1934-11-06 — Page 2

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THE OLYMPIA SHOW

Better Chassis And Bodies

In general, it has been justifiably a year of consolidation rather than of radical change. That there is much which is novel is not to be guinsaid, but fundamental altera- tions save perhaps for examples of Independent wheel-suspension and extreme forms of streamlining are exceptional. In the main, machines are more eficient-- reducing all-in costs .or giving more power than formerly for the same expenditure; more attractive inside and out: more comfortable and more safe: quieter in opera- tion; better and more fully equipped, and simpler to control and maintain; In fact, they afford greater value, and the range of choice is wider than ever.

usually extended to cover the three, forward speeds in a four-speed box, and in some British gearboxes for 1935 the arrangement is appli-

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1934.

MOTOR

NEW WIND: SCREEN

cable to all forward gears. This Toughened Glass Is

leads to greater quietness and, by increased confidence and simpl. city," to "higher safety. Synchro mesh is much used with a free- wheel, and in some cases the production is completed by auto- matic clutch control, which is effected by withdrawal of the clutch by vacuum. or depression created the inlet pipe of the engine whenever the accelerator pedal is released. The preselective self-changing gearbox has been improved in its top-gear më- chanism, and some British firms The four-cylinder engine is well are employing it with an Buto- holding its own in the small car matic clutch which works with class; the six-cylinder unit, which · weights or shoes in a drum with is, the most widely used in the centrifugal action. There is, of whole range. is increasing its course, too, the popular combina- popularity at the lower end-and tion of the pre-selective self- this is exemplified in the 12 horse-changing gearbox with hydraulic class-while the eight- transmission between engine and power cylinder, though not 'common on box by the fluid flywheel. It is Eritish cars as yet, well holds its my opinion that this last system place at Olympia.

of transmission has done more than anythng to stir up manufac- turers to whom it is not available to improve their own devices.

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The suspension of engines and power units has made still further progress, and some form of flexible mounting which largely avoids vibration and noise from being transferred to the frame and the ranchwork is in common use. This teature undoubtedly has prolonged the life of the four-cylinder engine. The sports car is to be seen every where and there is hardly Manufacturer in this country who does not now offer sports editions of his standard productions. These usually consist of lightened chassis and coachwork with sometimes higher gearing and a specially tuned engine which has a raised compression with a special cylin- der head and cams. A shorter Viieelbase helps to reduce weight and increase power.

LABOUR-SAVING The increase of automatism in piaintenance and especially in con. trol conthies. Automatic Igni- tion, automatic mixture control, thermostatic governing of the engine temperature, and constant- coltage control are all to be found

on a number of cars at Olympla 1 and apart from features connected with the transmission. Automatic ignition saves the driver the use of one lever; thermostatic mixture

control, like thermostatically regu. lated water or 'air-cooling' tem- perature, saves time in warming the engine and wear, in the cylinder walls, which results in

minimizing expense. A dynamo with constant voltage control avoids undue battery deterioration, and automatic re-engine starting may well save an inexperienced driver from getting fussed in

traffic.

The standard car of reputable and modern make runs quietly, but further improvement will be noted in 1936 models by more efficient design throughout the engine and gearing, and the use of larger or dual expansion chambers for the exhaust. It is much to be hoped that manufacturers will realize that for the few-young, careless, and inconsiderate-who enjoy A sharp bark in their exhaust and exaggerate it by bad methods of driving, such as by racing up on the Indirect gears, there are many who are annoyed. There is no reason to-day for even the sports car to have an exhaust which irritates the passér-by.

In the interests of safety coach- 'builders are giving wider and clearer views; accessory makers are providing in sensible form standardized indication traffic sig nallers with simple control, often with automatic return, dual screen. wipers which are arranged with their driving boxes or motors to leave a clear screen when not in use, sun visors, and more melo- dious horns calculated rather to warn than to frighten, fog lights, and better bumpers, while the chassis builder has again lowered his frame for greater stability, and has improved his braking, steering, and suspension, and given more automatism in the actual control of the transmission. Moreover, pedal controls are being standar- dized so that there should soon be

more confusion In this rea

no

'pect.

MIDDLE TRANSMISSION

Frames, as I have said, are set. as low as possible. This affords a low overall height of car without sacrificing head clearance and gives "attractive appearance and stability on the road, especially at speed. The customary modern form of frame is that known as" cruciform. in which there X-type members stiening the whole of the centre and helping to preserve body quietness. The latest arrangement consists of making the fore part of the frame of box instead of only channel shape, and this gives extra rigidi- ty.

some

BRAKING

are

Brake systems have undergone.

simplacation in

their mechanism. the hand-operating. lever is now usually of the pull-up kind and placed between the front seats, and while the hydraulic brake is as popular as ever mechanical brake tends more to standardization on self-energizing lines with cable operation. "

the

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As to suspension, independent wheel-or at any rate front wheel

pringing is af last making its way, to the fore. and Olympia shows a Cumber of interesting examples. The hydraulic shock-absorber with improvements such as thermostatic control has helped to sustain the life of the carriage Spring, and further development taking place is to be seen in pro- Tessive suspensior which goes under various names, such as dual- rate and vari-load springs. These are arranged to allow light action for small loads and low speeds, and the heavier one, to come into play when loads are increased, speeds raised, or both.

There is nothing of note to. mention as to steering except that actions generally are light without reversibility, and that where front wheels are sprung independently, there is in some cases-independent steering. The provision of con- ventences, such as an. accessible toolbox, and permanent jacks or special head-pieces for the Jack on or near the springs have at last become standardized.

As to body types the, six-light saloon with the sliding roof and the foursome coupé. are the most popular either in standard or sports classes, while the sports chassis continue definitely to, revive the open car in modified form Designers as a whole have given greater width and more leg room, low overall height, with increased head clearance arid flat flooring. better protection for spare wheel and luggage by the outswept back panel, and the prevention of the entrance of fumes in the body with really adequate means of, ventila-. tion. In many cases, in addition to sun

Adopted as Standard

It seems to have escaped notice that most of the car manufac- turos have changed over from "laminated" glass to what 13 known as "toughened" glass. The latter is a single sheet of plate glass the outer surface of which has been hardened by heat treat- ment in an electrical "furnace. Laminated glass, on the other and. is a sandwich of two pleces of glass with a sheet of celluloid or nitro-cellulose material be- tween.

Toughenged glass will bend without fracture to quite an ap- preciable extent. It cannot dis- colour or develop the blisters familiar in laminated glass which Is a few years old. But do not attempt to cut it with a diamond. or drill holes in is, or it will shiver instantly into millions of little salts. bath pieces resembling

Sometimes it remains in position. but honeycomber all over by cracks through which, if the 'windscreen is tilted, it is impos- sible to see, Cases have been known of its sudden disruption caused by a stone thrown against the windscreen with considerable force by the rear tyres of another ·

-car.

As witness the startling experi-" ence of a competitor at the M.C.C. meeting at Brooklands a few weeks ago which was seen by many peo- ple. He was travelling at over- 90 m.p.h, when a piece of concrete struck the windscreen, making a hole large enough for the driver to see through, which was fortun. ase, as the rest of the screen was, as opaque as frosted glass

Now if a toughened glass wind- screen receives a blow which cau- ses it to develop a network of cracks, push the pane out by hand. This is quite easy, as in its cracked condition it has ha more resistance than a piece of tissue paper, the blow causing the whole pane to fall outwards in the form of small graules. This hirt is given as an Instruction to dri- vers in one of the Services which bas adopted toughened glass for its vehicles.

If you do not know whether your windscreen is of toughened or laminated glass look at the trade mark in one corner which gives Its designation.

SUIYUAN SINKLANG

BUS SERVICE,

Kuelhua, Oct, 26. By arrangement between the Sulyuan and Sinkiang Provincial Governments, omnibus service on the entire sulyuan-Sinklang Inter- Provincial Highway will be resumi- ed on November 1, it is announced by the Sulyuan-Sinklang Motor Service Company.

JOTTINGS

STREAMLINING HE AND SHE AT THE OLD

Tendency Still Growing

The exhibition was in the throes of prepartion. Half the cars were sheeted like racehorses and the other half were being wiped and polished for the twen- tleth time, or laboriously man- handled into position. One ob- served that the streamlining ten- dency still continues, though there is nothing yet to rival the Chrys- lers with their curious radiators that look like nothing so much as a cow's nose and their headlights sunk dush with the surrounding bodywork..

Bonnets' and radiators as # whole are still on the old lines, but there has been a good deal of experiment, especially on sports saloons, with streamlining at the back. There are several examples of cars which slope in one unbro- kep curve from the crown of the roof to the back numberplate. In spite of their shape, many of them contrive to be surprisingly roomy inside without looking unwieldy big. Streamlining in front mainly takes the form of queer headlights and sidelights, which have grown long fins like comets' tails. One model has developed what looks like an embryo rudder or vertical kcel at the back, presumably an-" other device for reducing wind- resistance. An ingenious idea on "another car is a driving mirror set in the back of the sidelight on the off-side' wing.

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The prevalling. Colour fashions in expensive cars this year, so far 33 one could see them to-day. seem to be soft blues and greys and dull, silver, but vivid reds, greens and blues are apparently still to distinguish the small sports car from its less noisy bro- thers,

LORD-RAILSHAM'S SALARY

(Special Air Mail Service)

London, Oct. 17. Not many people are aware of the fact, recalled in the Finance Accounts just issued that Gord Hailsham draws a pension in addi- ton to his salary as War Minister. This he receives in respect of his term of office as Lord Chancellor from 1928 to 1929.

An ex-Lord Chancellor is en- titled, to a pension of £5,000 3 year. But since Lord Hallsham al- ready recelves £4,000 as War Min- istér, he takes only £1,000 as pen-

sion.

Salary and pension combined make him the highest-paid mem- ber of the Cabinet after Lord Sankey, who has £8,000. Other first-rank Ministers receive £4,000.

Political Pensions

..

An ex-Lord Chancellor's pen- sion is given for judicial, not poli- tical, services.

In theory, 'number of ex- Ministers are entitled to claim pensions of between £800 and £2,000 a year under the Political offices Pension Art of 1869. In practice these pensions are never claimed now.

When an omnibus arrives at Hami," eastern Staklang, from Kuelhus, provincial capital of Sulyuan, passengers will alight and board a special omnibus, operated by the Sinkiang Provincial Govern- ment, for the journey westwards to

It is ten years since the last poli- Tihua, provincial capital of Sintical pension was paid. This was Klang, the announcement states.

According to a message from Lanchow, provincial capital of Kansu, postal communication be- tween Hami and. Tihua has been resumed following the restoration of normal conditions in eastern Sinklang. Kuo Min.

upward smooth air flow talling off

behind or sliding roof, a screen which will open, and ventilators to the sides of the scuttle, some device, by movable glass wings, by separately and outwardly moving sections of the front windows, by windows which can be partly aid rear-wards, or by hinged quarter lights, allows individual ventilation without draught,

STREAMLINING

In the streamlining of cars In the interesting matter of the some of the greatest interest of middle transmission there really Olympla lles. There appear to be. are two schools of thought; they two opinions about streamlining, embody the synchromesh type of and in consequence there are cars change-speed and the self-chang- which are streamlined from the ing pre-selective kind. These are used largely and with variations The system of synchromesh has been tightly widened, and it is

front and very often throughout, and cars which have all wind resisting surfaces and angles for wards personably reduced while an

to Lord George Hamilton, who drew £2,000 a year as ex-Becre- tary for India. He resigned his pension in 1924, three years be-

fore he died.-

The only two living ex-Ministers who have drawn political pensióná are the Earl of Balfour (President of the Board of Trade) and Lord Gainford (Postmaster-General),

Both resigned their pensions of £1,200 a number of years ago, without depression?.is - Ex-Ministers applying for a pen- almed-at. The British manufac sion Had to show that their in- turer, with his conservatism, has come from other sources was "not largely abstained from exaggerated sufficient to maintain their station designs, and, although stream in life." lining in reasonable form will, i believe, become standardized. It is useless to pretend that in extreme form it is of any practical benent

Camera Club. Comment Fond. Mother: "Will the photo- to the owners of the lesser- powered cars. Wind-resistance at graph be anything like him?? the higher speeds and where the.

"Yes," . madam, Photographers opposing area is of considerable but we can easily alter that."- size is undoubtedly Important, because it needlessly absorbs power which means expense without benefit. Moreover, resistance In- creases more than in direct pro- portion to speed. Streamlining, ous 2 therefore, where it reduces head Maid: "Yes, ma'am. He is be resistance and tall depression or ginning to let me pay when we auction is to be encouraged.

The Sign

Mistress: "Bo you think your young man's intentions are seri

CINDER PATH

on

For three long broiling hours in the sun He had been patiently

to drive showing She how

An automobile. Then he piled out undstood cooking

the side lines while she made a tour clear around the practice field all by herself. She was smiling sweetly and was eminently pleased with herself as she returned to He. Just before she stopped, which she did in a series of bumps, she foozled the gears so as to produce a sound only like that made in a boller factory when it is in full operation.

HE: "Wottnell! Try to bust that car?" -

SHE: "Oh, did you hear that noise, too? Wasn't it funny?"

funny HE: "There's only one noise in thin car-that's you. Now, listen, don't stop again unless you lose a couple of wheels and don't keep lookin' at your feet all the. time. Do you think yer feet knows where to go, or do you a railroad think the auto's on, track? And don't keep going around in them fool circles; cut your corners

Do you square. think the curb-stones have ro corners? Say, If you won't make all the traffic cops climb tress I'm a Chinaman! Oh! Oh! Killed the engine again...&$*$5@!—** take 'er outta speed when you step on the starter! Take er outta speed, take 'er outta speed.".

SHE: "But I'm not speeding. I'm just standing still."

HE: "Let off yer clutch, let off yer cluth-"

(Tck, tek, tek, such language. such language!)

Much Room "Was the bus crowded when you came home?”

"No. I had a strap all to myself."-

Musical Note Professor in Physiology: "This morning we will consider the heart. liver, kidney, and lungs",

Tired Student; "Just another or- Can recital,"

(.. }}

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THE MORRIS STAND

The New Eight

Probably the greatest interest in the Morris Stand will centre on the new Eight, for this with the Oxford Twenty are the two mo- dels. As a two-doar saloors the Eight is priced at £132 10s. )) the four-door model costs £10 more, and looks attractive with its drop- ping waist line. Precision manu- facture at a reasonable price is aimed at. The Eight replaces the former Morris Minor, and it has a four-cylinder engine of 57 and 90 mm. bore a stroke, making the capacity 918c.c. The tax here" will be £6 next year.

The power unit is mounted on improved equi- polse suspension, the crankshaft runs in three bearings, there are 14 millimetre sparking plugs, and the valves are at the side, The water circulates naturally the ol is under pressure with a special -feed for the camshaft driving chain, the carburettor is fed by an electric pump, from a 5-gallon tank at the back, and steering is by cam gear. The fan and gene- rator are combined and held on the top of the detachable cylinder head, and the generator is 44in. in diameter and Arranged to cut in at low road speeds. The water the filler is under the bonnet, ignition is automatically controlled, and such parts as the make-and- break and distributor and the coll" are handy. This Morris chassis has a single-plate dry clutch, and it passes the power to a three- speed gearbox, which has synch. romesh for second and top. It is convenient that that filler-plug and dipstick for the box can be reached by moving a rubber cover. and the back axle also has â diprod. The large diameter tubu- lar propeller-shaft is Atted with fabric universal Joints with cen- tring steadies, and the spiral be- vel-driven back axle is three- A full-length quarter Boating. downswept box-sectioned frame is used with half-elliptical springs, which work with hydraulic shock- ... absorbers. The four-wheel Lock- heed hydraulic brakes are applied by foot, and the rear ones me- chanically by hand. The hand- brake has an adjustment by the driver's seat.

The engine has ♣

lot of life in it; about 25,35, and 60 miles an hour can be done on first, second, and top. Although the nominal power is 805, the brake horse-power is stated to be 22.5 at 3,800 r.p.m. The overall forward gear ratios are 5.37, 9.72,, and 17.13 to one, wheelbase and track are 7 ft. 6 in, and 3 ft. 9 in

The Ten Four saloon costs £175, and such a car can be run cheaply. The engine is of 1,292c.ci. capacity, - and the crank-shaft runs in three bearings. The valves are at the side, and a special feature of the is the Morris induction system combined air pre-heating cover and cleaner, which also collects fumes discharged; from the crank- case breather, and keeps the air

The.. purer inside the body. engine, single-plate clutch, and four-speed gearbox are assembled

have together and

equipoise mounting with a deep-sectioned down-swept chassis frame, having cross-members for stiffening. The clutch has a cushioned bib, cork inserts, and is automatically fed with oll from the engine. The gearbox has synchromesh for " third and top and also constant mesh wheels for these gears; there Is an accessible filing orifice and The a dipstick tells the level. propeller-shaft and back axle are like those of the Eight.. Steering is by cam gear; the half-elliptical springs are controlled by hydrau- Jie shock-absorbers with improved cold-weather regulation, and there is Lockheed hydraulic four-wheel braking.

Here also the back brakes are applicable indepen- dently and mechanically; the central horizontal hand lever has an adjuster. The petrol tank at.. the back holds 84 gallons.

Movie Fan Abroad

Gulde (proudly): "And this--this is the Castle of Sternfels."

Tourist: "Yes?" What picture was it bullt for??

Guide: "But my dear lady, this schloss was erected in 1392."

Touriss: "Well, I'm not familiar with many of those early films.”

TRUST A THORNYCROFT WITH YOUR TRANSPORT,

DEAL DIRECT

THORNYCROFT

SIX-CYLINDERED

COACHES Q OMNIBUSES

MOTOR VEHICLES

DIESEL 0: PETROL

Ploneer Mannafzetarers of Commercial Hator Vahis

Full Range of Spares carried in Hong Kong and Shanghik

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. 86758.«

TRUST A THORNYCROFT WITH YOUR I