1934-06-26 — Page 2

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CARS OF TO-DAY

Hudson Terraplane

a reasonable

The Hudson Terraplane Eight standard saloon is n fast and roo- my car and costs price. It runs smoothly and quietly, und will accelerate very rapidly. It has what is termed axleflex independent front wheel springing and unit construction of body, frame, and floor:

The American, four-door, six- side window body has an adjust- able bench seat in front and a seat at the back to take three persons. The rearmost windows can be wound back into the quar- ters and the former section of the "front side windows can be moved out sideways or wound down. All the instruments, except the clock which is in the down curve of the roof and so easily seen at the back of the car, are combined in one unit, which shows speed. mileages, all sump, petrol, and water in radiator levels, and two red light indicators, one for oil, circulation and the other for the ignition.

On the near-side under the bonnet are

the dynamo, which

has all air-cooling pulley, the dip- rod and all Aller hole, and the starter. The dynamo "shares a drive with the combined fan and impeller the belt can be quickly tensioned, and the gland of the pump is handy. The filler for the radiator is under the bonnet. where is also a thermostat.. On the off-side there is the down- "draught carburettor, which has delayed action, an air cleaner, an automatic choke governed ther- mostatically, and all these parts are reachable. together with the sparking-plugs in the head of the eight-cylinder engine. The valves are at the side, but owing to the high curved inner side of the wing the tappets are not east-

"get-at-able." at least not without first," removing all the manifolding. The distributor and single

make-and-break, with

con-

wholly automatic movement, the petrol pump and the water tap are, however. accessible. The oil pump, is

outside. Ol drainage must be done from below.

Engine, single-plate clutch with cork inserts and running in oil. and three-speed centrally trolled gearbox form a unit which is held at three points with alr- cushioned rubber. Two pointa are in front and the support is to diagonal front cross-members." while the third point is by the gearbox. The makers term the suspension

three-point "pneu- mounted. The gearbox must be Alled from below with a pump, and the speed lever has no stop for reverse. There are synchro- mesh for second and top and a. quiet-second. The propeller shaft is open, and final drive is by spir al bevel. The frame is cross-bra- ced, and as I have inferred above forms one with, the body and the floor. In this way weight is saved, helping the power-to- weight ratio. and strength is secured. The springs at the back are of customary American de- sign, being half-elliptical with considerable camber. They are underslung and have hydraulic shock absorbers working at ari

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angle.

In front there are nor- mal fat half-elliptical springs shackled" forwards and working with directly set hydraulic shock" absorbers, but instead of having the solid axle beam between the springs there are two flexible or swivel-ended bars. The object. is presumably to allow

one front wheel to rise and fall without affecting the other one. The sys- tem is called axleflex, There are four 'two-shoe cable operated dia- gonally compensated Bendix bra- kes, worked by pedal or central hand-lever. The electrical sys- tem is sixvolt. This Hudson is made in two wheelbases, but the standard saloon has the shorter measurement—namely. - 116in.. and. with this, steering is by. worm and sector.

power-to-

On The Road

The car

tor trial had done nearly 2.000 miles. The engine was most responsive and gave quickly and freely of Its power yet with admirable quietness and freedom from any vibration or shake. Even with the fairly high back axle ratio the car can be driven slowly on top and will pick up without loss of time or fuss and without snatch. This good qual- ty is due mostly to the eight cylinders, the unit's suspension. the delayed action of the carbur- ettor. and the good weight ratio. The clutch action was efficient, though the pedal. like that of the brake, stands.out rather far. The change-speed is simple: the synchro-mesh does not make much difference. but second is a quiet gear throughout its range, and the ratio makes the car extremely lively and fast on this gear. The American has cer- tainly advanced very much in power-to-weight ratio during the last year or so, and it is not long since, to get anything like these results, that one would have had "to use an engine half as big again. It can, however, be over- done, and the provision of too.. much power in comparison to weight should be watched in the future. The steering on this Hud- son 1s' self-centring, but I found" it quite firm with its lightness. The suspension allows the body to heel a certain amount on s turn or with hard braking at speed and faiso some up and down motion was experienced at the back, but there is the least, pitch and toss, the up and down move- ment is never harsh, and..one pra- vels comfortably. The hand brake is for parking, and the brakes by pedal were good in either direction.

On first and second the great- est speeds are about 45 and a good 85 miles an hour, while 80 is a comfortable rate on top. Se- venty is very easily and quickly reached, and I touched 75 a num- ber of times on quite short, open stretches without any favourable conditions. The road surface, was dry, there were two persons in the saloon. but the slight wind was ahead. The 15 at the begin- ning of the upgraded stretch was increased to 76. The 30" at the foot of the 1 in 22 Dastiwood Hill

SACHS

Outboard

Motor.

The small engine of highest Power

Speed

Simplicity

Reliability

Economy

For free demonstration apply to ;-

F. FELD & Co., Ltd.,

Podder Building,.. HONG KONG

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 1934.

MOTOR JOTTINGS

MOTORING TOPICS

Notes On Independent Springing

Quite a lot has been heard of late in the, motoring world, and In all probability & great deal more will be heard in the near future, in regard to independent springing for cars, otherwise ter- med independent auspension. writes

a correspondent. But it has become quite evident that a considerable proportion of pri- vate motorists, representing pro- bably a large majority, have little or no conception as to what in- dependent springing implies from either the mechanical as- pect or the stand-point of prae- tical use. Some explanations may therefore, be acceptable to readers of this page.

It may be recalled, first, that on the orthodox car of to-day

each axle comprises a beam (the front one solid and the rear one, hollow with gearing and driving shafts Inside it) separated from the frame and supporting the

latter by a pair of semi-elliptic "leaf" springs, one near each end. Considering only the front axle, though the following remarks apply to the rear one similarly, when one wheel runs-over ал irregularity of road surface-a ridge for example it is tep and, even allowing for the ability of the.. spring on that side par- tially to "absorb" the shock, onuses the frame at that corner of the car to be lifted too.

DRAWBACKS OF ORTHODOX SPRINGING

axle

Owing, however, to the beam being unyielding, when it is lifted at one end the opposite end also lifts, though to a lesser extent. Therefore the frame above this other end is raised. " which implies that the whole front of the car lifted (or drops in the case of a pot-hole) by the road inequality encountered by one wheel. Not only so, but the lifting of one wheel cause both wheels to be #pped to one side. out, of the vertical, and in some circumstances this feature leads to such serious steering faults as wheel wobble shimmy, tramp, and allied irregularities that may assume quite alarming propor→ tions.

There is yet another drawback of the orthodox springing sys-, tem; "the existence of an inflex- ible axle Dear running across the car prevents the springs of that axle from being made as is desirable. cise they would

allow the axle to hit the frame and other parts above it-the front end of the engine in some cases. The springs must there- fore be stiff and have quite a smaall amplitude of vertical movement or defection,

Independent springing theore- leally over-comes the drawbacks mentioned. There is no axle beam connecting the wheel, and each wheel is sprung relative to the frame quite independently of the other; it may be connect ed to the frame by a series of links or levers, with its vertical movements controlled by a coll spring or springs, and shock absorbers to check, excessive rc- action.

the

MORE YIELDING SPRINGS An important factor of greater immunity of the car and its occupants from "road shocks arises from the fact that the absence of a. transverse axle team permits far greater spring

was increased to 71 at the top but I had to ease off the acceler- ator for a moment on the bend owing to a brakep-down car, ctherwise the speedometer would have shown rather more. With a good standing start on top at the foot of the old Dashwood Hill the crest was cleared at 47 miles an hour.

Specification: No. of cyls.. 8: Bize, 78.2x114.3mm; capacity, 4: 188c.c.; nominal h.p., 28-8; b.h.p.. 108 at 3.800 r.p.m; not of mainı bearings. 5 overall forward gear ratios, 4.11, 6.6. 8.8 to 1; petrol capacity 13 gals, maker's estim- ate of petrol consumption, 16 myg; dres, 16-6.25in; turning circle, just over 9ft wheel base, 9ft in track, itt. 8im; ground clearance, sin; weight, 27 wt.: Price £385.

deflection: springs, of low "tre- quency. more flexible springs, can be used, and even if both front wheels simultaneously run over an inequality of road sur- face there is much less dip and lift of the front of the car than with stiffer springs having small yield. When a car appre- elably dips or fifts at the front in running over a rough road there is reaction - upon the rear part: that is why Independent front springs by their greater. flexibility improve rear passenger comfort, whatever type of sprin- ging be used at the back,

For various reasons indepen- dent front #springs may improve the steering. making it precise and affording freedom from shimmy and similar Irregu- larities, so long as the layout of the steering is modified in one way or another appropriate to the design of the suspension.

more

Independent

From what has been said it that would appear, no doubt," there can be no call for qualifica- tion in coramending mdependent springing. But there are draw- backs in some examples. For instance, the means by which each front wheel is coupled to the chassis may cause its point of contact with the road to move away from the centre of the car when the wheel is lifted, and "vice versa" in other words, the wheel track varies, and this is prone to be detrimental to steer- ing ease and precision and to cause undue tyre wear owing to the lateral scrubbing" action that takes place between tyre and road.

In certain other designs there is yariation in either the caster angle or the wheel camber with spring defection, both of these being undesirable features: yet, another type gives rise to heavy steering at corners owing to the tendency of both front wheels to lean over to become out of parallel with the car as a whole. PROSPECTS

י.

Car manufacturers planning to nt independent front springing have many "snags" to avoid, many problems to solve, and compromises to adopt. Whether there is an ideal form yet in a point on which the writer does not intend to express an opinion at the moment, but he feels no reluctance in saying that there are some applications of the general that do not represent the last word and may not. Indeed, be so good as, let alone better than, the still orthodox system of suspension.

Practically all current systems are more costly from the manu- facturing standpoint, and have many cr a few more points re- quiring lubrication or subject to wear. There is little or no doubt, however, that sooner or later - Independerit, front springing, and perhaps independent rear sprin- ging, too, will be universal prac tice.

LUXURY COACHES FOR.. SCOTTISH TOURS,"

Some of the most luxurious motor coaches yet seen on Bri- tish roads are to be utilised Traction Company's services and shortly for the Scotish Motor

tours. The new fleet, which consists of 12, 16, and 20 seaters for tours and district services and 32-seaters_for_long-distance. runs, embodies all the latest de- velopments in omnibus construc- tion.

Of particular interest is a new four-cylinder A.B.C: service ico- del, 33 af which are to be de- livered to the Scottish Motor Traction Company on Thursday and will be put into operation almost immediately. These buses, in addition to being luxu riously upholstered, have their seating accommodation arranged to give passengers the maximum of comfort. The machines of the compression ignition type, which makes an outbreak of fire under normal conditions practically im- possible. They are also equipped with the duld flywheel Wilson gear-boxes, which remove all. ferks in starting and acceleration and ensure a smooth gliding- ⚫ movement,

A CAR WITH A BIG APPEAL

بية

appeal to n

car. 1.e..

A ear that will big majority of all prospective purchasers of a motor those who are prepared to pay an annual tax of round about £12. is the Humber Twelve, and very apt is the description "A Young Sripe."

Until last year, when this mo 'del was introduced. many moto- rists had demanded a standard of performance no vehicle of 12 p. rating could give them. And performance hère is taken to in-. clude not alone responsiveness and speed qualities, but also such important factors as economy. seating. accommodation, and' smooth and silent operation.

The four-cylinder engine of the Humber "Twelve" has a rut- ing of 11.9 h.p.. Apart from everything else this is a particu- tarticularly economical size of engine. Yet in the

Humber. economy is enchanced by such. features as cylonic Induction." and the application of "cushion- ed power" imparts to the engine the smoothness of a six...

Regarding the body, the front .bucket type seats are adjustable over a range of 54 ius, and side arm-TRAS and a centre folding Erm-ras: are provided in the rear. All interior snd, exterior fittings are chromium plated. and Trip- lex glass is fitted throughout. while equipment Includes direc- tian indicators, sliding roof, dual windscreen wipers, hinged rear quarter lights, and luggage grid.

no

The Humber Twelve" saloon is a worthy upholder of Humber quality, than which higher commendation

can be given to its general finish and appear- ance. For those who prefer more sporting lines there is, of course. the chic Vogue saloon. which reflects the inspired flair for line of Capt. Molyneux, the eminent fashion creator.

“AIRFLOW” CARS CYCLING CLUB

A New Series of Another Enjoyable Chrysler Models

Run

Ever since the new Chrysler models were displayed great gen- neral interest has been taken in these novel Cars. Walter P. Chrysler nas a reputation for boldness in engineering develop- ments, and in these new produc- tions he has embodied so many hovel features that it is difficult to pick upon one or other of them as the most outstanding.

Examining one of the new mo- dels one was impressed by their graceful and attractive appear ance; no photograph can really do justice to the new lines of the bonnet and coachwork. Recon- nizing the big part played by air resistance at high cruising speeds. the designers have made a real attempt to produce an efficient -stream-lined form and, in so do- ing, have been able to secure other important advantages in respect of riding comfort, coach- work accommodation, and gener- al eficency.

The Cars in Detail Dealing with the cars in detail. it was noticed that the engine is placed about eighteen inches far- ther forward than is usual. A conventional suspension is used in these "Alrdow" models. with an axle and semi-aliptic springs, andi, to provide axle clearance. the engine sump is stepped at the.. back, the main of reservoir con- sisting of the front portion.

The front springs are much more flexible than is usual, but the steering gear is arranged in such a way as to avoid interfer- ence from the bigger axle move ments thus permitted. This is done by placing the steering box at the front end of the frame and taking a drag link backwards from the drop arm to the steer- ing bead. Consequently, when the axle moves up and down this link follows almost the same ra- dius and the steering is unaffect- ed.

An important. advantage ob- tained with this arrangement is the Increased rake of the steering column, which brings the wheel Into the almost vertical position favourable for safe and comfor- table control.

The last week-end ruta of the Hong Kong Cycling Club was pet- haps the most pleasurable of any yet undertaken. Several дет members took part in the spin to castle Peak Bay which departed. from the Yaumati Ferry

at '15 m. No trouble pf any kind was endured, and the riders reached the Bay in beautiful bright sun- shine a little before 11 a.m. After refreshments at the Castle Peak Cafeteria and a bathe, the party proceeded onwards to near Un Long, then retraced their trucks to the beach again and it was not until 5 p.m. that the home- ward tréck was resumed.

Mr. C. Read (Captain) deserves congratulations for the apt man der in which he initiated the new riders, and for the comfortable pace on the return trip which brought the party to Shamshulp: a few minutes after 5.30 p.m.

Next week Mr. Read will agaia conduct the run to the

Some venue, probably by another route and interested cyclists who have not yet attended a run, should seize this opportunity for their initial spin. Bathing costumes.. should be carried,

The party will meet at the Hong Kong-Yaumati (Vehicle) Ferry. Kowloon,, at 9 am.

11.

Moving the Body. Forward.. Having moved the engine fox- wards, the designers were free to shift the body in the same dir- ection, so taking the rear passen- gers away from the back axle. The body is extremely wide, tak- ing three people on either the front or rear seat, and, owing to its position, the rear doors are clear of the wings,

The windscreen is divided into two panels set at a slight anglê; each panel can be opened and is equipped with individual wipers. Forward vision is excellent from the driver's seat and the remain- ing window spaces are also eff- ciently arranged. Hinged panels for ventilation are embodied in the front doors and quarter wins'e dows. The rear window is of rea sonable aree and is divided to match the windscreen.

TRUST A THORNYCROFT WITH Your Transport

DEAL · DIRECT

THORNYCROFT

SIX-CYLINDERED

COACHES @ OMNIBUSES

MOTOR VEHICLES

DIESEL

OR PETROL-

Pioneer Manufacturers of Commercial Motor

Full Range of Spares carried in Hong Kong and Shanghat

4 or 6 Wheels

4 or 6 Cylinders

80 Cwt. to 10 Ton Loads

20 to 70 Passengers

JOHN L THORNYCROFT & CO., LIMITED,

Pioneer Building, Nathan Road, Kowloon,

TEL. 58752.

TRUST A THORNYCROFT WIth Your TRANSPORT

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