THE MOTOR WORLD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22369, 17 September 1934, Page 4

THE MOTOR WORLD.

By ACCELERATOR.

TO CORRESPONDENTS. •'Wheel," Kaihikii.— (1) When a ear is turning a corner all the propelling power is on the outside wheel because of the action of the differential gear. (2) Whether .the inside wheel or the outside wheel has most weight depends upon the speed. Going very slowly the weight is evenly distributed, but as speed increases the weight is transferred proportionately to the outside wheel. (3) Having further'to travel iwhen turnin"; a corner, the outside wheel revolves faster. ACKNOWLEDGMENT. The Riley Record for July, containing many interesting articles and items of information for motorists. AVENGING EYE. Some time in" the future hit-and-run drivers may find an avenging hand stretched from the grave, if the experiments of a German scientist, as related in an issue of Popular Mechanics, become of practical use. In his experiments the scientist has developed a method of photographing the retina of the eye. One of the pictures made by this process .showed, what was last seen by a woman killed in a motor_ accident. The photograph aided police* who were working on the case.' These facts indicate that at some future tinie this type of photography may be used by the police to find drivers who leave their victims dead or dying on the road. While the photograph of the victim's eyes may not in every case show the face of the slayer, they may show the license number, the type of vehicle, or other evidence. BRITISH m.p: IN TEARS. At a Glasgow Court a few weeks ago Mr Thomas Ormiston, M.P. for Motherwell, was fined £ls for driving his car while under the influence of drink, and £lO for driving without due care and at-

tention. He -was, found not guilty, of another charge of driving recklessly and dangerously; when he run on to a footpath and injured a man. Mr Ormiston pleaded not guilty, and broke down on speaking of the attitude of the police towards him after the accident. The sheriff in announcing his decision said he had regretfully come to the conclusion "that Mr Ormiston, whether he.had one Elass or two glasses or three glasses, was uunder the influence of drink to such an extent as to affect his driving of the car." On hearing the decision, which, in addition to the fines imposed also endorsed the driver's license, Mr Ormiston burst into tears and was consoled by his wife, who was present in the court. GERMAN TRAFFIC LAWS. ■ Under new traffic- laws which came into force in Germany recently, far-reaching obligations are imposed on road-users. Every kind of vehicle, including tramcars, must carry rear,reflectors and direction signals. Cyclists must proceed in single file; though on quiet country roads they may travel two abreast. The name signs of streets must be arranged to catch the eye of the passing motorist, so that he does not dawdle uncertainly along unfamiliar streets. A yellow armlet with three black spots must be worn by all pedestrians who are physically disabled. " Jay-walkers " are receiving short shrift in Germany. Under the new laws designed to make city streets safe and more orderly, policemen are empowered io impose a summary fine of 6d on any pedestrian whose carelessness calls for .rebuke. The offending pedestrian must then keep a check on the policeman by demanding in return an official receipt. Pedestrians whose carelessness causes an accident are liable to arrest and a fine of £lo'- : THE FIRST OLDS. An event unique in the history of the automobile industry took place recently at Lansing, the capital of the State of

ritemt of news—short descriptions, of tours, the state of the roads, •to., comment, or inquiries will be welcomed by " Accelerator."]

! Michigan. U.S.A. The Secretary of State presented to Mr Ransom E. Olds—the founder of the Rco Motor Car Company —a pair of new license plates bearing the number 1886, symbolic of the year in which Mr Olds-built his first automobile. If that original car called a "horseless carriage" were still in existence, Mr Olds would pay almost any price for it to-day. In 1880 then: were no vast assembly lines from wTiich vehicles streamed at so many per hour. There were no gigantic factories in which thousands of men were kept busy, and at that time neither he nor anyone else realised the future importance of the automobile industry. What was a small' beginning nearly 50 years ago has developed info one of the largest of the world's industries, and has made the State of Michigan by far the largest producer of automobiles and trucks in the world. FETROL AND OILS. Petrol (remarks an Australian paper) is an inflammable topic which excites royal commissions, mutual recriminations, and other unpleasant complications which come within the province of private motoring. But it can fairly be said that all the first-grade brands offered by the recognised companies are of excellent quality, although sometimes differing in their special characteristics. Heavier fuels, sold as such, are also not to be criticised and give gratifying results with certain sorts of engines, the chief difference between the first and second grade products being that the latter are " heavier" and not so volatile as the former. ApVANCE IN BRAKING. An electro-magnet servo braking system that is operated by a fingertip twitch on the steering wheel is now being introduced in England. A representative of an English motoring journal recently had a demonstration run in a 16 h.p. car fitted with the new invention. The normal brakes of

the car were used, the electro servo being a control mechanism only. The mechanism is quite small, and takes no more current from the battery during the brake applications than a headlamp bulb.

The car is.brought smoothly to rett by a mere touch of the finger, because it increases brake pressure as the speed decreases, so that locked wheels and skids at' speed never occur. A master control on the instrument board can be set to regulate the keenness of the braking to any desired limit, thus the brakes can be set for powerful action when touring, and in entering the heavy traffic of a city they can be eased off instantly. Tile normal brake pedal.is retained for use if needed; for example, if the electiic finger-operated brake is set '"easy" for town use, the pedal can be used to apply the last ounce in an emergency stop. In all ordinary circumstances, however, it is as easy to stop the car (and literally glue the wheels to the road when at rest) with a touch of the fingertip control as it is to sound the horn. COLOUR AND MIND. According to experts the colour of the interior of your closed car is a more important factor than is generally recognised. They say that black and deep neutral greys arc conducive \to melancholia and general depression, blue induces calm and contentment, greyed green and yellow impart amiability and vitality. Shades of purple are said to be soothing, beside imparting delicacy. Red is stimulating and orange irritating, while brown 6 convey an atmosphere of restfulness and friendly ease. Plain interiors are claimed to be hospitable and restful looking, while the apparent size of the passenger compartment is said to be reduced in direct degree, to the amount of contrast present between the hue, value, chroma and texture incorporated iu the interior setup.

THE COOLING SYSTEM.

• Probably the most neglected part of a motor car is the cooling system, which, however, lias an important influence on engine efficiency. Except for an occasional topping up, most motorists seldom give a thought to it unless continual boiling occurs. Deposits caused by corrosion in the system can cause a marked loss of power and increase in oil consumption. It is important, therefore, to prevent corrosion to the greatest degree possible and to allow the cooling water to circulate freely. .Deposits and corrosion can be prevented by the use of cheap chemicals. In districts where the presence of lime has hardened the water Supply trisodium phosphate should be added in the proportion of sav. to each 100 gallons. Where the water is soft, but still corrosive, soda ash can bo added at the rate of 2oz to each 100 gallons. Before using either of these mixtures the cooling system should be flushed out. It should then be filled with the mixture, and drained off in about a month's time to remove the small quantity of sediment which will have been formed. The mixture should also be used for topping up the radiator. When an old engine is badly corroded, slightly greater proportions can be used for a time to dissipate existing deposits. AIRFLOW DE SOTO. Originality of linn is not the only striking feature in the latest model Do Soto. The transmission overdrive, which is special equipment, is provided to reduce the ratio of engine speed to car speed above 40 miles per hour without the manual shifting of gears. When the overdrive is in operation, the engine speed is 29J per cent, slower than propeller shaft speed, whereas in direct drive the engine speed and propeller shaft speed are the same. The reduction in engine speed not only adds to the life of the engine parts, but is also instrumental in bettering the economy. At, the high cruising speeds which these cars are capable of, quietness of operation is further enhanced. This over-drive is contained in an auxiliary gearbox placed at the rear of the main unit and the engagement of the over-drive is controlled by the engine speed, this automatic engagement taking place only when the foot is released from the accelerator for a few seconds when the car speed is between 40 and 45 miles per hour, the disengagement being automatic when the speed drops below this figure. This overdrive can be locked out at will by the driver and the car can then be driven without this feature.

Although the Airflow model takes up no more room on the highway than the conventional car, the front seat is many inches wider and the car carries six

passengers with the utmost comfort. The two seats have the appearance of modernistic settees supported by tubular chromium-plated metal" framework, with padded arm-rests at the rear. The fact that the rear seat, instead of being over the rear axle as in the past is now about 20 inches in front of it is an important factor contributing to the car's riding comfort; which is enhanced by the increased length of the semi-elliptic springs. The rear seat is hinged at the top and swings up to reveal an unusually capacious luggage compartment. Air currents have been studied not only as they concern streamlining, but also for the purposes of ventilation. The front seat is raised off the floor to enable air from the cowl ventilators to pass through the entire car if required. The frame and body framework are one rigid steel unit extending from bumper to bumper,, providing exceptional safety. Ease of control has been achieved to a remarkable degree and the driving position is most comfortable, the horizontal steering column and the free-wheeling device being notable features. Altogether the Airflow De Soto is a revelation of what can be achieved in motQr car design by courageous manufacturers.

THE MOTOR CYCLE

FIXTURES. OTAGO MOTOR CLUB CYCLE SECTION. September 38. —Monthly meeting. September 22. —Mystery run. October 6. —Social run. October 16. —Monthly meeting. October 20, 21, and 22.—Labour Day trial. November 4.—Whole day run to Waipori. » November 17.—Treasure hunt. November 20.—Monthly meeting. December 1. —Sports at Brighton. December 9.—Run to Buckland's ford.

CLUB NOTES. Bad weather made it necessary to cancel the social run to Cape Saunders lighthouse, but the 14 riders who assembled travelled as far as Portobello. A bad puncture near Macandrew Bay delayed two riders so long that the main body of wheelmen arrived back at Macandrew by the time the others i cached there. Afternoon tea was enjoyed at the tea rooms, and following that, community singing was indulged, in. Appreciation of the pianist (Mr H. Ferguson) and of duets rendered by Mrs R. H. Stewart and Mr A. Bingham, was shown in no uncertain manner. At the meeting to-morrow evening further proposals in the free road service question will be presented. Conditions and entry forms for the Labour Day trial will be available. A full muster of members is expected, as this will be the last meeting before the entries for the trial close. Competition in the billiard tournament is very keen, and it is expected that the draw for the second round will take place to-morrow night. Entries for the Labour Day* trial close on Friday, October 5, at 5.30 p.m.; fee, 2s 6d. Each competitor must be on»the mark, O.M.C. rooms, before 2 p.m. on October 20, the first man leaving at 2.30, with the others following at minute intervals. Any competitor arriving after 2 p.m. will be penalised one mark" for each minute late.

SPARKS " One of my cylinders is missing," explained the motorist who had broken down. " Well, well," said the yokel, " them motor thieves seems to get everywhere." * * * The figures for -world car production show that 1,835,000 unite were produced in the first five months of this year, compared with 1,076,282 units for the corresponding period last year. % # * " I can make regulations, but of what earthly use are they nniless I have the backing of a willing public? I know regulations are irksome, but, after all, 'the Ten Commandments are regulations, aud, ' Thou shalt not kill' is one of them." — Mr Hore Belisha, British Minister of Transport. sj: sH ■ . # An exhaust-operated syren can now be obtained in England with an arrangement of pipes to give a chord of six notes. This is a pleasant warning signal audible at a great distance. To fit it the exhaust pipe has to be cut in front of the expansion chamber, but this' can be done quickly by any garage or by any mechanically-minded owner. * * * France is making more motor cars. Some 191,537 were turned out in l'J33, an increase of 9.5 per cent, as compared with 1932. _ A still more striking proof t\f the vitality of the. motor car industry at a time of economic crisis is furnished by figures published by,,the Ministry of Finance. In 1933 the number of motor cars in use in France increased by 474 on every day when the salerooms were open. • . * * * The State law of California limits the speed of vehicles to 15 miles an hour when passing over ■ any. railway level crossing where the driver's view is obstructed. A driver's view is deemed to be. obstructed. when. .at any time during the last 100 feet, of his approach to the crossing, he does not have a clear and uninterrupted view of the crossing and of traffic on the railway for 400 feet in both directions.' It is reported that the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers' Association of America has warned manufacturers of radiator ornaments not to produce them of such design as to make them dangerous. Recently, it is stated, several accidents have occurred .in which persons have been wounded—and in one. case stabbed to death —by falling against the speafl-like points of these ornaments. Some of the cap figures project so far as to constitute daggers capable of causing severe injuries to those accidentally thrown against them.