AND NOW THE INFANT

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 54, 1 September 1934, Page 26

AND NOW THE INFANT

The little car illustrated on-this page bears the name "Scoota-car." It, is being produced in ►England on a commercial basis and in- considerable numbers.' A good market is. anticipated not. only at Home but overseas for various purposes—even a wheelbarrow is a suggested inclusion. Tho car is quite a real one, and not a toy. The chassis; consists of two parallel tubular members. The rear wheels, together with the engine and transmission, which form a compact unit just behind the driving seat, may bo-removed, in a ,few .minutes. The steering is'light, flexible steel cables being,used, spring loaded, so that any slack is\ automatically absorbed. Balloon tires are fitted.

A single pedal is the only control. The brakes remain hard on until this l^edal is' depressed, , the action progressively releasing tho brakes and opening the throttle. Removing the foot from the pedal closes the throttle and at the same time applies the brake. The clutch is automatic, coining, into operation when the engine speed exceeds 800 r.p.m., ' ,

The engine is a one-horse power unit, air- cooled, giving a maximum speed of about 15 miles an hour. The fuel tank has capacity enough to give nearly eight hours' running at full throttle. . . ;

The engine and transmission are in line between the rear wheels and a neat enclosed, gearbox ,is interposed before the final'drive to the neaf side rear wheel.

When you intend1 to stop, slow down, oi* change .direction, give the appropriate signal, clearly, definitely, and in good time. Most accidents are not the fault entirely of one man. There is often contributory negligence from both sides. Clear signalling will' prevent many accidents that might occur in the abseoee of, a;signal»

allow the 'wet to eat into the metal, and ugly rusty patches will follow and make subsequent touching-up a more difficult matter to carry out satisfactorily. This work can. be done with a brush; but it will necessarily be more' clumsy than if a spray filled with cellulose is used to give an even finish. Miniature spray plants for the home garage are now marketed and are worth-while investments.

Body,squeaks and rattles caa soon.be traced. .Odd nuts here and there may have, worked loose 'and merely ask for a few turns with' a scanner; screws also' may. work loose, and the play thus air lowed can, spon be.cured with; a screwdriver. . . ■■ • .. ■ ■;'.-'..

. "The chassis'arid. springs .must be given regular.' attention as regards oiling and greasing. It is .', possible to take one's car into .almost-any,'garage and [ have •it oiled and greased, at low cost and in the minimum time.,. ; ,

.Considering .modern^garage, facilities and the many special preparations, and equipment for .servicing the car, of today, there should bo no excuse for. motorists neglecting : their cars. They will find it,cheaper in the long rua to give machinery, chassis, and coach work regular attention., v -