movements just rate road speeds..

push on the clutch and begin all

HYGIENIC REFUSE

COLLECTION

In the case of the battery safety switch marketed by Joseph Lucas Ltd., the switch acts as a protec- tion against the possibility of fire, since it enables the complete elec- trical system to be isolated from the battery in case of an outbreak, Further, if it is placed in an un- The enormous progress that has fore leaving the car, can isolate looked-for position, the driver, be- been made in the design of re- the battery and so make it impos- fuse collecting vehicles in the last able to start the car on the start- few years is well exemplified in the er, while at the same time pre- especially constructed at Guild-of the horn or the switching- latest pattern Dennis machine, venting the mischievous blowing ford for this class of work.

on of the lamps.

A practical demonstration of over again. Bear in mind that what I mean is to be observed most of us make weird and seem- every week-end on Rest and be ingly expensive noises at times Thankful. Take up position and take courage from the fact.. about a hundred yards below the There is no need to hurry unless bridge and note the manner in you want a racing change-and which many of the small cars are that will not be for some time yet labouring in top gear,

Another point, Bear in mind that It will be obvious" that most of unless the engine is supertuned these drivers have rushed the hill and even then this applies to a It comprises 'a, low-bullt ́chassis in the hope that the moment certain extent the higher the with a closed metal body. The when a change cannot longer be foad speed the longer the wait in tallboard can be lowered and forms avolded will be postponed.

neutral while the engine is speed-a short flight of steps by means of When that time comes the caring up before the lower gear can which the dustman walks into the

be engaged

is almost at a standstill and it is little wonder that when a lower gear is engaged with pach holse and facial contortions the poor engine cannot pick up speed at

all,

Mechanical Murder

RAILWAYS BUYING ROAD

VEHICLES

More and more road vehicles. vehicle and tips the rubbish over are being put into service by the It is amusing to hear people say This barrier keeps the rubbish in direct delivery from "goods a barrier Arted near the front, railway companies and, where that they are not quick enough to a tidy heap and is easily shifted depots is concerned, the lighter change down at fifty or sixty when, as a matter of fact. there to the rear as the loading pro types of macalines are in demand.

is more time at these speeda,

Not More Difficult "

ceeds.

The London and North Eastern Railway, for instance, have re- cently placed a repeat order for eight 30/35 cwt. overtype Albiaxis, while the LMS are purchasing 5

When the total contents amounts to some 15 cubic yards the tail Do not misunderstand me. The board is raised and the whole of Then follows another mechani-man who changes down at sixty the rear of the body closed by a cal murder. Either the engine is or even higher speeds must be steel shutter, like a roll-top desk. bonnet type 40/45 et models. A compelled to tear itself to pieces absolutely certain of his ability to The vehicle then goes off to the number of 4-ton overtype machines by struggling unto death," or judge engine speeds and the split dumping ground, where the body were added lately to the fleet of still lower gear is crashed home. second when, to move the lever. Is hydraulically tipped to some 50 this make operated by the And 11 the expert driver of an but the job is not more dificult. degrees, and the contents is de- LNER, while bonnet type 5- exactly similar car romps past In point of fact tone has to be posited, in the most expeditious tonners with heavy oll engines have them they talk of special jobs or much nippler when changing down and hygienic manner. dead horses,

on a close-ratio, four-speed box at

been ordered by the LM.B

The Southern Railway' and 'the Although, as I have said, the thirty than newer, gear-boxes and the tree

ders for Thornycroft vehicles, thirty-one 2-tonners being destin ed for the latterned w

heart.

at afty, Bo, take already in service" in London and L.N.ER. figuré" among recent or

Beveral of these machines. are

some of the more

*

wheel have made gear changing And now I find that while I set cities.

progressive

very simple there are still thou-out to advise on how to take corn- sans of cars in the hands of owners and judge one'a distance I er-drivers which have the old have used up all my space on the type, and not a few of these own-ever-new subject of using the SYDNEY TO MELBOURNE ers and changing down, extremely mechanism provided for easing the

| poor old engine on hills.

dificult.

The first thing to do

thing to when @Don't imagine that by using

learning how to engage a lower anti-knock petrols you have aboll- ratio is to tune the car to the en shed the need for changing gear gine note when the car is travel on hills because the engine does ling at, say, 20 miles an hour in not knock. Always change down second gear of a three-speed boxearly and let the power unit get The reason for so doing will be on with its job, which, on hills, is obvious shortly};

to keep on tumbuk sover fast

AT 50 M.P.H

An especially interesting order however, is for 40 six-wheeled Thornycroft vehicles for the "Me- tropolitan Transport Supply Co., the total value being in the na ture of £60,000. The rigid six- wheeled chassis embodies 100 H.p No less than 37 minutes were 6-cyUnder petrol engine, 13,50 low clipped off the coveted Sydney pressure tyres and 78 bogle. axle Melbourne: record run when Mr. having one driving and one trail- Beasley, driving a Binger 8 h.p. ing axle unit. All the chassis will sports car, set up new figures of be fitted with insulated box van 11 hra 50 mins, for the 600 miles, bodies,

and transport authorities from many countries have visited the city to investigate the operation of the system that has turned the previous deficit on the trams into a profit.

The Wolverhampton feet in- cludes a number of Sunbeam 6- wheel trolley buses and ɛ'further order has just been placed. This" will mark a still further step in. development as they are to be fitted with all-metal bodies.

FOR YOUR

BANK ACCOUNT

A. A U.

MOTOR CAR INSURANCE

A. A. U.

ASIA LIFE BLDG.

SYME

TELEPHONE

30234-5

TRUST À THORNYCROFT With Your TraNSPORT

DEAL

DIRECT

THORNYCROFT

SIX-CYLINDERED

COACHES & OMNIBUSES

MOTOR VEHICLES

DIESEL OR

PETROL

· Pioneer Manufacturers of Commercial Motor Vehicles

Full Range of Spares carried in Hong Kong and Shanghat,

4 or 6 Wheels

4 or 6 Cylinders

30 Cwt to 10 Ton Loads 20 to 70 Passengers

JOHN L THORNYCROFT & CO., LIMITED,

Pioneer Building, Nathan Road, Kowloon.

TEL. 66752.

TRUST A THORNYCROFT WITH YOUR TRANSPORT|