THE MOTOR WORLD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20355, 12 March 1928, Page 4

THE MOTOR WORLD.

By ACCELERATOR.

FIXTURES. OTAGO MOTOR CLUB. The fixtures for the motor cycle section are as follows: — Saturday, March 17. —Beach races, Waikouaiti (car and cycle). Easter tour, April 6, 7. 8, and 9 (cycle). Saturday, April 28. —Paper chase (cycle). SOUTH CANTERBURY. March 18. —Club run. March 31.—Hill climb. April (i-f).—Easter tour. April 22.—Club run. SOUTHLAND MOTOR CYCLE CLUB. March 18.—Club run and combined picnic at Dnusdalc in conjunction -with Gore section. April 6, 7- S, 9, 10. —Easier tour with Otago and South Canterbury Clubs. NEAV 10 MILE RECORD. A new world’s record for 10 miles was established on the Montlhery track in January when Marclian,] drove a French car o\er the course at an average of looj m.p.h. The previous 10 mile record was hold by E. A, D. Eldridgo. who averaged 1321, m.p.h. with an /American front wheel drive machine. BRITISH EXPORTS. The British motor industry seems to be regaining the ground lost during the war and exports for 1927 were nearly £1,000,000 above the 1926 record. For the 12 months, exports of British motor vehicles and parts were valued at £10.658,308, as compared with £9,572,313 in 1926. , Australia was Britain’s best customer with New Zealand second. During 1927 petrol imports into Great Britain aggregated 520,677,000 gallons. NEAV TYRE PRODUCTION MARK. “ When the hundred-millionth Goodyear tyre was produced in April, 1927. by the Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Company at Akron, Ohio, it marked a manufacturing accomplishment without parallel in rubber industry,” says a well-known tyre expert. In addition to 100,000.000 pneumatic tyres, Goodyear has produced more than 3,000,000 solid and cushion tyres and thousands of bicycle and carriage tyres in the early years of the company’s existence. Beginning in 1898, the Goodyear organisation started a line of unbroken developments in tyro building which included the first practical cord tyre, the pneumatic tyre, and the company’s latest product, a scientifically designed balloon tyre which was placed on the market in January of last year after two years of development and road service on the Goodyear test car fleet. The widespread acceptance of this new tyro has been remarkable, more than 1.000,000 being sold in 80 days in all parts of the world,” IMPORTANT NEGOTIATIONS IN OIL. The National Petroleum News reports important negotiations in oil company, mergers. The most important of these is the acquisition of the Californian Petroleum Corporation by the Texas Corporation. Consolidation of the two will give the Texas Corporation crude reserves, and additional refining capacity with a source of supply for its north-western domestic markets, and an outlet to the Oriental export markets. More directly it means facilitated distribution for New Zealand and Australian markets. This merger will result in the formation of a giant corporation. Already the Texas Corporation markets gasoline over a wider territory than any other petroleum organisation in the United States. Ir.e combined capacity of its various refineries is around 125,000 barrels daily. Its average crude charges a day in 1926 wa c approximately 100.000 barrels ‘ and the year, amounted to 21.575,562. The Texas Corporation held an- euiea of ojl and, gavg lands, and reserve- (otallmg 2.204.c69 acres in America, 8649 m Mexico and 106,367 m Venezuela. The California Petroleum’s output was rated at 55,000 barrels. So in the one organisation are held properties valued at close to £110,000,000. It was believed m New York hanking circles that the Texas Corporation would pay one share of its stock for each two outstanding shares of California Petroleum. This would require about LOCO,OCX) shares of Texas stock, an amount that has been authorised under the 1926 reorganisation of the corporation, but has not yet been issued. The Texas Corporation has lately been selling around 54 and California Petroleum around 24. SPLASH-PROOF WHEELS. Fashionable Parisienncs may now patter along the narrow sidewalks of their city s winding streets without fear of having their chic gowns splashed by passing automobiles. . , Recently the police prefect issued an edict obliging owners of motor vehicles weighing more than 3000 kilograms to provide their cars with mud protectors. The police have orders to arrest drivers failing to comply with this regulation, and pedestrians whose clothes are spoi.oa by mud splashed over them by passing cars may claim heavy damages. Paris is the first European city to make mud protectors on motor vehicles obligatory. In its narrow streets, passing automobiles frequently deluge with mud and water from the gutters not only passers-by, but fruit and vegetable stalls. The police have not specified any particular kind of mud protector. The result is that trucks with all sorts of devices are now racing through the streets. The best protectors hang from the hub in the form of rubber brushes. Others consist in a rubber flange projecting slightly from the tyro nm. ihe latter have been in use for many, years on the Paris buses, where they have proved fairly SU At S proscnt the police arc fully occupied testing the infinite variety of splash guards called into existence by the prefect s order, amid groat excitement in the aulomot.io world and to the vast amusement of the “ protected ” public. . Splash-proof devices have been compulsory in Japan for some years. RUINOUS SPEEDS. According to Professor A. M. Low the well-known English automotive engineering authority, only about 2 per cent ot toririiiff cars utioii the road could stand all out 10 laps of Bmok’.ands track without permanent damage. It is, a well-known facto the Brooklmids habitue that the all out” tost of any car upon the track is one of the most severe oi-deals imaginable,. More than one sporting car enthusiast ha» set-n the vanishing of his hopes, based upon a successful bench test of three or hour* when confronted oy tiirco laps ot Brooklands at maximum speed. It is at first sight, difficult to realise why an engine should operate without trouble for two hours at its maximum power on the bench and prove totaly incapable of more than 100 miles on the track. I all probability the reason is to he touni fn fhe additional load put upon every part of the car by vibration. . , 1 The life of a new racing cur U certaunv short and sweet. The engine is prepar‘d with tho greatest care, strains are emulated most accurately and at jt * upon the bench and on the track, it w watched by experts at every point. So soon ..s iL throttle is korA 'vido open for 20 or 30 miles it is more than likely that some unexpected weakness, will come to light. It may be the engine itself, gearboxor even springs or axles. . Innumerable examples could be given ot prepared by some of the greatest actories fn the world which have performed in a totally different manner on the day of the race from the showing at their preliminary test, It is practically impossible to foretell which particular part of a car will be loaded to excess unless the entire vehicle is subjected to exactly the same degree of general vibration which it is likely to receive in the race. For this reason the importance ot flexibility in operation is beginning to receive attention, cylinders become smaller and smaller, and designers are giving their entire attention to the eight or even 12-cylinder car for engine capacities, which at one time would have called for two or four cylinders at most. A touring car upon Brooklands track will seldom travel for more than three or four laps if the throttle is kept wide open, but momentary “ ease-ups ” may save the situation, and many ears giving exem--,-Sfcry service in the hands of owner-drivers owe'their longevity to the fact that the roads seldom permit of more than two miles being covered on end at maximum BBced. It is commonly said that a car

[ltems of nows—short descriptions, of tours, the stats of the roads, etc., comment, or inquiries will be welcomed by “ Accelerator."!

■will be loss damaged if driven by the accelerator pedal than on the band throttle.. The reason is quite evident; the engine is responsive to the movement of the driver's foot and is constantly being momentarily throttled down. On the road the accelerator pedal is always moving, and it is this fluctuation which saves the ordinary touring engine from the continuous strain of driving with the throttle full open. The information gathered from these tests at Brooklauds is of great value to the motor industry, and ultimately the motor owner reaps the benefit in the car he buys. SILENCING. “ You cannot put motor cycles off the road because they make more noise than cars.” said Mr W. R. M'Kean, S.M., when a rider was charged in the Papakura Court on Monday with creating undue noise. Two traffic inspectors said the machine was noisy. Defendant explained that he was riding a medium-weight British twin fitted with the standard silencer to which was added a ghost” silencer. There was no cutout, and it was impossible to create an objectionable exhaust under ordinary riding conditions. The magistrate was invited to a test. Mr M'Kean said it was inevitable that motor cycles should make more noise than cars. A prosecution could not succeed unless the evidence proved that the noise was louder than usual. The case was dismissed. Motor cyclists of Auckland are warned that several ’local bodies are taking steps to deal with riders of inadequately silenced machines. The fact that the common fish-tail is fitted as standard would not satisfy any magistrate. It is no defence that a fish-tail is deemed sufficient standard equipment, and those who buy machines which are noisy should add a proper silencer with baffle plates. Avoid as much as possible violent acceleration on low gear. This is always productive of noise, and very often attracts attention to the machine when otherwise it would not be noticed. In riding between walls, buildings, or in enclosed places, it is advisable to throttle down. Such places, because of their confined character, tend to exaggerate any noise made by a motor cycle. Running with the spark retarded increases noise. In towns or populous places the spark should be kept as much advanced as possible, unless the engine is only turning over slowly. If it is necessary to stop in traffic, as far as possible avoid “ racing ” the engine. CLOSED CAR VENTILATION. A danger in connection with the use of the closed car arises from the possibihty—rarely occurring—-of the escape of exhaust gases into the interior of the car. There have been a few accidents and some narrow escapes from this cause, and it is well that users of the now popular closed vehicle should he made fully aware of the possibilities. The exhaust gas may bo almost odourless and yet very dangerous; in thi s characteristic lies the peril. If the exhaust pipe is not properly fitted there may be some escape of the exhaust from the flange joint, or the union which connects it to the engine exhaust manifold. But this is seldom at fault. If it commences to leak here the leakage is quickly made by the blowing of the exhaust through the leak with considerable force and detonation The gravest danger arises from the silencer and its fittings—especially when the car is travelling comparatively slowly with a following wind as on hills. Under these conditions the exhaust is blown forward under the body of the car and may rise through the floorboards if these are not well fitted.. Tim things to look to in order to ensure immunity from this .jjtftnble : are the proper fitting of the floorboards and the carrying of the exhaust tail pipe (from the silencer) wci! back of the car. The joints at the engine and at both ends of the silencer should be examined and proper asbestos packing inserted. The danger may be diagnosed by a tendency to sleepiness when riding in the car. Smell from the exhaust is not a good guide to the detection of the trouble, since a practically odourless exhaust ■'»-> be as deadly as one of tho more pungent variety. Thorough ventilation by means of ventilators in the scuttle and fairly low down, anr!_ ventilators above the screen and a rear outlet—perhaps in the head—should bo provided.

MOTOR CYCLE NOTES. ___ There are 4(504 Harlcv-Davidson. 4528 Douglas. 3731 Triumph, ami 3433 B.S.A. motor cycles in New Zealand. • « • 8.5. A., Douglas., and Triumph motor cycles, and a range of J.A.P. engines, are being shown at the American Motor cycle show in New York. » • # G. Donlcin. on a 2IJ- Harley, won the 350 e.e. class at the Ashburton hill climb, but was barred from competing in the 000 C.c. class. In a special run he climbed the hill in 9 4-ssee faster than the winning time for the 000 c.c. machines. • # * The number of motor cycles in use in Biga is now 285. B.S.A.'s head the list with 40. D.K.W.'s are second with 40, and farther down the list comes the Sunbeam with 10 machines. A year ago the list was headed by an American machine. SPARKS. There is always danger in sudden stops. » » « Clean under the mud guards after travelling over a tarred road. Of the 3,530,000 cars produced in tha United States in 1927, 2,452,000 were closed body types. First grade petrol is now retailed at Is Igd a gallon in London. Benzole mixtures are Is 2Ad, and the new othyl petrol is Is 3id. « » * Health experts have discovered a whole village of 90-year-old folks in a remote mountain region. There's no way for a motor ear to get there. • • » " How many miles to the callon does Jinks get out of his new car ? '' " About half ! " "Half what?" " What he says ! " • * * Mrs Wigg-s: Are you interested in antiques ? Mrs Disrgs : No. but my husband is. He just won't get rid of that 1919 touring 1 car. An optimist is a chap who hopes he has enough petrol to get him to a place where it's cheaper. A pessimist carries two spare tyros, an extra tube and a pump whenever ho drives down town to a movie. • * » The loading South Island motor car registrations for January were:—Essex 42, Dodge 35, Chrysler 30, "Overland (Whippet) 29, Chevrolet 29, and Austin 29. Scientists tell us that human mentality is increasing by leaps and bounds, but we still have quite a sprinkling of people who believe that persistent honking of motor horns will break up a traffic jam ahead. » • » It is not jrencrally known that a speed of over a mile a inisute was attained 32 years ago. On January 11, 1896, the wellUnpwn British motorist, Pennington, covered a milo in 58sec, a speed of 62 m.p.h. « * » Police %t'«,tisties for Manchester show that of 72 fatal traffic accidents in 1927, pedestrians were to blame i» 55 per cent, of the cases. Most of the fatalities were due to pedestrians stepping off the footpath in front of vehicles. • * • Motorists driving in the country should refrain from driving on their wrong" sklo when approaching a vehicle proceeding in the opposite direction. The practice of not pulling on to the proper sido or onlv just off the onoominjr vehicle's track is highly dangerous, especially with the loose shingle on roads in the country at preae«t.

By ACCELERATOR.

THE NEW REGULATIONS. DIGEST FOR MOTOR USERS. '"Chassis," ci| (In? Christeluuvli Sun has compiled the foilowing digest, of provisions in the new motor regulations wtiich have just been gazetted:— Two headlights of approximately equal candle-power must be placed towards each side of a motor vehicle. They must reveal substantial road objects 150lt ,in front. Every motor cycle must have a headlight, and sidecars must carry a light in front. Rear lights must be near or at the rieht hand side, there must be a red tail light, and the number plate must be eleariy shown. Every letter and numeral on (lie registration plate must be plainly distinguishable under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of at least 60ft. One or two spotlights may be fitted, but no portion of the main beam of light shall rise or be capable- cf being raised, to a height which at a distance of 75ft from tho lamp is more than 3ft 6:n above the horizontal surface on which the ear stands. The same distance and height applies to headlights. Dimming is prohibited except m a place where the street lighting is sufficient to reveal an object- 150 ft distant. No spotlight may be used as a headlight, or to interfere with the vision of people. All stationary motor vehicles, except solo motor cycles, cf course, must display two front lights and ono roar li-ht. These lighting provisions may not apply where a vehicle if left in a place which is established by a local authority as a stand for motor vehicles, and at or near which a notice is placed by the local authority to the effect that vehicles may stand without lighted lamps. The provisions will not apply in a place which is adequately lighted. .Every four-wheeled motor vehicle must have two independent brakes. AVarnins devices on vehicles must be audible not less than 300 ft away. Motor vehicles, except motor cycles, must have reflectors for rearward vision. All red reflectors must have an effective reflecting surface of not less than two square inches in area. Foot rests must he provided for extra passengers on motor cycles. Silencers must be used, but drivers or riders of racing machines may obtain written permission to travel without silencers to or from motor race meetings. : No person shall operate any motor vehicle if its load is arranged so that the total overall length of the vehicle and load exceeds 28ft; or extends further forward than a point 3ft in front of the radiator or ISin beyond the front of the chassis frame member; extends further backward than Bft behind the axis of the rear wheels, or 4ft behind the body, of the vehicle; exceeds Bft in width, or extends more than 4ft from the centre line of the wheel track. No motor vehicle engaged in the carriage of passengers may carry any article which projects in width beyond the mudguards or'hub caps on the right side, or more than 6in beyond the guards or caps on the left side. Four persons is the limit for motor cycle and side-car combined, and two for a motor cycle alone. Pillion riders must have a foot rest. When a following car has sounded the horn as a signal that it is going to pass, the car being overtaken must not be speeded up until the overtaking vehicle has had reasonable time to pass. An overtaking- car must'not move into the lino of passage of the ove:taken car until ISft ahead. Motor vehicles must not bo driven past the extreme rear of trams making in tho same direction which are discharging or embarking passengers' at an indicated stopping place. Passing at or within 30ft bcfoic an intersection is prohibited if tho car being passed is going at more than sis miles ; an hour. The off-side rulo at intersections is ad- ' hered to, _ ] Hand and arm signals of diree- ! tion must be given 30ft before, stopping or turning, the signals being maintained until J the point of turning. No person shall drive any motor vehicle at such a speed that the vehicle cannot ' be brought to a standstill within half the ' length of the clear road which is visible * to tho driver immediately in front of tho | i vehicle. Any person may be charged under the said section 28 with tho offence of | driving a motor vehicle at a speed which, having regard to all tho circumstances of . the case, might be dangerous to the public. j. Tho fact sucii person drives such motor vehicle at a speed in excess of such one of the speeds set out in the tabic hereunder, Jas may bo applicable, shall, until the con- j, trary is proved, he sufficient ovidoneo that j such person committed the said offence. No G set limit is laid down, but the exceeding c of tho speeds given below means that the driver runs the risk of prosecution for £ dangerous driving, and the onus is on hirp s to prove that the speed was not dangerous in the circumstances. f The new table of speeds is as under:— a (a) 35 miles an hour in any case in which j : a lower speed is not tet out; (b) 25 miles £ an hour at any place within the limits of v any borough or town dstriet, whe.ro it is reasonable to suppose that the driver ol the motor vehicle knew himself to be within the limits of a borough or town district; (c) 15 miles an hour;; (1) when passing between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. a school to which any erected traffic sign relates; (2) when passing a hospital to which any erected traffic sign relates; (3) when approaching any intersection which is of such a nature that when tho i driver is 90 feet away ho has not a clear a and uninterrupted view of such interseetion, and of the traffic upon every road leadng thereto for a distance of 90 feet beyond such intersection; (4) when passing lany portion of a road undergoing altera- -< tion in the opposite direction ; f-rl) 10 miles s an hour—(l) when going through any road li tunnel; (2) when going round a curve or c corner of any road, if the driver has not t a clear view of the road in front of him for a distance of at least 40 feet in the v direction in which he is proceeding (during which time a'so adequate and repeated signal must be given by use of the warning instrument; (3) when passing any sta- y tionary tram on its route making in the '- same direction where a safety zone is fi interposed between the tram and the motor o vehiclo. _ I Controlling authorities are empowered to j. fix the maximum speeds, but those are not to exceed such of those incorporated in the above tabic as may be applicable to the circumstances. u